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Job summary

Main area
Ophthalmology
Grade
NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 10 sessions per week
Job ref
210-2025-726
Employer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Countess of Chester Hospital
Town
Chester
Salary
£109,725 - £145,478 pa
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
02/12/2025 23:59
Interview date
17/12/2025

Employer heading

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust logo

Consultant Ophthalmology- interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology & Strabismus

NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, staff pride themselves on not only leading through clinical excellence, but also by creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. To achieve this, the Trust has embarked on an exciting new strategy focused on continuous improvement.  
Our vision is to improve the lives of our community and provide excellence in healthcare, through partnership and innovation
Our High Performance Culture will support everyone to be the best version of themselves by being true to our Trust vision, values and behaviours.
We welcome applications from colleagues from our local and neighbouring communities of all backgrounds and identities, who are currently under-represented within our region such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and those with disabilities.
As a region we are reviewing the way we work, and exploring how new working practices that support flexible working can create a positive work-life balance. As part of our recruitment process we will explore how our inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, Trust facilities and services can be of mutual benefit. 

Job overview

Working Full time: 10 Sessions per week

Applications are invited for a Substantive Consultant Ophthalmologist with a special interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology and Strabismus to join our team immediately, but applications for a 2026 start will be considered.

This post will be based on 10 Programmed Activities per week and presents an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and motivated individual to join our department and work within our existing team of committed ophthalmic professionals.

You will be joining our team of 9 Consultants, 4 Specialty Doctors, 3 Specialty Trainees and 1 ST1/2 Trust doctor, plus our team of Ophthalmic nurses, Optometrists and Orthoptists.

The post will be based at The Countess of Chester Hospital site but also includes outpatient clinic and theatre work for cataract surgery at the new Cheshire & Merseyside Surgical Centre at Victoria Infirmary Northwich (VIN).

Main duties of the job

The candidate will be expected to integrate within the team of existing consultants in order to provide a complete ophthalmology service. They will be expected to have an interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and work to support and further develop the management of Ophthalmology. They will be expected to take part in the general consultant on-call rota.

The on-call commitment is shared with Arrowe Park Hospital Consultants and is currently 1 in 16. The post holder will also join the on-duty rota which is also 1 in 16.

Working for our organisation

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and to Welsh patients covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Its services are provided from three locations:

•    The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 438 general and acute beds.
•    Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility.
•    Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.

The Trust employs over 5916 staff (headcount) which includes temporary bank staff and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 411,000. This includes 361,000 residents in Chester and West Cheshire which includes Ellesmere Port and Neston as well as the Deeside area of Flintshire which has a population of approximately 50,000.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job Description for further details.

Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

Good luck with your application.

Person specification

Qualifications & Skills

Essential criteria
  • FRCOphth or equivalent
  • On Specialist Register of the General Medical Council or within six months of anticipated CCT date on the date of interview
Desirable criteria
  • MD/PhD

Clinical Experience and Effectiveness

Essential criteria
  • Wide clinical experience in Neuro-Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  • Experience in cataract surgery
  • Participation in on-call

Teaching & Training Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience / interest in teaching
Desirable criteria
  • Attendance at teaching skills courses

Management & Administrative Experience

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrable use of Clinical Audit within a Service
  • Demonstrable use of research and evidence base to practice
  • Understanding of importance of management skills
Desirable criteria
  • Relevant experience in undertaking and organisation of Audit
  • Research and publications relevant to Neuro-Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  • Attendance at relevant courses

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - SilverDisability confident employerStonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.Step into health

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Mr Craig Parkes
Job title
Ophthalmic Consultant & Clinical Lead
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01244 364183
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