Position Overview

Department of Neurology and Stroke is looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and professional neurologist with a sub specialty fellowship to expand the neurology services at North Canberra Hospital (NCH) and The Canberra Hospital (TCH) across the territory as a network. The Staff specialist provides expertise in the management of neurological conditions within CHS Neurology network. Neurology department now operates as a cross territory wide service. The consultant neurologists are cross credentialled across both public hospitals, NCH and TCH in ACT.

Participate in the operations of inpatient general neurology and acute stroke service based at NCH and care for clinically appropriate referrals from ACT and the surrounding region. Participate in operations of general neurology and subspeciality outpatient clinics across NCH and TCH depending on service provision. Provide evidence-based management of all neurological conditions.

Neurology consultation to inpatients including service on the neurology on-call rosters. This includes participation in the 24/7 acute stroke service to deliver thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke patients and assess patient for clot retrieval. Provision of outpatient care in neurology and establish specialise outpatient clinics. The successful candidate will develop a subspeciality services at NCH or work collaboratively in TCH in providing and expanding the neurology services.

Contribute to the clinical governance of the service by undertaking clinical audit, morbidity and mortality review, participation in hospital committees and practicing evidence-based medicine.

Adhere to department and hospital’s policy and best practice in ensuring efficiency of the admission to discharge process to achieve the shortest length of stay possible for each patient.  Provide supervision and advice to the general medical teams to achieve accurate Estimated Date of Discharge (EDD) and timely actual discharge.

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. Undertake to provide a comprehensive General neurology and Stroke inpatient services and provide an on call and consultative service as required.
2. Undertake General neurology along with sub speciality outpatient service delivery. Develop and participate in subspeciality Neurology services within CHS neurology network.
3. Undertake to fulfil and maintain annual RACP and Continuing Professional Development activities; meet and maintain the necessary standards of ongoing and safe professional clinical practice, AHPRA regulatory standards and complete performance appraisal requirements with unit director of Neurology as required.
4. Actively contribute to clinical governance and quality assurance activities in the Neurology and Stroke unit; and undertake clinical audits, support morbidity and mortality reviews, clinical pathway development and other quality assurance activities with a commitment to best clinical practice as maybe required by the unit and director.
5. Contribute to unit lead education, research and teaching activities and commit to teaching, supervising, mentoring and training of Neurology trainees, Junior Medical Officers, other relevant hospital clinical staff and community based health practitioners as required by unit director; And as part of these responsibilities attend and contribute to hospital and unit handover and other relevant meetings as required.
6. NCH has the expectation of a staff specialist to meet the following minimal clinical requirements;
   • There will be expectation for the successful applicant to do ambulatory outpatient clinics including speciality clinic.
   • Ward Rounds – during the on-call week on a regular basis and reviewing new admissions. Attending ward consultations when requested by other specialities. Participation in acute stroke calls during on calls.
7. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

Behavioural Capabilities

1. Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive;
2. Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs;
3. A commitment to practicing holistic medicine that takes into account and is sensitive to a patient’s unique psychological, spiritual and socioeconomic background.
4. Ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels and across disciplines.

Position Requirements / Qualifications

Mandatory

• Registered or eligible for unconditional registration as a medical practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Training and experience in Adult Neurology to a standard accredited by the RACP STC in Adult Neurology.
• Demonstrate subspecialty experience by completion of fellowship or due to complete, accredited by the RACP STC in Adult Neurology. It is preferrable for the candidate to hold or proceed towards completing a fellowship in either Neurophysiology or Movement Disorders.
• Demonstrates experience and participate in neurology on call roster including acute stroke management.
• The successful applicant will need to be available for weekend and after-hours work.
• Preferable be in final training year of FRACP Advanced Training in Acute and General Medicine or have received their Fellowship.
• CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for medical professionals.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your CV and experience.

1. Eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia as a Specialist, and/or overseas trained specialist pathways.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills including effective negotiation and conflict resolution, and an ability to liaise effectively at all levels of work, and interact as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
3. Skills in the clinical supervision, teaching and professional development at all levels, including medical, nursing, and allied health professional staff, both postgraduate and undergraduate.
4. Demonstrated commitment to the maintenance and further development of skills in the specialty, including involvement in further education and continuing professional development.
5. Availability to participate in an on-call roster and to respond on site within a reasonable time.
6. Hold or proceed towards completion of Fellowship of the applicable College with subspeciality fellowship.
7. Demonstrated commitment to clinical governance relevant to the practice of acute hospital medicine including but not limited to audits, research, education and training.
8. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Work Environment Description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.