Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (specialist interest in Foot & Ankle)

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen within The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) NHS Foundation Trust. This is a new full-time post, complementing the six existing Consultants in foot and ankle surgery in Oswestry.

The successful applicant will be entered on the GMC Specialist Register in Trauma and Orthopaedics (or entry on the GMC Specialist Register for T&O via CCT or CESR (CP) - proposed CCT/CESR (CP) date must be within 6 months of interview) with specialist training in trauma and orthopaedics with evidence of recognised subspecialty fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery.  Further interest and experience in neuromuscular disorders of the lower limb and ankle arthroplasty are desirable.

Main duties of the job

All foot and ankle conditions are treated including degenerative joint disease, developmental disorders, neuromuscular disorders, sports injuries (both amateurs and professionals) and traumatic injuries. A comprehensive service is provided to match the increasing demand in this field.   We currently carry out one of the highest volumes of total ankle replacements in the UK and are the regional ankle arthritis network hub, also receiving many referrals for failing replacements.  A successful candidate will be expected to have experience working in a high-volume unit and in undertaking ankle replacements with a view to supporting this area of work.  The hospital also has a significant involvement in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders with the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI), the Orthotic Research and Locomotor Assessment Unit (ORLAU) including its gait laboratory, neurology and neurophysiology clinics.  The foot and ankle department plays an active role in this work and a successful candidate will be expected to have experience in this area and to contribute to this area of our work.

The post holder will join our existing compliment of surgeons with an interest in foot and ankle:

• Mr Andy Bing (Clinical Lead)
• Mr Simon Hill
• Mr Nilesh Makwana
• Mr Chris Marquis
• Ms Cat Heaver
• Professor Paul Cool

The role of the Consultant will be as an equal to other Consultants in the department and in the Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The overall work programme will be based on an average of 10 Programmed Activities per week with 1 additional programmed activity available.  You will hold 2-3 elective clinics a week and 2-3 operating sessions.

There are a combination of scheduled and flexible PAs within the timetable. Clinical activity is linked with that of various wards or clinics, the multidisciplinary team and other colleagues.

The appointee will be responsible for the care of patients referred by general practitioners and all departments and will undertake clinics, ward rounds and operating lists ‘programmed activities’ as appropriate.

The proposed job plan will be discussed with candidates, and agreed at appointment with the Clinical Lead for foot and ankle surgery and the Operational Manager.

We are looking for a individual who:

Wishes to develop this service to deal with the high demand in a timely and efficient manner.

Contribute to the provision of a comprehensive, high quality foot and ankle service at the Trust

Deliver clinical sessions in out-patients and theatres

Assessment, investigation and diagnosis of all foot and ankle conditions in out-patients (Hallux valgus surgery, Lesser toe surgeries, Fusions (1st MTPJ, midfoot, hindfoot), Ankle arthroscopy,  Ankle ligament reconstruction, Total ankle replacement, Achilles tendon repair (minimally-invasive)., Achilles tendon debridement / reattachment, foot and ankle trauma