PORTSMOUTH HOSPITALS UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST

and

ISLE OF WIGHT NHS TRUST

Appointment of

CONSULTANT IN INFECTION

1 WTE post
 JOB DESCRIPTION

The Post

This is a full-time post consisting of 10 Programmed Activities [PAs] per week for a Consultant in
Infection (Microbiology and Virology) based primarily at Queen Alexandra hospital, Portsmouth.
Applicants wishing to work reduced hours will be considered. The post provides out-of-hours
microbiology and infection advice to both Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust and St Mary’s
hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight.

The Consultant clinical duties:

Direct clinical care will consist of a specified duty weekday per week for Microbiology, a specified
duty weekday per week for Virology and advisory service to bacteraemic patients during on-call
weeks (1 in 7). This is a very clinically orientated job with a substantial ward round commitment
especially covering the acute medical wards, direct clinician liaison and antimicrobial stewardship
input. The specific microbiology/infection clinical responsibilities will be agreed on commencement.
The post holder will be expected to contribute to the Infection Prevention and Control team but will
not be expected to take any significant leadership role in infection prevention in the first instance.

On call requirements

The post holder will be required to participate in the microbiology on call rota covering both Trusts,
1:7 weekday evening cover and 1:7 weekend cover. Remote access to laboratory information
management systems facilitates advice on patient management and result authorisation across
the two Trusts.

Services Relevant to the Post:

• The purpose-built laboratory at Queen Alexandra hospital includes a designated molecular

suite and two independent Hazard Group 3 processing rooms
• Academic links can be developed with Portsmouth University

The post holder will be expected to:

• Carry out ward-based patient reviews and antimicrobial stewardship ward rounds
• Support the microbiology clinical advisory service by participating in duty sessions
• Contribute to the ongoing development and quality assurance of the laboratory by
participating in laboratory management, audit, and quality reviews
• Contribute to the Antimicrobial Management Group, support, and develop antimicrobial
stewardship in liaison with the antimicrobial pharmacist
• Support the Infection Prevention and Control Team with input into the development of
policies and dissemination of good practice
• Support UKHSA and contribute to investigation and control of infectious diseases
• Participate in teaching of laboratory staff, junior doctors, and other healthcare staff
• Undertake professional development, participate in clinical audit, and comply with essential
skills training
• Undertake annual appraisal for revalidation purposes
• So far as is consistent with the proper discharge of the above duties the post holder
undertakes to deputise from time to time for absent colleagues
2
Applicants must be registered Medical Practitioners (with a licence to practise) and on the
Specialist Register of the GMC or be eligible to be on the Specialist Register within 6 months of
the date of the Advisory Appointments Committee (AAC) as it is a legal requirement for all doctors
to be on the GMC Specialist Register before they can take up a consultant appointment. It is
expected that they will have obtained fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists and the
membership of the Royal College of Physicians or have equivalent experience and training.

The consultant will be managerially accountable to the Chief Executive and Medical Director of
Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust through the Clinical Lead, Clinical Director of Pathology, and
Care Group Director. All consultants within the Microbiology Department are members of the
Microbiology Management Team, which meets bimonthly.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) has a vision to be recognized as a world-class
hospital, leading the field through innovative healthcare solutions, focusing on the best outcomes
for our patients, delivered in a safe, caring, and inspiring environment. The Trust has only recently
been awarded university status and is introducing joint clinical and academic roles to embed
research and academic knowledge into teaching and clinical practices. This is a very exciting time
for the Trust.

At present PHU provides the following services; Emergency Medicine and acute Medical
admissions, General and Specialist Medicine, Elderly Medicine and Rehabilitation, Coronary Care,
Critical Care, General Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Breast Screening and Surgery,
ENT, Orthodontic, Maxillofacial Surgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics including Neonatal
Intensive Care, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, Renal Services including transplantation,
Rheumatology, Dermatology and Neurology.

Queen Alexandra Hospital has 1,200 beds, including cots, 28 theatres, four state of the art linear
accelerators, two purpose-built interventional radiology suites, two MRI scanners, three CT
scanners and a PET scanner, a modern pathology laboratory and out-standing critical care
facilities.

The Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital is one of the busiest in the UK and sees
an average of 385 patients every day. There are plans for the existing emergency department to
be redeveloped within the next few years. Each year we have over 67,000 planned admissions,
review over 500,000 outpatients, carry out more than 57,000 day cases operations and deliver
more than 5,500 babies at our hospital.

Portsmouth Pathology Service

The Portsmouth Pathology Service is part of the Southern Counties Pathology Network. It provides
a comprehensive diagnostic service to the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and to other
purchasers in the area. The Department of Clinical Microbiology is situated in a state-of-the-art
purpose-built Pathology Centre (opened in 2007) on site at the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

3
The Department of Clinical Microbiology

The laboratory currently offers a wide range of bacteriological, virological, mycological, and
parasitological investigations performing over 700,000 tests per year, of which acute hospital
diagnostic work accounts for about 70% with work for General Practitioners about 20% and work
for Solent Sexual Health and neighbouring Trusts the remaining 10%.

The laboratory has a dedicated molecular suite and two Category 3 laboratories. The department
participates in all relevant external quality assessment schemes, has active internal quality
assurance and audit programmes and is UKAS accredited. The microbiology laboratory works an
extended day (08:00 – 20:00) Monday to Friday and 09:00 – 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays with
further extension to provide COVID19 testing.

The annual budget is approximately £4.25 million. The laboratory also handles specimens received
from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Queen Alexandra Hospital has a Ministry of Defence Hospital
Unit and provides service training for military staff.

An on-call service is provided out of hours shared with the consultant microbiologists from St Mary’s
Hospital on the Isle of Wight. The on call is classified by the Trust as Category A, in accordance with
the terms of the new consultant contract.

Isle of Wight NHS Trust

St. Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust commenced on 1 April 2012 as an integrated provider of: Acute
Hospital, Mental Health, Ambulance and Community Services. With 220 beds and 22,685
admissions each year, St Mary’s Hospital is the main base for Acute Services for the Island’s
population of 145,000 which rises to around 250,000 during the summer months.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust are working in
partnership to deliver acute services across both hospital sites, meeting the needs of local
communities and delivering benefits for patients in each area, serving a total population of 800,000
patients

Medical and Clinical Microbiology Workforce

At Queen Alexandra Hospital Portsmouth:

Dr Helen Chesterfield, Consultant Microbiologist

Dr Andrew Flatt, Consultant Microbiologist and Care Group Director
Dr Ruan Simpson, Consultant Microbiologist and Clinical Director
Dr Sarah Wyllie, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Prevention Doctor
Kelly Bicknell, Clinical Scientist
Ashleigh Hale, trainee Clinical Scientist

Microbiology StR’s x2 as per Wessex deanery Infection training rotation

Microbiology Trust registrar x1
Foundation Year 2 doctor x1

4
At St. Mary’s Hospital, Isle of Wight:

Dr Rosemarie Daly, Consultant Microbiologist

Dr Emily Macnaughton, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Prevention Doctor

Postgraduate Facilities and Education

There is an active postgraduate centre with an attached library, facilities for centre based learning
and regular clinical meetings and teaching sessions. The successful candidate will be expected to
play their part in the postgraduate activities, teaching and clinical audit.

All educational supervisors of doctors in training are expected to undertake one session per week
in teaching/training/appraisal of these doctors and to carry out the responsibilities of educational
supervisors as indicated in the Regional Postgraduate Dean’s contract with the Trust and according
to GMC guidelines.

The Trust is committed to continuing professional development (CPD) with funding allocated to
each doctor on an annual basis. This post allocates 2.0 SPA per week to continuing professional
development, audit, teaching and governance duties.

Appraisal/Job Planning

The Responsible Officer of the Trust overseas appraisal and revalidation. Job planning is
undertaken as a department under the Care Group Leadership team with sign off by the Care
Group Director on an annual basis

Office Accommodation and Secretarial Support

The post-holder will be provided with office space and will share secretarial support with consultant
colleagues. The post-holder will have their own desk-top computer connected to the laboratory
network, giving access to the laboratory computer system (currently iSoft Apex), the hospital
patient administration system, Trust standard software packages, Trust intranet, e-mail and
Internet. The laboratory also uses SGSS for reporting certain specified infections to the Regional
Epidemiologist and PHE.

Main Conditions of Service

The Terms and Conditions of the Consultant Contract (England) 2003 will apply to this post.

In particular, candidates should note the following:

1. The post is remunerable on the appropriate consultant salary scale plus seniority, merit
awards, discretionary points and/or clinical excellence awards depending on previous consultant
level experience.

2. The Trust normally expects the successful candidate to live within 10 miles (or 30 minutes
by road) of Queen Alexandra Hospital. Candidates are reminded that it is their professional
responsibility to ensure appropriate availability for clinical duties. In the event of failure to reach an
agreement the matter should be referred to the Medical Director for a decision. The post-holder
must be able to travel to meet the requirements of the post and their private residence must be
maintained in contact with the public telephone service.
5
3. The successful applicant will be required to have a Disclosure and Barring check before
taking up their appointment.

A consultant is accountable to the Trust for the provision of services as required. The contractual
arrangement with the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is exercised through the Medical
Director, who provides support and advice to the Consultant Medical Staff in both professional and
contractual matters. All doctors in the Trust are ultimately professionally accountable to the Medical
Director.

It is expected that consultants normally will cover each other’s absences for annual and on study
leave and that the appointee will normally comply with the Trust and department’s policies on the
number of consultants who may be on leave from a clinical service at any one time, so that the
delivery of service to patients may be maintained.

The Trust expects all Medical and Dental staff to work within the guidelines of the GMC ‘Guide to
Good Medical Practice’ which can be viewed on the GMC website www.gmc-uk.org.

Where the post holder manages employees of the Trust, they will be expected to follow the local
and national employment and personnel policies and procedures.

Study leave

30 days within a three-year period, subject to national and local policies will be allowed.

Status of Post

This is a full time post however applicants interested in reduced hours will be considered.

Residence

Residence within either 10 miles or 30 minutes by road from Queen Alexandra Hospital is usually
required unless alternative arrangements agreed with the Trust management. The private
residence must be maintained in contact with the public telephone service.

Safeguarding

Act in such a way that at all times the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults is
safeguarded. Familiarisation with and adherence to the Safeguarding Policies of the Trust is an
essential requirement for all employees. In addition to all staff are expected to complete
essential/mandatory training in this area.

Infection Prevention and Control

You are required to adhere to Trust Infection Control Policies at all times and to challenge poor
practice that could lead to the transmission of infection. Any non compliance with Infection Control
policies may be subject to disciplinary action.

6
Rehabilitation of Offenders

Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the
provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation
of Offenders Act, 1974 (exceptions) order 1975. Applicants are therefore not entitled to withhold
information about convictions. This could result in dismissal or disciplinary action from the Trust.

Any information given will be completely confidential and will be considered only in relation to an
application for positions to which the order is applied.

Health and Safety

The Trust has a Health and Safety Policy, and all staff are required to be familiar with, and comply
with, the policy to ensure a safe working environment.

Clinical Governance

All consultants are required to participate actively in clinical audit and consultant appraisal. The
Clinical Lead will usually conduct an initial appraisal, and time is allocated by the Trust for
preparation and the appraisal meeting within the job plan. The post-holder will also be expected
to take an active part in the evidence-based practice and risk management programmes. The post-
holder will also participate in the Trust-wide continuous quality improvement programme, involving
patients and users of the service as appropriate.

Risk Assessment

All managers have a responsibility to assess risks and implement the necessary actions to
minimise these within their sphere of responsibility. They must enable staff to attend statutory and
essential training. All staff have a personal responsibility to be familiar with the Risk Management
Strategy, follow policies and procedures and take all actions necessary to reduce risk. Staff must
ensure that they attend appropriate statutory and essential training.

Continuing Professional Development

The post-holder is required to participate in a programme of Continuing Professional Development

in line with the guidelines of the appropriate Royal College.

Data Protection Act 1998

It is a requirement of the post holder to maintain the confidentiality of information about patients,
staff and other health service business, in accordance with the Code of Confidentiality of Personal
Health Data, the Korner Report on confidentiality and the Data Protection Act 1998.

General Medical Council Registration

The post holder shall be a medical practitioner, properly registered with the General Medical
Council. It is the post holder’s responsibility to ensure they are registered for the duration of the
appointment.

7
Medical Indemnity

The post holder will be indemnified by the Trust for all NHS work undertaken as part of the post
holder’s Contract of Employment in accordance with HC (89)34. The post holder is encouraged to
take out adequate defence cover as appropriate to cover them for any work which does not fall
within the scope of the indemnity scheme (as per their Contract of Employment).

Complaints

In the event of any investigation into any complaint, the post holder should fully co-operate with the
Trust and the legal advisors (including, however not limited by allegation of negligence or
misconduct) and should agree to provide a full written statement concerning the
incident/complaints within a reasonable time.

Principles of conduct in the NHS

Appointees are expected to adhere to the Standard of Business Conduct as laid down in HSG
(93)5.

It is the responsibility of Trust staff to ensure that they are not placed in a position which risks, or
appears to risk, conflict between their private interests and their NHS duties. Staff are expected to
ensure that the interest of patients remains paramount at all times and to be impartial and honest
in the conduct of their official business and in the use of public funds entrusted to them to the best
advantage of the service, always ensuring value for money. It is also the responsibility of staff to
ensure that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain or to benefit their family or
friends. The Trust standing orders require any post-holder to declare any interest, direct or indirect,
with contracts involving the Trust. Post holders are respectfully requested not to further their private
interests in the course of NHS duties. Please note that it is the post holder’s duty to consult a senior
colleague should they encounter any difficulties during the course of their duties.

Accommodation

The post of Consultant is designated as non-resident. If the post-holder chooses to live in

temporary hospital accommodation, it is Trust policy that all charges relating to the accommodation
will be deducted from salary. The post may qualify for removal expenses which should be
discussed with the Employee Resourcing Manager after interview. Short-term accommodation
may be available if necessary.

Superannuation

The post is subject to the provision of the NHS Superannuation Scheme which is contributory.
Membership of the scheme is automatic, unless the post holder opts out at any time in favour of
provision under a Personal Pension Plan. After opting out of the Scheme, the post holder will
assume full responsibility for pension provision and compliance with the Social Security Act 1986.

References
The appointment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references. These are requested from the
applicant’s nominees and also from recent educational supervisors and Chief Executives/Medical
Directors as appropriate.

8
Appointment

The appointee will be required to take up the post no later than three months from the date of the
offer of an appointment unless a special agreement has been made between the appointee and
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

If you consider it unlikely that you will be able to take up the appointment within such a period, you
are advised to point this out at the time of your application.

Equal Opportunities

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is committed to becoming an equal opportunity

employer. The aim of our policy is to positively promote equality of opportunity and in particular to
ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of
ethnicity, disability, culture, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or marital status.

Information for Candidates

Candidates are asked to note that the canvassing of any member of the Advisory Appointments
Committee, or the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Board, will disqualify the candidate (see
Statutory Instrument 1996 No 701 Paragraph 9[2]). This should not deter candidates from
approaching any person for further information about the post.

Candidates wishing to visit the hospital may do so and should make their own arrangements
directly with Dr Sarah Wyllie 02392 286886 or one of the Consultant Microbiologists on 02392
286000 extn. 1718, who can be contacted for further discussion about the post. The Trust will
reimburse expenses for one pre-interview visit for short listed candidates.

Please note that due to the high volume of recruitment and our desire to treat all applicants fairly it
is not possible to meet with the Chief Executive, Penny Emeritt, prior to the Appointments Advisory
Committee. However, arrangements to meet with Dr John Knighton, Medical Director, can be made
by contacting Emily Wainwright on 023 9228 6959. Both Dr Knighton and Penny Emeritt are
extremely committed and supportive of this appointment and to appointing the right candidate and,
as part of the induction programme the successful applicant will have an opportunity to meet with
them.

9
 PERSON SPECIFICATION / SELECTION CRITERIA
CONSULTANT in INFECTION (Microbiology and Virology)

Requirements Essential Desirable

Qualifications Full and specialist
registration (and a licence
to practise) with the General
Medical Council (GMC) (or
eligible for registration
within six months of
interview)
Clinical Experience Applicants that are UK Virology experience
trained, must ALSO be a
holder of a Certificate of Infection Control
Completion of Training experience
(CCT), or be within six
months of award of CCT by Experience in the
date of interview. rationalisation and control
of antimicrobial
Applicants that are non-UK prescribing
trained, will be required to
show evidence of
equivalence to the UK CCT

The Certificate of
Completion of Training
(CCT) or its recognised
equivalent should ideally be
in microbiology and
infection

Fellowship of the Royal

College Pathologists or
evidence of equivalent
qualification

Membership of the Royal

College of Physicians
Clinical Skills Understanding of clinical Demonstration of
risk management evidence-based medicine

Ability to foster and promote

the delivery of the clinical
diagnostic services of the
laboratory

Enthusiasm for ward-based

clinical liaison

10
Knowledge Reasonable computer Breadth of experience in
literacy to include word and outside speciality
processing and basic
spreadsheets

Able to demonstrate
appropriate level of clinical
knowledge

Interests Active interest in research Other outside interests

and developments in
medical microbiology and
infectious diseases
Nosocomial infection and
rational use of
antimicrobials

Quality of care Able to organise oneself A good record of peer-

(Trust Value) and prioritise clinical need. reviewed publications
Understanding of the NHS,
Clinical Governance and
the principles of research.

Evidence of participation in
audit.

Good communication skills.

Probity.

Logical thinking, good

problem-solving skills and
decision-making

Respect and Dignity Non-judgemental approach

(Trust Value) to patients and colleagues

Respects the privacy and

dignity of individuals

Demonstrate an
understanding of equal
opportunities

Working Together Experience and ability to Evidence of managerial

(Trust Value) work in multi-professional skills, including training
teams. and courses attended

Evidence of teaching
experience – particularly
junior medical staff.

11
 Willingness to contribute to
teaching.

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills.

Efficiency Decisiveness/accountability, Appropriate progression

(Trust Value) flexibility, thoroughness and of career to date
resilience.

Initiative/ drive/ enthusiasm

Evidence of understanding
of constraints on resources

12
 Values based behaviours for leaders

In discussion with its leaders The Trust has developed a Leadership Framework, based on its
Values. As a result of the following expected standards for leadership have been identified,
which all leaders will be required to demonstrate.

Strategic approach (clarity on objectives, clear on expectations)

• Plans and takes initiative in the best interest of the patient

• Makes decisions based on organisation strategic direction
• Makes success criteria clear to others and focuses them on what matters most
• Avoids major problems through anticipation and contingency planning

Relationship building (communicate effectively, be open and willing to help, courtesy, nurtures
partnerships)

• Consistently seeks to understand and meet the needs and interests of patients
• Asks open questions and listens to other ideas to develop joint solutions
• Involves key stakeholder and staff in planning organisational change

Personal credibility (visibility, approachable, back bone, courage, resilience, confidence, role
model, challenge bad behaviour, manage poor performance, act with honesty and integrity)

• Articulates a compelling vision of how things could be and might be

• Consistently delivers on promises
• Consistently acts in accordance with, and champions PHTs values
• Displays sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others
• Has a zero tolerance to, and challenges bad behaviour
• Actively manages poor performance

Passion to succeed (patient centred, positive attitude, take action, take pride, take
responsibility, aspire for excellence)

• Motivates others through infectious enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude

• Maintains optimism and sense of humour in stressful situations
• Emphasises the positive side of difficulties, portraying them as opportunities
• Finds ways around seemingly insurmountable obstacles, not easily defeated
• Infuse pride and joy in work
• Lead by example by taking responsibility, being compassionate and aspiring for excellence

Harness performance through teams (champion positive change, develop staff, create a
culture without fear of retribution, actively listen and value contribution, feedback and empower
staff, respect diversity)

• Takes proactive steps to develop team members using a variety of approaches

• Involves team members in planning and delivering change
• Stimulates and communicates cross disciplinary communication
• Recognises and rewards effort, not just achievement
• Matches the needs of activity to available resources
• Seeks out and listens to team members and stakeholders, welcoming warnings or problems

13
Job Plan

Duties are worked flexibly to meet the needs of the service and to respond to urgent priorities and
will also reflect the other responsibilities that an individual Consultant may acquire or relinquish
from time to time.
Duties undertaken include
a. Direct Clinical Care (total 8PAs):

• The provision of clinical advice to health care staff in both primary and secondary care on
the investigation, management and prevention of infection
• Laboratory diagnostic work, including bench rounds, review and validation of laboratory
reports and the additional of clinical commentary as required
• Advice and support to laboratory staff on the investigation of infection
• Telephoning important results and discussion of case management
• Ward rounds and ad hoc visits to wards/departments to assist in patient management
• Surveillance of infections in both the hospital and community, with appropriate reporting
locally, regionally and nationally
• Meetings and visits to investigate monitor and manage clusters and outbreaks of infection
• Infection control team meetings, committee meetings, advice to primary and secondary care
and other related activities
• Preparation and review of protocols and policy development
• Service development and related correspondence and administration
b. Supporting Professional Activities (total 2PAs):

• Continuing Professional Development

• Audit (clinical and departmental)
• Clinical Governance and quality assurance
• Teaching and training
• Job planning and appraisal
• Research
• Departmental Management meetings
c. Additional Responsibilities may in the future include:

• Duties as Clinical Lead in Infection Prevention and Control (by agreement with DIPC, Care
Group Director and MD)
• Duties as Clinical Director of Pathology (by agreement with Care Group Director and MD)
• Duties as Clinical Lead (by agreement with CD and MD)
• Duties as Audit or Clinical Governance lead

14
 Example job plan
Categorisation Work Hours

Direct Clinical Ward Rounds/visits/clinical liaison and out-patient work 14

Care Investigative, diagnostic or laboratory work 8
Infection Prevention and Control (PHT) 1
Multi-disciplinary meetings – about direct patient care 4
Predictable Emergency Work (average/week) taken as TOIL 4
Unpredictable Emergency Work (average/week) 1
Total 32

Continuous Professional Development 2

Teaching & training 2
Supporting Audit/Clinical Governance 1
professional Job Planning/Appraisal 0.5
activities Research 0.5
Clinical Management 2

Total 8

The opportunity to take up additional PAs may be offered.

Programmed activity Number

Direct Clinical Care (Including unpredictable On-Call) 32

Supporting professional activities 8

Other NHS responsibilities

External Duties

TOTAL PROGRAMMED ACTIVITIES 40

On-Call availability supplement

Agreed on-call rota: 1 in 7

Agreed category: A

On-call supplement: 5%

15