Applications are invited for a full‑time training post at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This is a 12‑month post in the first instance, with the possibility of extension up to 60 months for exceptional trainees to complete CESR requirements, depending on performance and departmental needs. The role includes 6‑month rotations through sub‑specialty areas, with training and support equivalent to other specialist trainees.
Applicants must be GMC‑registered and have completed Foundation training or equivalent. This post is ideal for doctors who have finished FY2 and are pursuing Ophthalmology training but have not yet secured a specialist training post. Evidence of commitment to Ophthalmology is essential. Prior clinical ophthalmology experience is beneficial. Experience in ophthalmic surgery, intravitreal injections, research, or teaching is desirable but not required.
Post holders will work closely with clinical and managerial colleagues to deliver high‑quality patient care. Key responsibilities include providing a first‑class clinical service, demonstrating effective leadership, supporting teaching, quality improvement and research, and working in line with Trust policies and service plans. Maintaining confidence in departmental and Trust strategies, and showing initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility, are integral to the role.
As an employee of our Trust you will work in close co-operation with and support not just other clinical professionals but also our managerial colleagues in providing high quality healthcare to our patients.
So integral to the responsibilities of our posts are the following objectives:
To ensure the provision of a first-class clinical service To provide effective leadership to all staff engaged in the specialty
To sustain and develop teaching, quality improvement and research wherever appropriate
To undertake all work in accordance with the Trust’s procedures and operating policies
To conduct clinical practice in accordance with contractual requirements and within the parameters of the Trust’s and Division’s services plans
To maintain the confidence of business plans and development strategies formulated for the specialty, the Surgical Division and the Trust.
To show initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.
As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will work closely under the supervision of Professor Peter Scanlon, Consultant Ophthalmologist within the unit.
The post holder is expected to participate in all aspects of ophthalmology within the department. Timetables will vary based on the subspecialty firm the candidate is attached to such as Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Cornea, Oculoplastic, Cataract and Paediatrics. The timetable will include eight clinical sessions per week, two of which will be Eye emergency clinics, one to two theatre sessions, one session for teaching and one session for Research / Study / Audit /Quality Improvement
The post has 1:6 fixed-on call commitments.
Professional Development, Education and Training
There is an active teaching and audit program within the sub-specialty, and monthly Clinical Governance and Audit meeting. In addition, regular subspecialty in house teaching. Regional teaching occurs in Bristol on a Friday afternoon.
There is access to an EYESi Simulator which has both cataract and VR modules. There is VR Magic indirect ophthalmoscope simulator. There is also a dedicated simulated surgery set-up which enables trainees to practice cataract, corneal, glaucoma, strabismus and VR techniques prior to performing live surgery.
A local ARCP panel will be convened at nine months into the contract to review the trainee’s progress against the CESR Ophthalmology requirements, with further annual reviews if the post is extended.
Research and Development
Research opportunities are available to interested postholder, including participating in commercial research projects.
Quality Improvement projects and service development are ongoing, and involvement in these will be available to the postholder. These include further development of the Virtual service, community optometry and new patient assessment pathways.
Communications and Working Relationship
The successful candidate is expected:
- To work within the framework of team decisions.
- To participate in an inclusive approach to working with other providers of ophthalmic care within the wider NHS health community in the county.
- To show initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility .
