Specialty Doctor

Are you a dedicated and motivated doctor looking to make a meaningful impact in palliative medicine? We are seeking a Specialty Doctor in Palliative Care to join our team and help provide exceptional, person-centred care to patients. As a Specialty Doctor, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality medical care across our Inpatient Unit, Day Services, and Community settings. You will work closely with our Consultants in Palliative Medicine, nursing teams, and wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ensure compassionate, holistic care for our patients and those important to them. At Ashgate Hospice, we strive to create a happy, safe, and supportive workplace, which 86% of our staff would recommend as an employer. Recognising the importance of wellbeing and work-life balance, we offer flexible work arrangements and generous leave entitlement. Our values are at the heart of everything we do. These include compassion, teamwork, and respect. We are also committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. By joining our team, you'll also have access to training opportunities to help you grow personally and professionally. Whether you're developing in your current role or exploring new career paths, we'll support you every step of the way.

Main duties of the job

As a Specialty Doctor, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based palliative care for patients in our Inpatient Unit, Day Services, and the community. Working closely with Consultants in Palliative Medicine and the multidisciplinary team (MDT), you will ensure holistic, patient-centred care for those requiring symptom management and end-of-life support. In addition to clinical duties, you will contribute to medical education, service development, clinical governance, and audit and research projects. You will also support and mentor junior doctors, medical students, and nursing staff, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within Ashgate Hospice.

About us

Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and advanced heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Last year, we cared for over 2,400 people. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms, and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards. We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support, including bereavement services. We're more than a care provider. We're a campaigner for sustainable end-of-life care funding in the UK, and we continually invest in our services and workforce.

Job responsibilities

This role is ideal for doctors with a passion for palliative care, whether you are looking to develop a career in the specialty or seeking a rewarding portfolio role alongside general practice or another medical discipline. The main duties and responsibilities include:

1. Providing expert symptom management and end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative needs.
2. Working collaboratively with the MDT to develop and implement individualised care plans.
3. Contributing to education, training, and mentorship of junior doctors, medical students, and nursing staff.
4. Supporting research, audits, and service improvements to enhance patient care.
5. Ensuring safe and effective clinical documentation using electronic patient record systems.
6. Demonstrating leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to hospice values.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Medical Degree
• GMC registration
• Eligible to work at Specialty Doctor level
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc, PGCert) in Palliative Care or related field
• Teaching qualification
• Diploma in palliative medicine
• Experience of working on the Inpatient Unit of a Hospice

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.