Job description
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We are seeking a highly motivated Consultant Neurologist to join a forward-thinking, dynamic team delivering high-quality, consultant-led neurology services to the South Cumbria population. This role is pivotal to the expansion of a local, integrated neurology service designed to provide care as close to home as possible for individuals with neurological conditions. We invite consultants (CCT / CESR) to apply for this position and will consider full-time or part-time working (up to a maximum of 10 PA's). Whilst providing excellent neurological care locally, the service also works in close collaboration with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University Hospital of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, contributing to a multi-disciplinary team that provides vital care for a wide range of neurological conditions. Key Responsibilities: As a Consultant Neurologist, you will: Deliver Comprehensive Neurological Care Lead the consultant-led neurology service within South Cumbria, providing diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological conditions, including but not limited to multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinsons disease, and neuromuscular disorders. With colleagues provide both in-patient and outpatient consultations at Furness General Hospital and outpatient consultations at Westmorland General hospital and other Community sites as required. Facilitate diagnostic testing and contribute to ongoing patient management in a community-facing model, helping to bring neurology services closer to home for local patients. Integrated Service Delivery Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, including neurology specialist nurses and non-medical staff, to ensure efficient, evidence-based care delivery with minimal dependence on direct consultant care where possible. Strengthen the links between secondary care, primary care, and tertiary services at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to ensure seamless care transitions. Contribute to MDTs and CPD at the Regional Neuroscience Centre at Lancashire Teaching Hospital as well as with Colleagues from Neuroradiology and Neurophysiology at Bespokes Greater Lancashire Hospital. Coordinate with social care services and palliative care teams to ensure holistic care for patients with long-term neurological conditions. Specialist Inpatient Support Provide consultant support for neurology patients admitted to Furness General Hospital, contributing to their care plans and multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions. Training and Development Provide clinical leadership and mentoring to junior doctors, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals, ensuring their continued development and competency in managing neurological conditions. Participate in the training and support of GP practices and primary care professionals to enhance the management of neurological conditions within the community. Subject to job-plan negotiation contribute to education of Doctors in training from the Universities of Lancaster and Central Lancashire and postgraduate training at Furness General Hospital. Clinical Governance & Audit Ensure high standards of clinical governance, including regular audits to monitor and improve patient outcomes, patient safety, and satisfaction. Participate in ongoing development of best practices in the clinical setting, adhering to national standards and NICE guidelines. Patient-Centred Care Ensure patients are fully informed of their treatment options and facilitate patient-centred decision-making. Develop and implement treatment and care pathways that are tailored to the needs of individuals, promoting self-management where appropriate. Ensure timely follow-up care, both remotely and in-person, and discharge patients back to primary care with clear ongoing management plans. Person Specification: Qualifications & Experience: Full GMC Registration with Specialist Registration in Neurology or equivalent. Proven experience in managing neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and dementia. Experience in a consultant role, ideally in a community-based or outreach neurology service preferred but not essential. Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with primary, secondary, and tertiary care providers. Skills & Abilities: Excellent clinical skills with a strong focus on patient-centred care. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Strong leadership, mentoring, and teaching abilities. Ability to manage complex cases and navigate care transitions within the healthcare system. High-level communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Personal Attributes: A commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centred care in a community setting. Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, rural healthcare environment. An understanding of the unique challenges faced by patients in rural and isolated communities. Service Delivery Context: This role will primarily be based in South Cumbria, delivering services within community settings such as Furness General Hospital, Westmorland General Hospital, and other local facilities. Given the area's rural nature, this role offers the opportunity to significantly impact the lives of patients by reducing the need for long travel times to urban centres for neurological care. As the service evolves, the number of community sites may increase to meet the demand. Bespoke Healthcare was contracted to deliver the NHS Neurology Services to South Cumbria after the previous provider North Cumbria Integrated Care gave notice in August of 2024. The new service commenced on 1st April 2025. Further information about Bespoke Healthcare and the draft service specification are attached to the Job Advert. The successful candidate will work with the existing medical and nursing team based at Furness General Hospital. This team consists of admin support and two Advanced Clinical Practitioners/ Nurse Specialists covering MS and Epilepsy. Our aspiration is to expand our consultant establishment to 2.5 wte Consultant Neurologists to ensure a ratio of one Neurologist per 60,000 population, which exceeds the National average. Outcomes and Expectations: The successful candidate will play a key role in meeting the following service outcomes: Improved patient access to neurological services and reduced travel times. Reduction in health inequalities through enhanced access to services for isolated/rural populations. Delivery of high-quality care that meets or exceeds NHS outcomes in quality of life, patient experience, and safety. Effective integration with tertiary neurology services to ensure seamless transitions of care when needed. Ongoing support and education for primary care professionals to help manage neurological conditions effectively. To deliver these outcomes Consultants will receive annual appraisal and job-plan review.