Locum Consultant in MSK and General Radiology

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

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Consultant Radiologist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team to provide specialist musculoskeletal imaging alongside general radiology services, contributing to the development of a new Community Diagnostic Centre. This role offers a chance to engage in research and teaching within a vibrant urban setting.

Qualifications

• Full GMC registration and Fellowship Royal College of Radiologists required.
• CCT in radiology expected within 6 months of interview.
• Experience in MSK imaging and ability to lead research.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a broad range of musculoskeletal radiology.
• Participate in teaching for the Peninsula Medical School.
• Share on-call commitment with existing consultants.

Skills

Clinical training and experience equivalent to UK CCT in radiology

Broad skills in general and cross-sectional imaging

Ability to offer expert opinion on MSK imaging

Ability to support sarcoma MDT work

Ability to perform image-guided joint injections/aspirations

Ability to teach and supervise reporting radiographers

Education

Full GMC registration

Fellowship Royal College of Radiologists (or equivalent)

CCT in radiology

MD, PhD or other postgraduate degree (desirable)

Job description

An opportunity has arisen for a Consultant Radiologist to join the existing team of 50 Consultants to provide specialist Musculoskeletal imaging in addition to general radiology services. Additional subspecialty interests would also be welcomed. This is an additional post commencing at a time of significant and exciting developments within the trust, to support expansion of imaging capacity through the development of a fully NHS-owned and operated Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in the city centre.

Derriford Hospital is a major trauma centre and most of the regional specialist units, including cardiothoracics, are located here. The trust has received significant central funding as part of the Future Hospitals Programme (FHP) to redevelop the site, with a new build opening September 2025 providing a new Emergency Department, Same Day Emergency Care, Interventional radiology suites, and emergency theatres, each area with its own dedicated imaging facilities. Central funding has also been secured for the CDC development which will encompass 2 CT, 2 MR, 2 plain film and 4 ultrasound suites providing diagnostic services in the centre of Plymouth. This is also due to open in September 2025 and will provide dedicated consultant office and reporting space in a purpose-built city-centre environment.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will complement a team of 5 FTE consultant radiologists, consultant MSK radiographer and a specialist MSK sonographer to deliver a broad range of musculoskeletal radiology. The team members are core members of the regional Sarcoma team. The team also provides an innovative one stop service for Orthopaedic and Rheumatology Patients. Every effort will be made to accommodate the subspecialty interests of the successful applicant. There is an established track record of research and innovation in the department. Strong links to the University of Plymouth provide excellent opportunities for research.

About us

Situated in one of the most beautiful locations imaginable, few cities can rival Plymouth's stunning location sandwiched between the incredible Southwest coastline and the wild, natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park - in short, there really is nowhere quite like it. Plymouth offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant urban culture, lying on the beautiful natural harbour that is Plymouth Sound and surrounded by the unspoilt beaches of Cornwall and South Devon, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a beautiful part of the UK.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust provides comprehensive secondary and tertiary healthcare and is the largest teaching hospital in the Southwest Peninsula, receiving circa one million people through its doors each year.

The Radiology department at UPHT - Plymouth is a large teaching department responsible for specialist registrar training. Derriford Hospital is a large Teaching Hospital providing secondary and tertiary care to a population of 1.7 million. It is a busy Trauma centre. The main x-ray service is accommodated within two large adjacent departments, and a third smaller one in A& E. There are 6 CT scanners, 5 MRI scanners,2 fluoroscopy suites, 3 interventional suites and 18 ultrasound rooms. There is a nuclear medicine department including radiopharmacy.

Job description
Job responsibilities

The successful applicant will complement a team of 5 FTE consultant radiologists, consultant MSK radiographer and a specialist MSK sonographer to deliver a broad range of musculoskeletal radiology. The team members are core members of the regional Sarcoma team. The team also provides an innovative one stop service for Orthopaedic and Rheumatology Patients. Every effort will be made to accommodate the subspecialty interests of the successful applicant.

All radiology consultants are actively involved in teaching for the Peninsula Medical School and Peninsula Radiology Training Program. The successful applicant will share an office with other consultant colleagues and will share a secretary with the current team of radiologists.

The post-holder will be provided with a PC and PACS workstation, with the option to locate one of these off-site to facilitate home working. If the applicant wishes to work primarily remotely, this can be discussed.

The post holder will be required to comply with all Trust Policies notably in relation to job planning, appraisal and leave taking in line with Departmental and Trust objectives. The programs shown are for illustrative purposes and could be subject to modification, in agreement with the post holder and the Imaging Service Line Clinical Director.

The post holders will be expected to share the oncall commitment equally with the existing consultants. There is also an expectation that successful candidates will participate in 7 day working, in a pattern which supports the provision of general inpatient services across 7 days.

The Directorate would support any research interests of the Consultant in conjunction with the Trust lead for R & D. All consultants are expected to actively participate in the departments audit and clinical governance program.

Reporting of inpatient and ED imaging is provided on an extended working day basis by radiology consultants (9am 7pm), with radiology registrars providing out-of-hours cover 9pm 9am with both neuroradiology and general radiology consultants providing non-resident on call. Weekends are fully staffed by radiology registrars, again with both neuroradiology and general radiology consultants providing non-resident on call. In addition, 7 day working has been established with daily inpatient ultrasound and additional low-acuity CT reporting being provided by consultants.

Person Specification
Education, qualifications & special training
Essential

• Full GMC registration.
• Fellowship Royal College of Radiologists (or equivalent).
• CCT in radiology and entry on Specialist Register (or expected within 6 months of interview).

Desirable

• MD, PhD or other postgraduate degree.

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in radiology.
• Broad skills in general and cross-sectional imaging including acute imaging services
• Ability to offer expert opinion on full range of standard MSK imaging
• Ability to support the sarcoma MDT work
• Ability to perform image-guided joint injections/aspirations
• Ability to supervise radiology StRs across a broad range of imaging.
• Ability to teach and supervise reporting radiographers
• Willing to participate in radiology on-call rota

Desirable

• Ability to independently perform image-guided biopsies and drainages

Aptitude & Abilities - Research and Clinical Audit
Essential

• Ability to apply evidence-based approach to management of clinical problems.
• Evidence of completed audit projects

Desirable

• Completion of clinical research.
• Publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Ability to undertake basic science research
• Ability to lead research team
• Previous success in grant applications to national funding bodies

Aptitude & Abilities - Teaching
Essential

• Ability to teach clinical and practical skills.

Desirable

• Experience of teaching clinical skills to undergraduate and post graduate students
• Ability to supervise postgraduate research.

Disposition, Attitude & Motivation
Essential

• Well-presented CV.
• Ability to communicate well with patients and staff, both orally and in writing.
• Honesty and reliability
• Ability to work in a team
• Enquiring, critical approach to work
• Caring attitude to patients, relatives, GP's, nurses and other agencies
• Commitment to Continuing Medical Education
• Leadership qualities

Desirable

• Information technology skills
• Willingness to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels.

Other Factors - Management
Essential

• Ability to advise on efficient and smooth running of specialist service
• Ability to participate in Department, Directorate and Trust Management.
• Experience in audit

Desirable

• Experience in medical management.

Other Factors - Practical Requirements
Essential

• Ability and willingness to work hours of the job, shifts, on-call with any reasonable adjustment to take account of any local requirement or disability
• Ability to move between sites if required

216-G2-MSK7155797