NHSCT Consultant Physician in Gastroenterology

Job details

• Branch: Causeway Hospital
• Location: Causeway Hospital Site: Main Building
• Salary: (See job details)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 03/07/26
• Closes: Fri, 24 July 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Notes

A waiting list may be compiled for similar permanent/temporary, full/part time posts which may arise within the next 12 months.

Job Description

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Causeway Hospital

Job Description

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland.

We provide compassionate care with our community in our community. In order to do this we require the commitment of a highly skilled and professional workforce that meets the need of the service.

The diagram below outlines our values and our objectives which support the delivery of compassionate care within our community.

The below diagram details the values and associated behaviours that we expect staff working within Health and Social Care (HSC) to display at all times;

HSC Value

What does this mean?

What does this look like in practice? - Behaviours

Working Together

We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibility of all.

I work with others and value everyone’s contribution

I treat people with respect and dignity

I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams

I actively engage people on issues that affect them

I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible

Compassion

We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves.

I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness

I learn from others by listening carefully to them

I look after my own health and well-being so that I can care for and support others

Excellence

We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high-quality, compassionate care and support.

I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference

I take responsibility for my decisions and actions

I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing

I try to improve by asking ‘could we do this better?’

Openness & Honesty

We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour.

I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships

I ask someone for help when needed

I speak up if I have concerns

I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Consultant Gastroenterologist

BAND: Consultant

DIRECTORATE/DIVISION: Medicine and Emergency Medicine

INITIAL LOCATION: Causeway Hospital

REPORTS TO: Clinical Director & Clinical Services Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Executive

All employees have the opportunity to request Flexible Working from the first day of their employment, regardless of their role, band or service they work in.

Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance

JOB SUMMARY

This is a new post based at Causeway Hospital. The appointee will join the Gastroenterology team.

Causeway Hospital is one of two acute hospitals in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust offering 24 hour, 7 day a week acute services.

Other hospitals within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust include Antrim Hospital (40 miles from Causeway Hospital) which also provides a 24 hour, 7 day a week acute services. Whiteabbey Hospital, Newtownabbey and Mid-Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt provide subacute rehabilitation, intermediate care and a range of outpatient and day patient services but do not offer 24 hour acute services.

Altnagelvin Hospital, (Western Health and Social Care Trust) is 30 miles from Causeway Hospital.

Antrim and Causeway Hospitals are both teaching hospitals aligned to QUB and UU, and teaching and training of undergraduate and postgraduate learners across a wide range of health professions takes place on all Northern Trust sites. The successful candidate would be expected to undertake teaching within their specialty field as per the requirements of both their own teams/services and of external linked organisations (QUB/UU, etc).

The majority of NHSCT Consultants have roles as recognised postgraduate trainers for NIMDTA, and the successful candidate would be expected, where appropriate, to possess or achieve the necessary competences to carry out this role within the post.

The Area

Causeway Hospital serves a population of 100,000 plus a large tourist population during holiday times, particularly summer months. The town also accommodates a substantial student population.

The largest town in the Causeway Locality is Coleraine, which is approximately 55 miles from Belfast. The locality includes a large coastal area stretching from Castlerock to Cushendall and reaches inland to the country towns of Ballymoney, Garvagh, Kilrea and Rasharkin.

The University of Ulster is situated on the outskirts of Coleraine and there is good liaison between the University and Causeway Medical staff. There is potential for further joint research.

The area has a high standard of residential accommodation. There is a wide selection of schools and recreational facilities are excellent.

Hospital Services

Causeway Hospital opened in May 2001. It is a modern hospital, of low-rise design on a large landscaped site.

There are 240 in-patient beds and a dedicated Day Procedure Unit with excellent out-patient facilities with well-established medical and specialist medicine clinics.

There are currently nine full time consultant gastroenterology positions in the Northern Trust based between Antrim Hospital and Causeway Hospital. These posts are supported by one Associate Specialist and three Specialty Doctors (one in Antrim and two in Causeway). There are five IBD clinical specialist nurses, dedicated dietetic support and a specialist nurse supporting upper GI cancer patient services.

Members of the medical staff in gastroenterology are as follows;

Dr G Manikpure, Consultant Gastroenterologist (Causeway)

Dr R Veettil, Consultant Gastroenterologist (Causeway)

Dr. P. Lynch - Consultant Gastroenterologist (Antrim)

Dr. J Somerville - Consultant Gastroenterologist (Antrim)

Dr. J Gray, Consultant Gastroenterologist (Antrim)

Dr. C McKenna - Consultant Gastroenterologist with interest in nutrition (Antrim)

Dr. E Clarke, Consultant Gastroenterologist (Antrim)

Dr. P Rooney, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Governance Lead (Antrim)

Dr. R Howard, Consultant Gastroenterologist (Antrim)

Dr O Doherty, Consultant Gastroenterologist (Antrim)

Dr N Bradley, Consultant Gastroenterologist (Antrim

Dr. K Diong, Associate Specialist (Antrim)

Dr. Rachel Dawson, Speciality Doctor (Antrim)

Dr Ed Voleck, Speciality Doctor (Causeway)

Dr Amrita Gurung, Speciality Doctor (Causeway)

The hospital has resident medical staff who are rostered to support the ward.

This appointee will facilitate the service to meet the current waiting list targets as set by the Department of Health.

Endoscopy Service

Along with ERCP there is an interest in therapeutic endoscopy and all Consultants and Associate Specialist staff are experienced endoscopists with several taking a keen interest in advanced therapeutic endoscopy including ERCP and spyglass. A large range of gastroenterology services have been established including upper and lower GI MDMs, the former in alliance with the Belfast trust. There is a close working relationship with colorectal surgeons in Antrim and Causeway Hospitals and also with upper GI and hepatobiliary surgeons in the Belfast Trust.

The endoscopy department is supported further by five nurse endoscopists who work between all hospital sites providing upper and lower GI service.

Endoscopy services are provided across 4 hospital sites, Antrim, Causeway, Mid-Ulster and Whiteabbey. These lists are supported by dedicated and trained Endoscopy Nursing staff.

Capsule Endoscopy service

This service is being offered to patients in Northern Trust under the leadership of Dr K Diong.

Ward Duties

The new appointee will be expected to take part in the care of the patients with gastroenterological conditions and also patients with general medical complaints in the ward and elsewhere under their care. Each consultant will be expected to look after an average of 6-10 in-patients. In keeping with current RCP guidelines, twice daily ward/board rounds by the consultant or by another senior doctor if the consultant is not available.

On-Call responsibilities

The appointee will also participate in the medical on-call rota in Causeway. This will include 1:12 weekdays and 1:6 weekends.

Out-Patient work

GI consultants based in Causeway Hospital take part in one gastroenterology out-patient clinics. In time, it would be hoped a second clinic would be undertaken. Each clinic will cater to an average of 4 new and 8 review patients.

Endoscopy Commitments

The new appointee will also deliver two weekly endoscopy sessions: comprising of upper and lower GI endoscopic procedures.

This is a very exciting opportunity for a keen, motivated, gastroenterologist to become part of a team that is committed to developing the service within the Northern Trust.

Clinical Support services on site – include

Full accredited (CPA – UK Ltd) diagnostic laboratory

Multi-slice CT Scanner commissioned in 2007 with 24 hour Consultant Radiologist cover.

MRI Scanner

Carotid Doppler assessment service for TIA/stroke

Excellent non-invasive cardiology investigative services

Pulmonary function laboratory on site.

Bed Complement

General Medicine – 43 beds

Coronary Care/Medical Monitoring Unit – 14 beds

ICU/High Dependency – 3 ICU beds/2 ICU and 2 HD beds

Elderly Care/Rehabilitation Unit – 30 beds

Medical Admission Unit – 19 beds

Other on-site services

General Surgery (including Paediatric Surgery and Urology)

Day Procedure Unit

Paediatric Medicine

Obstetrics/Gynaecology

Acute Psychiatry

DAU – frailty

Medical Investigation Unit staffed by Clinical Physiologists which provides

Non invasive Cardiac investigations – echocardiograms, Exercise Stress Tests and Holter monitoring.

Gastroenterological Investigations

Pulmonary Function Assessment

Allied Health Professional Hospital Cover

Physiotherapy cover – 08.30-17.00 Monday to Friday. 9am -1 pm Sundays

Occupational Therapy – 0800-1600 Monday to Friday. 9am – 1pm Sundays

Social Work Cover – 0900-1700 Monday to Friday and 0900-1300 Weekends

KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibility is to provide in-patient service in gastroenterology and general internal medicine in Causeway Hospital for elective and non-elective work. He/she will also provide endoscopy and out-patient clinic service.

The appointee will work to a 11 PA job plan which includes 1.0 PA compensatory time for on call, evening ward rounds whilst on call and in-reach duties. On call intensity supplement is category A (low frequency). The appointee will take part in the acute medical rota at Causeway Hospital, this will include 1:12 weekdays and 1:6 weekends.

The post holder will be responsible for ongoing care of their inpatients at Causeway Hospital and for providing referral services in gastroenterology for other medical teams and other directorates. He/she will undertake all administrative duties allocated with the care of his/her patients

The post holder will be expected to work with the other specialists at Causeway Hospital to support existing and new gastroenterology service developments.

The post holder will be a member of the Medicine and Emergency Medicine Directorate of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. He/she will be expected to play a full part in the activities of the Directorate including participation in interview panels and committees as required.

He/she will also be expected to participate in clinical governance procedures, audit, postgraduate education, junior medical staff educational supervision, continuing professional development and contribute to undergraduate teaching programmes within the Directorate.

The post holder will be encouraged to develop an area of academic interest and to participate in research and audit. Funding can be applied through the trust’s research fellowship scheme.

The Trust supports the requirements for CME/CPD as laid down by the Royal Colleges and is committed to providing adequate time and financial support for these activities.

It is essential that staff are aware of trust policies regarding the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Records Management and that they must not disclose, withhold, retain or dispose of any information unless legally authorised

The post holder will undertake administrative duties allocated with the care of his/her patients and participate in the running of the unit. Secretarial support and suitable office accommodation including IT facilities are available for the appointee.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Employees of the Trust will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:-

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner

At all times demonstrate practice the HSC values of Working Together, Excellence, Openness & Honesty and Compassion

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety

Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations

Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision

Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Employees which aims to guide staff, managers and employers in the work that they do and the decisions and choices they have to make. Professional staff are expected to follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

All employees of the Northern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including (for example) the ICT Security Policy, Data Quality and Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

Teaching

The successful candidate will be expected to be involved in the teaching of undergraduate medical students from Queen’s/Ulster University, and the training of junior medical staff.

Revalidation

Commitment to the revalidation process ensuring that medical staff are keeping up to date and are fit to practice as per the standards defined by the GMC in Good Medical Practice. This will be subjective to undergoing successful annual appraisal process.

Clinical Governance

The appointee will be responsible for providing safe, high quality care to the patients within the realm of clinical governance. Regular participation in audits, trust prescribed courses and appraisal process is mandatory. He/She will be required to produce audits at regular intervals on endoscopy performance in keeping with JAG and GRS guidance.

Mentoring

All newly appointed Consultants will be issued with an individualised Induction Programme and Trust Induction as it is mandatory for all aspects of the induction programme to be undertaken.

Arrangements are also in place to seek advice from senior management and specialist staff within the specialty team.

Residence

The appointee's private residence shall be within a reasonable travelling distance of Causeway Hospital to permit emergency and on-call commitments to be carried out satisfactorily.

SALARY £110,681 - £145,517 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)

HOURS

Normal full-time hours of duty are 40 hours per week, exclusive of meal times. Opportunities for flexible working are available for all staff in line with flexible working policy.

NORTHERN TRUST BENEFITS

You can explore the benefits on offer to you in the Northern Trust by clicking here

MEDICAL

Appointment will be subject to a successful pre-employment health assessment.

HOLIDAYS

Grade

Annual Leave entitlement

Public/Statutory Holidays

Consultant

*6 weeks & 2 days on entry to the grade

*6 weeks & 4 days after 7 years’ service

10 days

*All entitlements are pro-rata for part time staff

PENSION

The post-holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme.

WAITING LIST

A waiting list may be compiled for similar permanent/temporary, full/part time posts which may arise within the next 12 months.

PAY PROTECTION

Legacy Trust Staff who apply for a promotion after 1 April 2011 should be aware that they will lose their legacy protection arrangements and will be entitled to pay protection in accordance with circular HSS (JNF)(1) 2011.

This circular will also apply to legacy staff who are currently in receipt of protection and who move post on promotion.

RELOCATION /REMOVAL EXPENSES

Eligible staff can avail of our attractive relocation / removal package upon request.

CRIMINAL OFFENCES, INVESTIGATION AND CHARGES

Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with the Trust. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate. Where it is necessary to obtain an Access NI disclosure the Trust operates in line with the Access NI Code of Practice (www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice).

If you require further information or a copy of the policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders or the policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information, please contact the Trust Human Resources Department

CLOSING DATE

Completed application forms should be submitted via www.jobs.hscni.net or returned to Medical Resourcing, Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim, BT41 2RJ or medicalandseniorresourcing@northerntrust.hscni.net on or before the closing date.

Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will be an absolute disqualification.

We will review this Job Description and it may include any other duties and responsibilities we determine in consultation with the jobholder. We do not intend it to be rigid and inflexible but rather to provide guidelines within which the jobholder works

June 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Title of Post: Consultant Gastroenterology

Band: Consultant

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

Volunteering experience may be considered appropriate in particular for roles within the context of direct patient/client care.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

*Qualifications and Experience

Full registration or eligibility for registration

(must be registered at time of appointment)

with the General Medical Council (GMC),

London and a Licence to Practice.

Entry on the GMC Specialist Register in General Medicine and Gastroenterology via

a. CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of interview date) or

b. Portfolio Pathway/CESR or

c. European Community Rights

(within 6 months of interview)

*Membership of Royal College of Physicians United Kingdom / Ireland or equivalent qualification / training.

Only those applicants who state clearly on their application form that they have the required level of qualification/experience will be considered for interview.

Other

*Current full driving licence.

Access to a car on appointment.

This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

*Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Knowledge

Knowledge of the job and requirements.

Knowledge of developments in the Health & Social Services.

Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies.

Knowledge of the principles of clinical audit.

Interview

Skills and Aptitudes

Ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi-disciplinary basis with all levels of staff.

Ability to organise and manage the work of a clinical department and team.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Excellent leadership skills.

Ability to be a flexible team member.

Evidence of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching abilities.

Ability to cope with and effectively organise the workload of a consultant.

Interview

Health Requirements

Eligibility

Have health standards applicable to

(a) doctor

(a) exposure prone worker

Acceptable attendance record.

Eligibility to live and work in the UK by intended start date

Pre-employment Health Assessment

Application form/Interview/ Referee Report

Pre-employment

Applicants please note: Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out above, using the information given on the application form. You should therefore address the requirements when completing the application form, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Appointments are subject to verification of appropriate qualifications.

Value Based Recruitment

Value Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Northern Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust.

It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do.

Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role.

In answering the value based questions you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Northern Trust.

June 2026

Consultant Physician/ Gastroenterologist

This job plan is subject to change depending on the service demands

1. Job Content

The weekly timetable is arranged on a one-week pattern. The activities and timings for each week are given below. The timings given are average times for the activities indicated. It is understood that a degree of flexibility is required to meet variations in service demand, hospital and home assessments.

Monday

AM

0900-1300