Job overview

We are offering an opportunity for a sole VR Fellow in a busy and complex surgical service. The volume of surgical cases includes around 400 or more vitrectomies alone (many combined with phaco) and numerous other VR procedures such as buckles, laser, cryo, and scleral-fixated IOLs.

Vitrectomies performed at Peterborough Hospital range from routine macular peels to complex delaminations. There are a high proportion of complex diabetic cases compared with other centres in the UK. The VR service also provides cataract surgery, from routine to complex cases.

The VR Fellow has one-to-one supervision and exclusive access to the VR Consultant for all VR cases until a sufficient level of proficiency and experience is reached. There is also the opportunity to perform cataract surgery.

This VR Fellowship is suitable either for a doctor who is relatively experienced in VR surgery, or for someone with little to no VR experience but good microsurgical skills including extensive cataract surgery (phaco). It would be an excellent starter Fellowship after an ASTO/Trainee Selected Component or for someone with VR experience wanting more exposure, particularly to complex diabetic cases.

The VR Fellow will also have the opportunity to perform ROP screening, which is essential experience for many VR Consultant jobs. Peterborough Hospital has the second highest rate of treatable ROP in the Region.

Main duties of the job

The post holder’s responsibilities will include:

• 3 or 4 outpatient clinics (including 1 or more VR and 1 Emergency)
• 3 or 4 operating sessions
• Participating in the 1st on call rota (this will be reflected in the salary)
• 1 injection clinic

Weekly ROP ward round at PCH (Monday) with possible cross-cover at HH (Tuesday).

The post will provide outpatient clinics and if requested operating at North West Anglia Trust Hospitals. The post-holder's main base will be Peterborough Hospital however, they will be expected to cover duties across all sites under North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust as and when required in line with service and business needs.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of clinics and must work with colleagues so that in/out patient services are covered during planned absences.

Participation in episodes of shared care requires the doctor to provide advice and support to clinicians in other services with regard to patients who may have a combination of ocular problems.

All members of medical staff are expected to participate in clinical governance and audit, to meet annual training requirements, and to satisfy the annual requirements for continuous professional development as set out by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. All medical staff will participate in the Trust’s Appraisal Scheme.

On call: there will be 1^st on call responsibilities with this post, however the exact details may be subject to revision.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on welcoming individuals from disabled, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as those from our local area.
In line with our dedication to employee support, we offer a variety of benefits. For more information, please see the attached staff benefits leaflet.

We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles.  Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.