Vacancy notice: General Surgeon
Come work on Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited island in the world!
About the role
The Government of Tristan da Cunha (TdC) is seeking to fill the role of locum General Surgeon on its Medical Officer Rota during 2024 and 2025. This is a unique opportunity to lead and support on strategic health care provision on the island.
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified general surgeon with a broad skills mix and proven experience of General Surgery (fully registered with the UK General Council (GMC) or similar recognised Medical or relevant Board) with a minimum of 10 years' post qualification experience of surgical procedures. The candidate will also provide health promotion/preventive and curative clinical care to the Island population.
About Camogli Healthcare Centre
Further details and pictures of our facilities can be found on our Hospital Page.
The Tristan da Cunha Camogli Healthcare Centre, usually referred to as the hospital, was built and equipped in 2016/2017 to the latest UK National Health Service standards and was officially opened on 7th June 2017. It is located in the south western corner of the settlement below the previous hospital (built in 1971), which is now used by the veterinarians and for general storage. The new hospital was funded by the then UK Department for International Development (DfID) with the intention that the improved facilities would allow more procedures to be performed locally by visiting specialists, and therefore reduce the need for expensive referrals to Cape Town.
Key Responsibilities
You will be expected:
- To take responsibility for all medical and health matters for the inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha, in accordance with the TDC Medical Department Policy
- To perform all the duties of a General Surgeon with public health duties when the situation arises
- To support and maintain the distant (telehealth) support links in place in relevant areas and explore establishment of further links where warranted
- To take responsibility for public health matters with a view to improving the health status of the Island population, including devising and delivery of effective strategies to counter the community's lifestyle issues and challenges and proactively implementing recommendations received from visiting specialists in the field of public and environmental health
- To liaise effectively with visiting yachts and ships so that all appropriate measures are taken to ensure the health of the community is protected, as far as is practically possible, from ship borne diseases and viruses
- To give his/her opinion regarding the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) if requested by the Head of Department.
- To review the island's health policy and medical operational plan as requested by the Head of Department.
- To develop and ensure effective implementation of appropriate workplace policies and procedures and treatment guidelines/protocols taking into account international best practice
- To be part of the Health Committee with other members of the Government
- To line manage health and support staff at Camogli Healthcare Centre in accordance with Tristan Government management practice and procedures, including design and delivery of training and support for continuing professional development
- To perform basic and emergency dentistry when there is no visiting dental team on-Island
- As required, to assist the Agricultural Officer with veterinary work
Job Requirement:
Essential
- Demonstrated 10 years post qualification experience in General Surgery in the broadest aspect (Abdominal Surgery – Obstetrics – Orthopaedics)
- Full membership with the General Medical Council (GMC) or similar Medical Board recognised by the UK as medical doctor with a speciality in General Surgery
- Primary Health Care: confident in managing the usual conditions encountered in a busy General Practice.
- MB/BM/BS/MB BCh/BAO/BCH
- ACLS, PALS (APLS) and ATLS
Desirable:
- Experience in Obstetrics and the ability to manage deliveries (normal and caesarean) including a Diploma in Obstetrics will be beneficial
- Experience in Gynaecology
- Anaesthetic experience
- Basic Dental experience (eg: local anaesthesia and tooth extraction)
- Experience in Public Health and/or Health Services Management
- A very good knowledge and management of Hypertension as well as Diabetes
- Ability to manage and motivate staff.
- Experience of working in overseas territories would be an advantage.
Duties are for guidance only and are not exhaustive. They may change or be added and deleted to meet the changing requirements of the post.
What you'll bring
As an experienced practitioner, the postholder will be a fully qualified general surgeon with a broad skills mix and proven experience of General Surgery (fully registered with the UK General Council (GMC) or similar recognised Medical or relevant Board) with a minimum of 10 years' post qualification experience of surgical procedures. The candidate will also provide health promotion/preventive and curative clinical care to the Island population. S/He will be someone who is highly motivated, knowledgeable, adaptable and resilient with a 'can do' attitude which is paramount to living and working on Tristan.
What we offer
Salary of £80,000 per annum pro rata (tax free) – whilst salary is not taxed on island, please note that it might be taxed in your country of origin
In addition, the role attracts the following benefits:
- an attractive benefits package which includes free housing; travel; and medical cover if based outside South Africa; including on-island treatment and evacuation to Cape Town
- an incredible environment to live and work in
- return flights and passage costs to and from the island
The appointment will be subject to:
- Satisfactory employment references
- Enhanced Criminal Records Check
- Satisfactory Medical and Dental Clearance
What's it like to work on Tristan da Cunha?
Tristan da Cunha is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom (UKOT). It is the world's remotest inhabited island with a population of around 250 people, and lies 1750 miles west of Cape Town. The island has no airport and is only accessible by ship from Cape Town approx. nine times a year. Opportunities to work in this unique environment and community are rare, and this particular role will offer the chance to develop a range of skills. To thrive here in this high-profile role, you must be resilient, adaptable and able to live and work in an incredibly small community with limited availability of perishable food, non-food items and internet connectivity.
To apply - Closing Date: 29th February 2024
For a full copy of the Job Description and further details on how to apply for this key position,
please email Jean Caldwell, Project Manager at the following email address: jcaldwell@nico.org.uk.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 29th February 2024
Interviews: By Microsoft Teams or Zoom in mid-March 2024 approx
Required start date: June or September 2024 (depending on the shipping schedule)