Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Consultant Medical Oncologist will provide senior clinical leadership in the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality oncology care across acute, inpatient and outpatient settings at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder will work closely with the Oncology Specialty Lead, Acute Oncology Service (AOS), multidisciplinary teams within the Trust, and colleagues from Kent Oncology Centre/Maidstone to ensure seamless, patient-centred cancer care.

Clinical Responsibilities
The post holder will participate fully in the Acute Oncology Service, providing expert assessment, investigation and initial management of patients with known or suspected cancer who present acutely to the Emergency Department, Emergency Assessment Unit and the Oncology/Haematology ward. They will supervise and coordinate the care of oncology inpatients, particularly those receiving active anti-cancer treatment, ensuring complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are recognised early and managed appropriately. A key responsibility is to work collaboratively with emergency medicine, acute medical and surgical teams to ensure timely oncological input, avoid unnecessary admissions and deliver care in the most appropriate setting.

The consultant will ensure rapid and effective referral to specialist oncology, site-specific teams and palliative care services, supporting best outcomes and patient experience. They will take clinical responsibility for patients presenting with malignancy of undefined primary origin and cancer of unknown primary, contributing to the development and leadership of the CUP service and MDT. Where appropriate, the post holder will provide urgent first-line chemotherapy for suitable patients, including those newly diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, until ongoing care is transferred to the responsible oncologist.

Leadership and Service Development
The post holder will share responsibility for the development, delivery and ongoing improvement of the Acute Oncology Service, ensuring compliance with NICE guidance, national cancer standards and regional clinical indicators. They will work closely with clinical nurse specialists, pharmacy, radiology, pathology and allied health professionals to ensure robust pathways and protocols are in place for the management of oncological emergencies, including metastatic spinal cord compression.

The consultant will be expected to develop leadership roles aligned to service needs, such as leading CUP, education, audit, morbidity and mortality review, or research activity. They will actively contribute to governance, quality improvement and peer review processes, supporting the Trust’s Cancer Strategy and commitment to continuous improvement.

Outpatient and Specialist Responsibilities
The role includes responsibility for delivering outpatient oncology clinics and developing a tumour-site specific area of expertise, such as lung cancer or CUP, in line with Trust requirements. This involves close liaison with chemotherapy services, specialist nurses, consultant colleagues, primary care and external partners to ensure coordinated, high-quality care across the patient pathway. Attendance and contribution to relevant site-specific MDT meetings is required.

Education, Training and Research
The post holder will play an active role in the education and training of medical, nursing and allied health staff, including foundation doctors, specialty trainees and medical students. They will support Trust-wide education on oncological emergencies and acute oncology care. Ongoing engagement in continuing medical education is expected, including participation in regional education activities at Kent Oncology Centre.

The consultant will demonstrate a commitment to research and innovation, including the recruitment of patients into clinical trials where appropriate, and will contribute to audit and service evaluation to ensure care meets national and regional standards.

Professional and Managerial Responsibilities
The post holder will uphold the highest standards of clinical governance, professional practice and patient safety, complying with all Trust policies and procedures. They will attend local, regional and national meetings relevant to acute oncology and their tumour-site interest, and act as a point of contact for advice during periods of consultant leave as required. The role includes participation in agreed job planning, balancing direct clinical care and supporting professional activities, and contributing to the overall leadership and sustainability of the Oncology service at Medway NHS Foundation Trust.