Locum Consultant Clinical Oncologist – Urology (and optional second tumour site)

A well known Trust in the South West is seeking a Locum Consultant Medical Oncologist to join their dedicated team focusing on Urological cancer. The post is for a (10 PA) Locum Consultant with specialist skills in the management of Urology cancer and acute oncology. The post-holder will join established specialised teams for the delivery of care..

The Trust are seeking someone who demonstrates professionalism and effectiveness in delivering care. The job plan will be agreed upon with the Clinical Director following successful interview. There is the opportunity to take up a part time role as well as full time and to switch to a permanent contract.  The initial position is fixed-term for 12 months.

The Trust/Service

The Haematology and Oncology Centre serves a Cancer Network, catering to a population of around 2.2 million. Currently, the non-surgical oncology services are provided by 21 clinical oncologists and 10 medical oncologists, totaling about 24 whole-time equivalents.

The centre offers comprehensive oncology services, including radiotherapy (for adults and children), brachytherapy, and chemotherapy (for adults) to all surrounding hospitals. Chemotherapy services are also available at Weston General Hospital. This setup ensures robust infrastructure for specialized oncology support and services. The Centre also houses the Teenage and Young Adult unit, with a full range of treatments including autologous Bone Marrow Transplants, the Universities Palliative Medicine group, and a large Clinical Trials Unit.

Clinical:

This role is based in a large cancer institute, which features a 32-bed inpatient unit with 2 radioisotope rooms and 5 teenage and young adult beds, a 4-bed/3-chair acute assessment unit, an outpatient chemotherapy unit, outpatient clinics, and a radiotherapy department offering state-of-the-art treatments (including intra- and extra-cranial radiosurgery and brachytherapy). The acute assessment unit is staffed by 2-3 clinical fellows, ANPs, and nursing staff from Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, providing acute assessment of treatment side effects and management of oncological emergencies.

The Haematology Unit includes a 24-bed ward and day units for patients with malignant and non-malignant disorders, housing the Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre and Bone Marrow Transplant service.

Diagnostic Radiology:

The centre includes a diagnostic x-ray unit for plain radiography and two spiral CT scanners for radiotherapy planning. MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine scanning are available at the nearby Royal Infirmary on the same campus.

Radiotherapy/Physics:

The centre is equipped with 5 matched linear accelerators offering the latest techniques, dual energy photons, and electrons, supporting a full radiotherapy service including regional radical paediatric treatments. Advanced technologies such as 4-D CT/MRI-based conformal radiotherapy, portal imaging, 2D kV, cone beam CT, and the Clarity ultrasound-based system for prostate image guidance are available. The mould room provides customized patient immobilisation, including 3D printing. The external beam treatment planning system is Raystation, and Brachyvision is used for brachytherapy. The centre also features a Varian HDR GammaMed machine for various treatments, including skin and oesophageal brachytherapy. Notably, the unit was the first in the country to open a Gamma Knife Icon unit for state-of-the-art intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery, making it a supraregional center for intracranial SRS, with referrals from across the South West. 

Responsibility & Duties

This particular role will focus on Urological Malignancies - You'll be managing the clinical care of patients with urological cancers. Working with the fantastic multidisciplinary team of consultants, CNS, and pharmacists, you'll ensure top-notch patient care. This includes running outpatient clinics throughout the week, where you'll see new patients, follow-ups, and pre-assessments. Plus, you'll independently manage patients at all stages, including prescribing treatments.

You'll be backed by site-specific and on-call oncology consultants. You’ll also be assigned to a supervisor to help you grow and develop within your oncology career. Plus, there's a session each week for you to develop a special interest, and the team are eager to work with you to fine-tune the job plan to match both their needs and your professional goals. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you might also help plan and deliver radiotherapy.

In addition, you'll have the chance to:

• Participate in quality improvement and audit projects within the department.
• Supervise and teach clinical fellows and ANPs.
• Manage patients in clinical trials and get involved in clinical trial projects.
   

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Opportunities:

• The Trust fully supports ongoing Medical Education and is dedicated to providing both time and financial assistance for these activities.
• The Trust has a considerable reputation for innovative research and development.A Research Forum meets monthly to review the clinical trials portfolio and consider new trials proposals.

Requirements:

• Full FRCR or MRCP
• Prior or current Consultant or independent Clinical Oncology provision
• Expertise within Urological cancers
• Prior NHS experience is preferable