Consultant Cardiologist

Amyloidosis and Inherited Cardiac Conditions at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH). This post will include sessions in Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE). This is a new post, with dual responsibilities in delivering cardiac care within the newly established North West Amyloidosis Network and managing a case load within the heart muscle disease clinics at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the work load within the TOE service.

Main duties of the job

The North West Amyloid Network is a new development for the patients of the North West, diagnostics for and care of complex cardiac amyloidosis patients will be devolved to this new service from the previous single central point of care in London. The successful candidate will be central to the early set up and delivery of this service, working in collaboration with teams across Cheshire and Merseyside and the wider north west region, whilst maintaining a strong connection with the National Amyloidosis Centre. Cardiac care will be delivered at LHCH.

The appointee will be responsible for an independent case load of complex cardiomyopathy patients in addition to those with amyloid cardiomyopathy. This will sit within the ICC service at LHCH. Contributing to the active TOE service at LHCH will also be required, including for complex valve interventions. LHCH has an active percutaneous mitral and tricuspid programme, along with an established high volume TAVI service.

About us

As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision 'to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation'.

We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine both in the hospital and out in the community.

We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.

Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and our encouragement of flexible working in a variety of forms.

Job responsibilities

The appointee will be joining a team of three ICC cardiologists and 3 ICC nurses. We have a rolling post CCT ICC fellow post to support the service. There will be a specific specialist nurse for cardiac amyloidosis appointed in conjunction with this post. The wider team includes seven imaging cardiologists, twelve pacing and EP cardiologists and the larger cardiology consultant group.

Due to the expansion of amyloid services by NHS England this is an exciting opportunity to be involved in creating and delivering a new service, at a time when care for these patients is evolving rapidly. The expansion of ICC and cardiomyopathy services also provides a chance to work in an established, high volume cardiomyopathy centre. The LHCH ICC unit has a team that can provide detailed phenotyping and care for these patients, including complex devices, interventional procedures and specialist surgeons. We enjoy close links to clinical genetics with presence on site at clinics and with clinical and lab staff for MDTs.

Qualifications

• MRCP (UK) Entry on Specialist Register (or entry expected within 6 months)
• Entry on Specialist Register (or entry expected within 6 months)
• Full registration with the GMC

Clinical Experience

• Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in cardiology
• Experience in the diagnostics and management of patients with cardiac amyloidosis.
• Experience of all aspects of cardiomyopathy care.
• Ability to offer expert opinion on a range of ICC problems, both emergency and elective.
• Ability to work well within a team and establish good professional relationships
• Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical care of patients
• Understanding and evidence of clinical governance and audit
• Experience in leading service change or improvement

Management Experience

• Able to contribute to the efficient and smooth running of a specialist service.
• Ability to assess current facilities and propose improvements to a new highly specialised service.
• Ability to organise and manage outpatient waiting lists.
• Experience of audit management.
• Independent management orientated projects leading to measurable and meaningful change.

Teaching Experience

• Experience of supervising Tier 1 doctors
• Ability to teach image acquisition and post processing skills
• Experience of teaching basic clinical skills to undergraduates.
• Experience of supervising Tier 2 doctors

Research Experience

• Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
• Peer reviewed publications
• Success in grant applications
• Editorial experience

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work well within a team and establish good professional relationships
• Enquiring, critical approach to work
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies
• Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
• Commitment to continuing medical education
• Editorial experience

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.

Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust