Detailed job description and main responsibilities

General duties

The post will include general neuroradiology reporting sessions (8 PAs), SpA time (2 PAs) and sharing of the diagnostic on-call rota (intended to be 1:8 with prospective cover).

Paediatric and Foetal Neuroimaging

Paediatric duties will include supervision and reporting on regular lists of GA MRI cases, sharing in reporting of paediatric cases undertaken at other times and taking part in the weekly paediatric neurology meeting held in our department. The paediatric neuroradiologists also attend a monthly neurogenetics meeting with colleagues in clinical genetics and paediatric neurology. The post will also include reporting of foetal MRI scans and attendance at the weekly foetal medicine MDT.

Although there is not a formal paediatric neuroradiology rota, it is desirable that wherever possible there is co-ordination of leave and cross cover of reporting and other duties between the paediatric neuroradiologists.

Spinal Neurointervention

Spinal interventional cover is currently provided by two consultants but an increasing demand for timely interventions means we require an enthusiastic individual to supplement this service and take it forward. The spinal interventionalists have access to the CT scanner, biplane fluoroscopy and anaesthetic support. The individual should be a motivated team player interested in expanding their skill mix to incorporate the breadth of core spinal procedures currently offered including image guided access of the subarachnoid space for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, pain management injections and spinal biopsies. There is scope to develop skills in synovial cyst ablation, discography and vertebroplasty. Supervision and training will be provided in post where required.

Neuro-inflammatory

There are weekly regional neuro-inflammatory MDTs to guide decision-making on the diagnosis and treatment of neuro-inflammatory diseases.  There are also monthly neuro-sarcoid meetings and 6-monthly neuromyelitis optica meetings with Oxford. The post requires supporting local and regional imaging services with their neuro-inflammatory protocols and supporting regional neuro-inflammatory clinical days.

Neuro-oncology

There are currently two weekly adult neuro-oncology MDMs at St George’s Hospital. The adult meeting is in 2 parts, primary brain and metastatic brain, attended by colleagues in neurosurgery, neurology, neuropathology, neuro-oncology from Royal Marsden and Royal Surrey County Hospitals, clinical nurse specialists and other disciplines. We have a separate meeting for spinal tumours (including metastatic spinal cord compression). Alternate weeks there is an adult oncology skullbase/Pituitary meeting. 

The paediatric neuro-oncology MDM is a joint South London meeting that is held weekly via video link with colleagues at King’s College Hospital and Royal Marsden Hospital. 

Several consultant neuroradiologists currently take part in the adult and paediatric neuro-oncology MDMs. Appropriate time allowances for preparation and meeting attendance are included in our job plans.

Epilepsy

There is an epilepsy surgery service at St George’s Hospital. There is a telemetry/epilepsy surgery meeting fortnightly to discuss prospective surgical candidates. We also hold six monthly joint meetings with the Epilepsy Surgery Group at King’s College Hospital.

Advanced imaging techniques

A willingness to develop expertise in the use of advanced imaging techniques in clinical patients is desirable and would be encouraged.

Clinical Governance Role

The department has a strong commitment to clinical governance principles to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality patient care. This role will be responsible for supporting risk management, incident reporting and quality improvement.

Additionally the post holders will be expected:

·           To participate in the professional training of clinical and non-clinical staff, including the undergraduate training programme.

·           To take a role in clinical governance within the department.

·           To meet, as a minimum, the requirements of his/her Royal College in respect of continuing medical education.  Collaborative research with other clinical colleagues is encouraged by the Trust.

·           To liaise with his/her Consultant colleagues in providing internal cover for annual leave and sick leave and adopt a flexible approach to covering duties when required.

·           To work with local managers and professional colleagues to ensure the efficient running of services and will be expected to observe the Trust’s agreed policies and procedures drawn up in consultation with the profession of clinical matters and to follow the standing orders and financial instructions of the Trust.

·           Where required to manage employees of the Trust, to follow the local and national employment and personnel policies and procedures. He/she will be expected to ensure that there are adequate arrangements for hospital staff involved in the care of patients to be contacted when necessary.

·           All medical and dental staff employed by the Trust are expected to comply with existing Health and Safety policies.

·           The appointment will be subject to passing a medical examination prior to commencement of duties.