Consultant Neurologist with MS interest

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a Consultant Neurologist to enhance their Neuroscience Centre. The role involves leading the MS service, handling outpatient clinics, and teaching medical staff. Candidates should hold MRCP (UK) and demonstrate significant experience in acute neurology, particularly with MS. The position offers a unique opportunity in a nationally recognized department dedicated to innovative neurological care.

Qualifications

• MRCP (UK) qualifications required.
• Ability to work shifts and on-call duties.
• Experience in research and clinical audit.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular general neurology outpatient clinics.
• Develop and lead the MS service.
• Contribute to the education of medical students and junior doctors.

Skills

Acute neurology experience

Experience in Multiple Sclerosis

Teaching junior doctors

Team working skills

Education

MRCP (UK) Entry on the GMC Specialist register

Higher degree or postgraduate prizes

Job description

We are seeking to appoint an additional Consultant Neurologist with a specialist interest in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to join our dynamic neurology team at University Hospitals Plymouth.

This appointment will support the continued expansion of our regional Neuroscience Centre and enhance the delivery of high‑quality neurological care across Plymouth and the surrounding area.

In addition to contributing to the general neurology service, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and grow their subspecialty expertise in MS, working within a well‑established multidisciplinary team committed to delivering comprehensive care for patients with MS.

Main duties of the job

The role will include providing regular general neurology outpatient clinics and inpatient ward cover, together with the opportunity to develop and lead the MS service. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and advancing MS care within the Trust, supported by a well‑established multidisciplinary team.

The role will also include active involvement in the development and leadership of the department, alongside teaching and training responsibilities. The successful candidate will contribute to the education of medical students, junior doctors, nursing staff, and allied health professionals, as well as participate in departmental and regional academic activities, including the hospital grand round, journal club, audit meetings, and research opportunities.

Our department is recognised nationally for excellence and innovation. Plymouth is a GIRFT exemplar site for acute neurology, caring for more patients with acute neurological conditions than any other centre in the UK. We are also one of only five centres nationally where neurologists lead the care of stroke patients from the point of hospital presentation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward‑thinking, enthusiastic clinical team delivering cutting‑edge neurological care.

About us

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached detailed job description (pending RCP approval).

The department benefits from a dedicated space for the investigation and assessment of neurology patients, with emergency stroke admissions managed separately on the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU).

Over the past decade, our workload has steadily increased, and we now admit approximately 2,500 patients each year, of which around 70% are acute admissions. For the past 15 years, we have operated an attending neurologist service, with one consultant leading the inpatient team each week. This model has delivered measurable improvements in patient care, including shorter inpatient stays, while ensuring that the registrar on call has daily access to senior support and advice on all neurology inpatients.

This structure offers a unique training opportunity for our specialty registrars, who gain extensive experience in the management of acute neurology. The service has been recognised nationally and designated as a GIRFT exemplar for excellence in the delivery of acute neurology care.

The Neurology Department previously provided a Monday to Friday Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service, which included a daily advice line for GPs. Although this service ceased in February 2024, it is anticipated that with the expansion of the consultant body we will be able to re‑establish and enhance this provision.

The department currently provides an attending neurologist, responsible for all neurology inpatients, post‑take ward rounds in the Emergency Department and Medical Assessment Units, and the care of 12 dedicated neurology beds on Hartor Ward, alongside an attending stroke neurologist who oversees patients on the HASU and ASU.

Person Specification

Education, qualifications and special training

Essential

• MRCP (UK) Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist register via: a) Certificate of Completion of training (CCT). Proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of the interview. b) Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) c) European Community Rights

Desirable

• Higher degree or within 12 months of submission Postgraduate prizes and awards.

Particular skills and experience

Essential

• Demonstrate evidence of ample acute neurology experience and appropriate specialist experience in MS.

Desirable

• Attended appropriate courses, fellowships or equivalent.

Research and Clinical audit

Essential

• Evidence of a research interest and clinical audit

Desirable

• Presentations at local/regional/national/international meetings. Relevant audit projects. Published as first author in peer reviewed journals

Teaching

Essential

• Able to demonstrate experience in having taught junior doctors

Desirable

• Evidence of enthusiasm and experience in teaching

Management

Essential

• Participated in some sort of management process (ie service or research)

Desirable

• Evidence of interest and ability in management. Attended appropriate courses or gained qualification in management. Evidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and leadership supported by multi‑source feedback or other workplace‑based assessments.

Practical Requirements

Essential

• Ability and willingness to work hours of the job, shifts, on‑call with any reasonable adjustments to take into account local requirements or disability.

Desirable

• To have access to own transport to fulfil duties on the role.

Communication & Interpersonal skills

Essential

• A well presented CV Team working skills Ability to delegate appropriately

Desirable

• Good presentation skills – prizes / awards IT technology skills including evidence where such skills have improved patient care Leadership skills