Job summary Applications are invited for a consultant for the stroke service at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. We are very proud of the stroke services we provide to our patients. The service has an excellent reputation with consistently maintaining an 'A' rating within Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) scoring. We provide a 24/7 thrombolysis service, stroke research, pre-hospital video-triage, seven day stroke ward rounds and TIA service, stroke follow up clinics and refer patients to Addenbrookes Hospital for mechanical thrombectomy. We have excellent working relationships with colleagues in the emergency department and radiology departments. We regularly contribute to regional stroke networks and events and are asked to present on current topics and maintain a quality service. This is an opportunity for the right candidate, with an inspirational and visible leadership style to be able to help us drive and deliver excellent stroke care at West Suffolk. Interviews to be held on Thursday the 14th March 2025 Please See Full Job Description attached for details Main duties of the job To be part of the Stroke team in the assessment and management of all possible stroke and TIA patients. To contribute to stroke service delivery by participation with colleagues in: - Hyper-acute stroke care, including thrombolysis and referring for thrombectomy - TIA Clinics - Inpatient care - Outpatient care To provide clinical leadership with other stroke consultants to ensure the continuous development of stroke services. Contribute to the implementation of national and regional initiatives to improve stroke care. Teaching and training of: - multi-disciplinary professionals - stroke team - medical students To participate actively in both stroke service and Trust clinical governance, audit and research. To have responsibility for ensuring active participation in continuing medical education (CME), appraisal and revalidation. Maintenance of the highest clinical standards in the management of patients with stroke. About us BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings. The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500 beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge. Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital. We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team. With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be. We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can BeKnown for whoever you are. Join us. What will you BeKnown for? Date posted 24 January 2025 Pay scheme Hospital medical and dental staff Grade Consultant Salary £105,504 to £139,882 a year pro rata per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 179-6875134-MSC Job locations West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Hardwick Lane Bury St. Edmunds IP33 2QZ Job description Job responsibilities WSFT currently provides hyper acute stroke services in a dedicated combined specialist Hyper Acute Stroke, Acute Stroke, and Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. We have a 24 bedded stroke unit and operate a 24 hour a day stroke thrombolysis service and daily TIA assessment service supported by stroke specialist nurses. The 30 bedded ward is used flexibly to accommodate patients during the hyper acute and acute phase of their stroke including rehabilitation, supported by an SpR, 2 specialty doctors, a junior doctor team and 3 4 consultant level doctors to provide medical management of patients. Approximately 531 patients with diagnosed strokes were admitted to WSFT in the previous financial year from a catchment population of about 285,000. Within the current model, the Emergency Stroke Outreach Team (ESOT) provides an immediate response to all patients attending WSFT with suspected stroke. These patients receive immediate structured assessment to determine likely diagnosis and suitability for thrombolysis. ESOT currently includes Stroke Clinical Nurse Specialists Stroke Specialty Doctor, and Stroke Consultant during working hours. In addition to the ESOT the Trust uses the Stroke Telemedicine Service (Stakeholder Partnership across the East of England) to support thrombolysis out of hours. The service also provides assessment and referral for thrombectomy to Addenbrookes hospital or the Royal London Hospital out of hours 24/7. However it is planned that Addenbrookes will soon provide a 24/7 service. This is supported by an onsite team consisting of Stroke Telemedicine Nurse, and Medical Registrar. Through this partnership, thrombolysis is provided 24/7 to confirmed stroke patients. The ESOT Clinical Nurse Specialist Team provides 7 Day Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year alongside the Medical and Stroke Team. This also supports the timely assessment and treatment of patients who suffer a stroke whilst an inpatient at WSFT. Patients who have a confirmed or likely diagnosis of a stroke or who have been referred for thrombectomy will be admitted directly to the HASU on the stroke unit for specialised stroke care. In addition to patients with a confirmed diagnosis of stroke, an estimated additional 2300 patients were referred to the service as suspected stroke or TIA. The service has a low threshold for assessing patients to ensure no stroke patients are missed. A recent audit showed a mimic rate of 69% against a national rate of 56%. We are now using the MRI DWI flare mismatch protocol to facilitate thrombolysis of wake up strokes. The service provides video triage of patients along with ambulance staff to improve patient flow and timely assessment and treatment.Wake-up strokes are thrombolysed by using MRI DWI, flair mismatch. WSFT currently provides one stop 7-day TIA services in a dedicated or day case TIA clinic within the Stroke Unit. The TIA clinic on a daily basis uses a flexible approach to ensure patients are reviewed and treated in a timely fashion. TIA referrals are seen within 24 hours of the referral being received.All TIA patients are seen as part of a one-stop service, with assessment, investigation and treatment on the same day. All patients are assessed by a Stroke Specialist Consultant, with support of a Stroke Specialist Doctor, and Senior Stroke Specialist Nurses (ESOT). Good working relationships with the Radiology, Cardiology, and Ophthalmology departments at WSFT support the TIA service. The service has access to same day FAST MRI imaging and also CT, CT angiogram, Carotid Doppler, MRI, 24-hour tapes, and 2D Echocardiograms and TOE and implantable loop recorder. The service also has access to fast-track referral to the vascular surgeons at CUHFT for carotid endarterectomy. Currently, Vascular surgeons from CUHFT attend WSFT 3 days per week. The Trust has a longstanding tradition of the keeping of detailed Stroke data collection including the RCP SSNAP and Capture Stroke and have been graded an A continuously for the last 26 quarters over almost six years. The Stroke Service at WSFT has a strong commitment to research and employs research nurses. WSFT actively participates in research. Job description Job responsibilities WSFT currently provides hyper acute stroke services in a dedicated combined specialist Hyper Acute Stroke, Acute Stroke, and Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. We have a 24 bedded stroke unit and operate a 24 hour a day stroke thrombolysis service and daily TIA assessment service supported by stroke specialist nurses. The 30 bedded ward is used flexibly to accommodate patients during the hyper acute and acute phase of their stroke including rehabilitation, supported by an SpR, 2 specialty doctors, a junior doctor team and 3 4 consultant level doctors to provide medical management of patients. Approximately 531 patients with diagnosed strokes were admitted to WSFT in the previous financial year from a catchment population of about 285,000. Within the current model, the Emergency Stroke Outreach Team (ESOT) provides an immediate response to all patients attending WSFT with suspected stroke. These patients receive immediate structured assessment to determine likely diagnosis and suitability for thrombolysis. ESOT currently includes Stroke Clinical Nurse Specialists Stroke Specialty Doctor, and Stroke Consultant during working hours. In addition to the ESOT the Trust uses the Stroke Telemedicine Service (Stakeholder Partnership across the East of England) to support thrombolysis out of hours. The service also provides assessment and referral for thrombectomy to Addenbrookes hospital or the Royal London Hospital out of hours 24/7. However it is planned that Addenbrookes will soon provide a 24/7 service. This is supported by an onsite team consisting of Stroke Telemedicine Nurse, and Medical Registrar. Through this partnership, thrombolysis is provided 24/7 to confirmed stroke patients. The ESOT Clinical Nurse Specialist Team provides 7 Day Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year alongside the Medical and Stroke Team. This also supports the timely assessment and treatment of patients who suffer a stroke whilst an inpatient at WSFT. Patients who have a confirmed or likely diagnosis of a stroke or who have been referred for thrombectomy will be admitted directly to the HASU on the stroke unit for specialised stroke care. In addition to patients with a confirmed diagnosis of stroke, an estimated additional 2300 patients were referred to the service as suspected stroke or TIA. The service has a low threshold for assessing patients to ensure no stroke patients are missed. A recent audit showed a mimic rate of 69% against a national rate of 56%. We are now using the MRI DWI flare mismatch protocol to facilitate thrombolysis of wake up strokes. The service provides video triage of patients along with ambulance staff to improve patient flow and timely assessment and treatment.Wake-up strokes are thrombolysed by using MRI DWI, flair mismatch. WSFT currently provides one stop 7-day TIA services in a dedicated or day case TIA clinic within the Stroke Unit. The TIA clinic on a daily basis uses a flexible approach to ensure patients are reviewed and treated in a timely fashion. TIA referrals are seen within 24 hours of the referral being received.All TIA patients are seen as part of a one-stop service, with assessment, investigation and treatment on the same day. All patients are assessed by a Stroke Specialist Consultant, with support of a Stroke Specialist Doctor, and Senior Stroke Specialist Nurses (ESOT). Good working relationships with the Radiology, Cardiology, and Ophthalmology departments at WSFT support the TIA service. The service has access to same day FAST MRI imaging and also CT, CT angiogram, Carotid Doppler, MRI, 24-hour tapes, and 2D Echocardiograms and TOE and implantable loop recorder. The service also has access to fast-track referral to the vascular surgeons at CUHFT for carotid endarterectomy. Currently, Vascular surgeons from CUHFT attend WSFT 3 days per week. The Trust has a longstanding tradition of the keeping of detailed Stroke data collection including the RCP SSNAP and Capture Stroke and have been graded an A continuously for the last 26 quarters over almost six years. The Stroke Service at WSFT has a strong commitment to research and employs research nurses. WSFT actively participates in research. Person Specification Education, Qualifications & Special Training Essential MRCP or equivalent Full GMC registration Entry on the GMC specialist register in entry on GMC Specialist Register; eligible for entry on Register or within six months of receipt of Certificate of Completion of training (CCT) at time of interview in suitable specialty MBBS or Equivalent Desirable MD or PhD Experience/ clinical expertise Essential Have at least 12 months experience in stroke medicine including hyperacute stoke care, TIA and thrombolysis. Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical care of patients. Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in medicine for the elderly, stroke, general medicine or neurology and stroke. Desirable Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on a range of problems in adult medicine. Standards Essential To have a thorough knowledge and demonstrable understanding of "Good Medical Practice" from the GMC Knowledge/ Communication Essential Ability to facilitate the smooth running of emergency stroke medicine services with the stroke team. Applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues which could be demonstrated by one of the following that applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English. ? PLAB1 ? PLAB2 If applicants believe that they have adequate communication skills, but do not fit into one of the examples they need to provide evidence. Teaching & Training Essential Experience supervising junior trainees Ability to teach clinical skills to students and trainees. Desirable Experience of teaching basic clinical skills to undergraduates Experience of teaching other professional groups Training Qualification - to support above Management / Administrative Essential Ability to advise on efficient and smooth running of the stoke service. Experience Essential Ability to organise and manage day to day service delivery e.g. out-patient priorities. Ability to manage and lead strategic developments in service delivery. Experience of audit management Ability and willingness to work within the Trust and NHS performance framework and targets. Personal Skills & Qualities Essential Good personal interactive communications skills: clarity of expression and purpose The ability to work as a team member. Acceptance of management and administrative duties by working within a structured hospital team for the greater good Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies. Commitment to Continuing Medical Education and the requirements of Clinical Governance Special Aptitudes Essential Capacity to accept full responsibility to lead a clinical team. To teach and train all human resources from a wide spectrum of skills, background, abilities and experience. Appraisal Essential To have training and experience in appraisal systems Research & Publications Essential Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems. Experience of conducting clinical audit Active interest in supporting clinical stroke research Experience of recruitment to Stroke Research Network clinical trials Desirable Experience of conducting research projects GCP current Publications in peer-reviewed journals MD or PhD in relevant subject Clinical Governance Essential To have a broad understanding of all elements of, and a commitment to the principles of Clinical Governance Person Specification Education, Qualifications & Special Training Essential MRCP or equivalent Full GMC registration Entry on the GMC specialist register in entry on GMC Specialist Register; eligible for entry on Register or within six months of receipt of Certificate of Completion of training (CCT) at time of interview in suitable specialty MBBS or Equivalent Desirable MD or PhD Experience/ clinical expertise Essential Have at least 12 months experience in stroke medicine including hyperacute stoke care, TIA and thrombolysis. Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical care of patients. Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in medicine for the elderly, stroke, general medicine or neurology and stroke. Desirable Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on a range of problems in adult medicine. Standards Essential To have a thorough knowledge and demonstrable understanding of "Good Medical Practice" from the GMC Knowledge/ Communication Essential Ability to facilitate the smooth running of emergency stroke medicine services with the stroke team. Applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues which could be demonstrated by one of the following that applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English. ? PLAB1 ? PLAB2 If applicants believe that they have adequate communication skills, but do not fit into one of the examples they need to provide evidence. Teaching & Training Essential Experience supervising junior trainees Ability to teach clinical skills to students and trainees. Desirable Experience of teaching basic clinical skills to undergraduates Experience of teaching other professional groups Training Qualification - to support above Management / Administrative Essential Ability to advise on efficient and smooth running of the stoke service. Experience Essential Ability to organise and manage day to day service delivery e.g. out-patient priorities. Ability to manage and lead strategic developments in service delivery. Experience of audit management Ability and willingness to work within the Trust and NHS performance framework and targets. Personal Skills & Qualities Essential Good personal interactive communications skills: clarity of expression and purpose The ability to work as a team member. Acceptance of management and administrative duties by working within a structured hospital team for the greater good Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies. Commitment to Continuing Medical Education and the requirements of Clinical Governance Special Aptitudes Essential Capacity to accept full responsibility to lead a clinical team. To teach and train all human resources from a wide spectrum of skills, background, abilities and experience. Appraisal Essential To have training and experience in appraisal systems Research & Publications Essential Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems. Experience of conducting clinical audit Active interest in supporting clinical stroke research Experience of recruitment to Stroke Research Network clinical trials Desirable Experience of conducting research projects GCP current Publications in peer-reviewed journals MD or PhD in relevant subject Clinical Governance Essential To have a broad understanding of all elements of, and a commitment to the principles of Clinical Governance Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Address West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Hardwick Lane Bury St. Edmunds IP33 2QZ Employer's website https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)