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Ward Cover Arrangements

The Cardiologist of the Week (C.O.W.) provides cover for the 30-bed cardiac ward and manages cardiology referrals from other departments with support from the registrars and cardiac specialist nurses. This rota currently operates on a 1-in-7 basis, but the frequency may be reduced with additional recruitment.

Ward weeks run Thursday to Wednesday with handovers on Thursday morning. Following handover, the outgoing consultant has Thursday and Friday off. Weekend cover is provided on-site Saturday 9am-2pm and Sunday 9am-1pm.

CCU ward rounds are individually job-planned with cross-cover arrangements when required.

On-Call Arrangements

There is currently no on-call commitment aside from weekend ward rounds at PCH during C.O.W. weeks. In line with GIRFT recommendations and local system needs, we are developing plans to provide 24/7 cardiology consultant cover.

Outpatient Clinics

Standard outpatient clinic templates include 11 patients (5 new, 6 follow-up) for general clinics and 10 patients (5 new, 5 follow-up) for specialist clinics.

Travel and Expenses

Travel between sites will be appropriately reimbursed in accordance with Trust policy.

Cover for Colleagues

Cover will be expected for annual leave and exceptional unforeseen circumstances. Cross-site cover may be required.

Professional Support

Secretarial support and office space will be provided. New consultants are allocated a Trust mentor and can access leadership programme support. Departmental mentoring is provided by the Clinical Lead.

Continuing Professional Development and Revalidation

The Trust supports GMC requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) and commits to providing time and financial support for these activities. The postholder will be expected to demonstrate evidence of continuing education to broaden knowledge and skills whilst maintaining compliance with mandatory training requirements.

Online appraisal is performed annually to support revalidation. Dedicated CPD support is available under the direction of the Medical Director, Clinical Tutor, and Specialty Tutors.

Senior medical staff are entitled to 30 days’ study leave over a three-year period, with a current study leave budget allowance of £750 per annum.

Clinical Governance

Clinical governance is monitored at both corporate and departmental levels by the Trust Board. Individual directorates are responsible for safe delivery of quality care through regular meetings and feedback mechanisms. A learning culture is supported through clinical effectiveness and patient safety initiatives as part of our Quality Improvement programme.

A rolling monthly half-day programme is dedicated to Audit and Clinical Governance when all clinical activity is cancelled. The postholder will be expected to audit their practice annually and participate in the review of adverse events, incidents, complaints, and clinical negligence claims.

Teaching and Education

The Department of Medicine maintains a commitment to ongoing education with weekly educational meetings on Thursday mornings for all staff. Within the cardiology department, rotating weekly meetings cover mortality and morbidity, intervention MDT, and education. Additional weekly meetings include heart failure MDT, echo meetings, and devices MDT.

The department has a long-standing commitment to undergraduate medical education, regularly hosting students from Leicester and Cambridge Universities. An active postgraduate programme particularly supports Senior House Officers preparing for MRCP examinations. Three Specialist Registrars in Cardiology are part of the East of England Deanery rotation, and the postholder would be expected to contribute to their training.

Research Opportunities

The department actively participates in clinical trials, including both commercial and non-commercial studies.

Leadership Opportunities

Opportunities exist for the role to include leadership responsibilities within the Medicine Division and the Trust more broadly.