Job overview

The successful applicant for this position will work as part of GHNFT Breast Service across all sites where this service is delivered.  At the time of advertising this is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead and Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre, Sunderland, however in line with development of services, the future post holder may be required to carry out appropriate duties at other locations.  The successful candidate will be responsible for helping to continue to deliver the established GHNFT breast service for patients referred to the trust.  The post holder will also be expected to support the continued development of the Breast service, including potential further expansion and changes to service delivery models including the implementation of national practice guidance.  The post holder will also be expected to contribute to the wider aspects of service delivery and development, including the clinical governance programme within the business unit.

Main duties of the job

The Consultant Surgeon will form part of the Surgical Consultant Team and will have a continuing responsibility for the care of the patients in his/her charge and for the proper functioning of the service line and the wider surgical services business unit.

In addition, he or she will, undertake the required administrative duties associated with the care of his/her patients and  those duties required in the smooth running of the service line.

He/she will be expected to work with service managers and professional colleagues in the efficient running of services and will contribute alongside consultant colleagues in the medical contribution to the development and operational delivery of services.  Subject to the provision of the terms and conditions of service, he/she is expected to observe the Trust’s agreed policies and procedures drawn up in consultation with the profession on clinical matters and to follow the local and national employment and personnel policies and procedures.

Working for our organisation

Since becoming a foundation trust in 2005, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNFT) has been one of the best performing small-sized acute trusts in the country with a long standing national reputation for providing high quality care.   Throughout this time the organisation has continually developed and adapted to the changing models of service provision both locally and regionally.   Our recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, rated the Trust as ‘good’ overall.

The Trust has revenue of around £220m and provides a range of hospital services, most of which are delivered to the 200,000 people who live in Gateshead. However a number of people from the surrounding area choose to use the Trust’s facilities and a range of specialist services are now provided for people from a wider geographical area. We also provide breast screening services for Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and parts of Durham, and we are the North East hub for the National Bowel Cancer.

QE Gateshead, as it is locally known, provides services from a range of localities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Bensham Hospital, within Gateshead. We also run a range of services from Blaydon Primary Care Centre and Washington Primary Care Centre, as well as other locations across the local area.