Consultant Ophthalmologist - Interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology

Applications are invited for a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a specialist interest in neuro-ophthalmology and emergency eye care to join the Ophthalmology department at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

The main services are based at Maidstone Hospital, with a smaller unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, and services are also provided at Medway Maritime Hospital.

This position is offering an exciting opportunity to further develop the neuro-ophthalmology and emergency eye care service within one of the largest ophthalmic departments in the Southeast, serving a population of 1.2 million people in Mid and West Kent.

Successful applicants will primarily work at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells sites, with outpatient sessions at Medway Maritime Hospital. These positions are whole-time appointments comprising 6 Programmed Activities (PAs).

The Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is responsible for the provision of ophthalmology services for the people of Mid and West Kent. General and subspecialty ophthalmology services are provided at the Eye, Ear, and Mouth Unit (EEMU), a modern, purpose-built facility attached to Maidstone Hospital, with further outpatient facilities available at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury and Medway Maritime Hospital, utilising a "hub and spoke" model.

The post-holder will have a timetable with sessions at Maidstone and other sites.

EEMU has a busy Rapid Access department, optometric and orthoptic departments. There are two dedicated ophthalmic operating theatres at Maidstone and one dedicated theatre at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital h a stable management team, we can continually improve services and add to the already high levels of equipment provision in our department. Friday afternoon departmental teaching for all staff is consultant- led.

Research interests are supported by active links with The University of Kent at Canterbury.

Residence requirements for this post are compatible with living in the outskirts of London, or in many attractive, rural parts of Kent. Kent has selective state schooling with several excellent state grammar schools in the vicinity of Maidstone.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff, we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?We are a flexible, work-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

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Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below

To provide a high standard of care to any patient for whom you have clinical responsibility. This includes any patients you personally care for.

To participate in clinical and other service activities and developments to ensure a high standard of patient care.

To take an equal share in providing subspecialty cover and covering for colleagues during the period of absence. This will include electronic triage of referrals.

To take part in the support and training of junior Ophthalmologists and the development and training of medical students and ancillary allied professionals, including the development of the oculoplastic nurse specialist role.

To participate fully in the clinical governance activities of the speciality. To attend clinical governance half-days as in the job plan. To undertake annual appraisal leading to revalidation. To participate actively in departmental audits,s which may be included in the work you undertake.

To work in close co-operation with other medical, professional and managerial colleagues, both within and outside the speciality, to provide high-quality health care to the Trusts patients, and to make a contribution to future thinking about the Trusts strategic direction.

To ensure at all times that you comply with the General Medical Councils published guide Good Medical Practice, including the…