Role Summary
Are you an Orthoptist, Optometrist or Nurse experienced in treating Glaucoma? This position is ideal for someone who is ready to step into a Band 7 role or for an experienced Band 6 looking to develop into a leadership position with a developmental post. Join our small and friendly Ophthalmology team and lead our glaucoma monitoring service.
This role will allow you to develop your leadership skills, training of junior colleagues, and shape the service. In return we offer funded training and development, flexible working, career progression, research and innovation opportunities.
Not forgetting you’ll be in glorious Devon, a fantastic landscape of vibrant cities, stunning beaches and rugged moors.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
We would like to recruit an Advanced Orthoptist, Optometrist or Nurse Practitioner to join our team and lead the Glaucoma Monitoring Service.
We are a small, friendly, dynamic forward-thinking department who encourage extended roles and innovative automatous working practices, perfect for building on and gaining excellent experience.
You’ll work alongside a dedicated team of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Orthoptic assistants, Optometrists and Nurses in our acute hospital and at community locations seeing both adult and paediatric orthoptic patients.
The successful candidate will:
- be part of a team that is at the forefront of innovation and development in both our services and our people for example we offer extended clinical roles in glaucoma, macular reviewing, Botox for blepharospasm and Uveitis screening in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients.
- also support the core orthoptic, optometric or nursing service as an autonomous practitioner
- be responsible for service development as well as training and supervision of junior staff within the glaucoma monitoring service
- take part in regular glaucoma led multi-disciplinary team meetings
- be registered with the HCPC, NMC, or GOC
- have the ability to travel to community hospital locations
Not quite ready for a band 7 post?
This position is ideal for someone who is ready to step into a Band 7 role or for an experienced Band 6 looking to develop into a leadership position. We are open to recruiting at Band 6 level for candidates who possess some, but not all, of the required experience and would support you with a development plan.
Those who do not have relevant experience will be paid at Band 6 rate and progress to Band 7 on completion of the relevant competencies.
Career development and progression
Training and development opportunities are in high supply here, whether you are interested in clinical or leadership development courses we'll support you in finding the best way to grow. We actively encourage CPD and you will have an opportunity to spend time with our range of specialists as part of your CPD.
You’ll be involved in clinical audit, clinical governance sessions, dedicated journal clubs, departmental meetings and courses/ seminars relevant to the role.
About North Devon
North Devon District Hospital is situated close to the fantastic beaches of the North Devon coastline and Exmoor national park. North Devon, known as England’s adventure coast; the area has an outstanding beauty protection status and has recently become the first place in the UK to be selected as a World surfing reserve. There is a good road link to the M5, and rail service to Exeter and the national network.
Working hours
A healthy work-life balance is essential, and Devon is a great place to enjoy it. The Telegraph continues to rank Devon as the best county in England, scoring highly for natural wonders, history and culture, luxuries and their readers poll.
This role is full-time (37.5hrs per week) but part-time hours would be considered. We have a flexible working policy that we are happy to discuss to establish suitable options for you and the department.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours over 4 long days: 3 x 9.5 hours and 1 x 9 hours
Interview Date: To Be confirmed
For further information please contact: Susan Thorne Head Orthoptist on 01271 322469 susanthorne@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
