Locum Consultant in Radiation Oncology in Breast and Gynae

An exciting opportunity awaits for a dedicated Locum Consultant in Clinical Oncology to join an innovative and expanding team in North Wales. The Trust is seeking enthusiastic consultants across a range of sub-specialties to strengthen its Clinical Oncology workforce and enhance the quality of cancer care for the region’s residents. This role will be based within the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre, ideally situated to serve a vibrant and supportive community and closely situated to one of the UK’s most popular cities – Chester!

The Cancer Division at the Trust is undergoing a dynamic transformation, embracing new models of care and advanced technology.

Recent expansions have included the addition of Physicians’ Associates, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and the Trust’s first Consultant Radiographer, supporting the development of innovative care pathways to benefit patients.

This role includes a 1-in-8 on-call rotation, offering a balanced work schedule and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

CESR Support & Systemic Therapy Supervision
 The department is committed to providing robust support for doctors pursuing the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), ensuring they receive the guidance and resources necessary to navigate the process successfully. This includes mentorship from experienced consultants, access to tailored training programs, and opportunities to engage in relevant clinical research. For radiation oncologists who have not recently administered Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT), comprehensive support is also available. This includes refresher training sessions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative opportunities with the SACT team to enhance skills and confidence in administering treatments. The department fosters an inclusive environment where professional development is prioritized, enabling all staff to thrive and provide the highest quality of patient care.

The Cancer Centre:

The Cancer Centre provides advanced radiotherapy and specialized chemotherapy for the residents of North Wales, serving a population of about 676,000 people. The center offers essential cancer care services, including a 20-bed inpatient ward, a spacious day-case unit that can treat up to 24 patients at the same time, and an outpatient department with 10 clinical suites. Additionally, there is a nurse-led triage assessment area for up to 6 patients and facilities for radiotherapy reviews.

The Centre is connected to a regional district general hospital, which enhances communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals involved in oncology care.

The Radiotherapy Department at NWCTC is equipped with four Varian Linear Accelerators (two Truebeam and two Varian IX), a Gulmay Orthovoltage Unit, and a new Canon CT Planning Scanner that features advanced technology for reducing imaging artifacts, which has been in use since April 2022. The department also uses the Prosoma and Eclipse Treatment Planning System, supported by automated outlining technology (AI). Currently, a new Varian Truebeam Linear Accelerator is being commissioned and is expected to be in clinical use by September 2023. This is part of a continuous program to upgrade equipment, software, and technology, including the addition of Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) systems for all Truebeam units.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) techniques are standard for most treatment areas, and 4DCT is used specifically for lung cancer patients. The center is also making strides towards implementing Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) for lung cancer. Additionally, Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) is routinely used for treating left-sided breast cancer.

Clinical Oncologists receive support from a skilled team of radiographers who specialize in on-treatment reviews and are non-medical prescribers. This team includes an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and a review radiographer focused on lower gastrointestinal cancers, as well as a Consultant Radiographer for prostate cancer.

The Centre has a dedicated group of experienced radiotherapy and physics staff who collaborate closely to provide effective treatment. This team comprises radiotherapy radiographers, physicists, electronics engineers, mechanical technicians, and dosimetrists.

The center treats all types of patients needing radiotherapy, except for pediatric cases and those requiring brachytherapy. Patients needing brachytherapy for gynecological or prostate cancers are referred to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

The Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) service is managed by a team that includes a Clinical Lead, Nursing Lead, and Cancer Pharmacy Lead. They hold regular meetings for Medicines Management and SACT Governance. Parenteral SACT is prepared in validated Pharmacy Aseptic facilities located within the three acute hospital sites. The electronic prescribing system, Chemocare, is utilized for oncology services across all sites. Immunotherapy is also administered at all three locations, supported by a newly established, nurse-led service for managing immunotherapy-related side effects. Whenever possible, oral SACT is provided through a Homecare service, with plans to expand this delivery method in the future.

Research opportunities:

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to engage in cutting-edge clinical research within the cancer services. Clinicians are actively encouraged to participate in both local and national trials, supported by a dedicated team of research nurses. There are exciting prospects to collaborate with research teams from three local Universities. A variety of clinical studies are currently open for recruitment, encompassing areas such as Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT), radiotherapy, haematology, and palliative care. This position not only allows for direct contributions to advancing cancer care but also fosters professional growth through involvement in innovative research initiatives.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will play a vital role in delivering a consultant-led integrated oncology service, with responsibilities that include holding clinics, teaching and research.

The role will focus on specific tumor sites, including breast and gynecological cancers, allowing the candidate to cultivate their specialist interests.

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams will be key for effective patient management, as well as participating in audits and the development of patient pathways and protocols.

Attendance at site-specific Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings is also expected to ensure coordinated care and optimal patient outcomes.

Requirements

• Full GMC Registration (or invitation to ID check) – Essential
• FRCR or PLAB
• Experience within Gynae and Breast Radiation Oncology

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this vacancy or if you would like to discuss your search for work and seek advice on other available posts then please send a copy of your most recent CV to alice@bdiresourcing.com and one of the team will be in touch to discuss your options.

I look forward to hearing from you and wish you all the best with your job search.