Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Haematology

Guy's and St Thomas' is among the UK's busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts. We provide a full range of hospital and community services for people in south London and as well as specialist care for patients from further afield including cancer, renal, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiovascular services.

Guy's is home to the largest dental school in Europe and a £160 million Cancer Centre opened in 2016. As part of our commitment to provide care closer to home, in 2017 we also opened a cancer centre and a kidney treatment centre at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup. St Thomas' has one of the largest critical care units in the UK and one of the busiest emergency departments in London. It is also home to Evelina London Children's Hospital.

Evelina London cares for local children in Lambeth and Southwark and provides specialist services across south east England including cardiac, renal and critical care services. We lead a number of specialist service networks aiming to ensure children are treated locally where possible, but have access to specialist expertise when they need it. Our community services include health visiting, school nursing and support for families of children with long-term conditions.

Our adult community services teams deliver care at the heart of the local communities we serve, working in partnership with GPs, local authorities and other healthcare and voluntary sector organisations. Working with our partners in Lambeth and Southwark, we are focusing on new ways of working to improve care for local patients.

In February 2021 the Royal Brompton and Harefield joined Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, bringing together world-leading expertise in the care and research of heart and lung disease. Our merger provides a once in a generation opportunity to build a lasting, world-renowned heart and lung centre, providing the highest quality care for patients and conducting world-leading research.

We have a reputation for clinical excellence and high quality teaching and research. We are part of King's Health Partners, one of eight accredited UK academic health sciences centres. In partnership with King's College London we have dedicated clinical research facilities including an MHRA accredited Phase I clinical trials unit.

Patients are at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on ensuring the best possible patient experience as well as safe, high quality care. We are proud to have one of the lowest mortality rates in the NHS. Following a comprehensive Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2019 we maintained our overall rating of 'good'. Our adult community services achieved a rating of 'outstanding'.

The commitment of our 23,500 staff is key to our success. We are one of the largest local employers and we aim to develop and support all our staff so they are able to deliver high quality, safe and efficient care. The 2019 NHS staff survey results show that we have one of the most engaged and motivated workforces in the NHS. We know this has a positive impact on the care provided to our patients.

We have one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes anywhere in the NHS.

Job overview

Job Summary

This post holder will be part of the haematology SpR team based on the Guys and St Thomas' site. The post-holder will work in this 5 months fixed term role as part of the myeloproliferative neoplasia MPN team within the SM service. There is a large portfolio of international and national phase 1-3 trials, both NCRI and Commercial with an excellent research support team. The post holder will gain GCP training and be involved in clinical trial set up, manage patients on trials, with support from the clinical teams. They will be an integral member of the SM/MPN team and have responsibilities for reporting trials related adverse events and serious adverse events, data and query management. They are expected to carry out and report bone marrow aspirate and trephines for all the SM in clinical trials. The post holder will be expected as part of their role to complete a number of projects with a view to submission for peer-review publication.

This post provides excellent haematology experience and plentiful educational opportunities for the post-holder, who will be encouraged to participate in educational programme and take up opportunities to attend various OP clinics in addition to SM if the candidate is able to.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity for the post-holder to join GSTT, recognised as a leader for the myeloproliferative neoplasia (MPN/ SM), with a large portfolio of international and national phase 1-3 trials, both NCRI and Commercial and with an excellent research support team.

This post is an excellent opportunity for those considering a career in Haematology, it will provide plentiful educational opportunities and experience in a teaching hospital with an excellent national and international reputation. It is ideal for an ST6+ level trainee interested acquiring real world experience in clinical trials, the post-holder will be the sub investigator in landmark trials for patients with systemic mastocytosis -currently 3 trials in portfolio, facilitate in development of SM database/ registry and complete a number of projects with a view to submission for peer-review publication.

The successful applicant will be supported with understanding of trial development, GCP and management of trial patients.

The working hours of this role will be Monday to Friday 0900-1700 with no out of hour's shifts. Non UK / EEA applicants should ensure that they are aware of recent changes to the Immigration rules for Postgraduate Doctors and Dentists.

Working for our organisation

The Haematology, Cellular Pathology & Supporting Services Directorate is an integral part of the Cancer and Surgery Clinical Group. The Cancer and Surgery Clinical Group will bring together a number of Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust's services that work collaboratively across the hospital and with our partners to provide excellence in clinical care, research and academia. It will operate as a distinct entity with devolved accountability within the Trust. The aim of this Clinical Group is to deliver the GSTT Cancer and Surgery Strategy.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. General Information

JOB TITLE: Research Clinical Fellow in Haematology - 5 months

GRADE: ST3+

HOURS: Monday to Friday 0900-1700

RESPONSIBLE TO: Dr P Sriskandarajah + Prof C Harrison (Educational Supervisors)

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Head of Service for Haematology

Organisational Values:

The post holder will:

• Put patients first
• Take pride in what they do
• Respect others
• Strive to be the best
• Act with integrity

Key Relationships

Systemic Mastocytosis /Myeloproliferative neoplasm team Doctors, clinical nurse specialists and clinical trials teams.

Day Unit staff

Haematology outpatient clinic staff

The clinical haematology team, including: doctors, CNS, TYA, psychologists, and specialist teams involved in the comprehensive care of patients Haematology

Transfusion and haematology laboratory staff

Departmental managerial, clerical and secretarial staff

Acute Oncology Service staff

Cancer Day Unit staff

Example of the weekly time table

Day

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

StR Haematology teaching

Morphology teaching

Journal club

Case of the week

Morning*

Myeloproliferative Neoplasia (MPN) OPA if cover needed.

Trial Admin

Trial work

SM OPA

Trials patients review

BM / blood film reporting

Myeloid MDT and consultant morphology reporting

Trust's grand round

Departmental seminar series

Afternoon*

BM list/SM OPA

CML OPA

Clinic/ trial related morphology

Trials patients bone marrows

Project time/Data base

Clinic admin

*Flexibility in the timing of specific duties and responsibilities will be necessary based on clinical needs of patients, service demands and schedules; and colleagues' leave

Professional / Clinical responsibilities

Review of patients in both in and outpatient settings with senior support.

Ensure timely production of letters within current Trust targets.

Arrange appropriate investigations; ensure all treatments administered as prescribed and appropriate (using the MedChart and CIS/Mosaic systems or outpatient prescriptions); accurate and timely documentation (using the eNoting system); referrals and letters to GP as necessary.

Work alongside CNS team in the day-to-day management of patients.

Work with research nurses as required on relevant commercial and NCRN clinical trials.

Discuss cases with the appropriate consultant/team or specialised/disease-specific management team.

Perform practical procedures as necessary and after appropriate training including: bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and lumbar puncture (+/- insertion and removal of indwelling central venous catheter access).

Undertake appropriate work place based assessments as required e.g. DOPS/mini-CEX/CBDs.

Attend and contribute to departmental meetings / seminars and MDM sessions as required.

Work closely with CMT/CF/FY and specialist trainee colleagues to ensure the duties of the service are supported and work flexibly and co-operatively.

To cover the duties of colleagues who are unexpectedly absent.

Ensure leave requests are submitted with sufficient notice and clinical cover to maintain safe patient care.

Management and Leadership

Work within the Haematology MDT team.

Time management of work profile.

Information management

Trial data collection and entry

GCP training

eNoting

BigHand dictation

MedChart

EPR (and EDL)

CIS/Mosaic

PACS

Clinical coding

Education & Professional Development.

Self-directed learning

Formal external courses

Maintaining a personal portfolio

Undertaking the Appraisal process

Learning opportunities

Meetings (including Thursday afternoon seminars and M&M)

The Trust's weekly grand round presentation

Tuesday morning consultant delivered registrar subspecialty teaching

Wednesday morning morphology teaching

Friday morning "Case of the week"

Assessing and evaluating patients in outpatient settings

Developing and applying patient management plans independently and within the team

Experience in the further management of patients with haematological disorders through a multidisciplinary/speciality approach

Case reports, abstracts, publications or audits according to availability and interest

Participate in a laboratory or clinical project in MPN*

Course / self-directed study relevant to educational research/training*to be arranged

Competencies

Management of Haematology patients appropriate to subspeciality area and their investigation, treatment, follow-up and onward referral as appropriate

Management of acutely unwell haematology patients

Ability to deal with malignant and non-malignant haematological emergencies

Ad hoc reviews with CNS and/or consultant for elective or urgent patients

Supportive and palliative care as needed

Case-load prioritisation

Communication skills: with patients and relatives, within multidisciplinary teams and with colleagues in other specialities

Good Clinical Practice

Fire safety and other mandatory training.

Formal training in "Information Management" (as above)

Management of patients on clinical trials

Subject to specific training:

Performing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Blood film interpretation and reporting

Bone marrow aspirate smear interpretation and reporting

Lumbar puncture

Central Line insertion and Hickman line removal.

Assessment

Appraisal and goal setting meeting with clinical supervisor within 1st 2 weeks of commencement.

Mid placement appraisal with ES.

End of post appraisal and sign-off.

Duties and responsibilities:

Clinical:

The postholder will, together with colleagues, be responsible for the provision of services to include:

(a) Diagnosis and treatment of patients of the trust in such hospitals, health centres or clinics or other premises as required.

(b) Continuing clinical responsibility for the patients in your charge, allowing for all proper delegation to, and training of, your staff.

Teaching:

Expected to contribute as appropriate in the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Clinical Governance:

All medical and dental staff are expected to take part in clinical governance activity, including clinical audit, clinical guideline and protocol development and clinical risk management.

Mutual Obligation to Monitor Hours:

There is a contractual obligation on employers to monitor working hours through robust local monitoring arrangements supported by national guidance.

European Working Time Directive (EWTD):

All posts and working patterns are under constant review in line with EWTD guidelines and the Rota being new contract compliant.

Educational Programme:

Neither the London Deanery nor the Royal College accredits this post for postgraduate training. However the postholder will be expected to attend and contribute to educational activities e.g. departmental meetings, x-ray meetings, pathology meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, journal clubs etc.

Appraisal:

All medical and dental staff are required to undertake appraisal.

Additional Information:

follow Trust policies and procedures which are regularly updated including:

Confidentiality / Data Protection / Freedom of Information

Post holders must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 1998 and are liable to dismissal/prosecution in the event of breach.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2005, post holders must apply the Trust's FOI procedure if they receive a written request for information.

Information Governance

All staff must comply with information governance requirements. These include statutory responsibilities (such as compliance with the Data Protection Act).

Equal Opportunities

Post holders must at all times fulfil their responsibilities with regard to the Trust's Equal Opportunities Policy and equality laws.

Health and Safety

All post holders have a responsibility, under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and subsequently published regulations.

Infection Control

All post holders have a personal obligation to act to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). They must attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures required by the Trust to reduce HCAIs.

Risk Management

All post holders have a responsibility to report risks such as clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents promptly. They are expected to be familiar with the Trust's use of risk assessments to predict and control risk, as well as the incident reporting system for learning from mistakes and near misses in order to improve services.

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

Post holders have a general responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties.

Sustainability

It is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust's environmental impact by recycling wherever possible.

Smoking Policy

The Trust is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all. Staff are therefore not permitted to smoke on Trust property or in Trust vehicle.

Review of this Job Description

To be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder when the need arises.

Other:

The Post holder may be asked to undertake other duties in line with the overall purpose and nature of the post as may be required from time to time.

Study Leave:

Study Leave will be granted at the discretion of the Clinical Lead.

Funding for CPD

will be equivalent to that of the appropriate Training post.

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

Post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and this means that any criminal conviction must be made known at the time of application.

Person specification

Qualifications/ Education

Essential criteria

• MB ChB or equivalent
• Full MRCP
• FRCPath part 1

Professional/ Statutory Registration

Essential criteria

• Full GMC Registration

Previous experience

Essential criteria

• At least 2 years' experience in Haematology higher specialist training

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of interest in clinical trials/research

Skills/Knowledge/ Ability

Essential criteria

• Ability to work as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to perform standard emergency clinical procedures (e.g. arterial blood gas)
• Understanding of the principles and application of clinical research / audit
• Computer literacy
• An understanding of the process of medical education
• Ability to manage own time and to prioritise
• Punctuality, reliability and good organisational skills
• Ability to establish good working relationships with others and work within a team
• An empathetic, non-judgemental approach to Patients

Desirable criteria

• Experience of research
• Evidence of contributing to or undertaking audit
• Evidence of participation in the teaching process
• Advanced Life Support Course (ALS)

Guy's and St Thomas' celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study's at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

As an organisation we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern so that we can offer services in the evenings or at weekends.

Flexible working

We are committed to supporting all employees to achieve a healthy work life balance and to work in a way that is best for them and our patients. We will consider all requests to work flexibly, taking into account the individual's personal circumstances as well as the needs of the service. We encourage all prospective applicants to discuss their individual circumstances with the recruiting manager as part of the on-boarding process.

Your e-mail address is important to us - We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis.

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Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• RCF JD (PDF, 272.4KB)
• RCF PS (PDF, 112.7KB)
• FR (PDF, 136.6KB)
• RCF Advert (PDF, 200.6KB)