Consultant Physician in Acute Medicine

This is an exciting opportunity to join our welcoming and friendly team within the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and Department of Medicine. The AMU (previously known as the Combined Assessment Unit) is located within the modern NHS Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI), which opened in December 2017. The successful applicant will join a team of Acute and General Medical Consultants, providing senior presence and clinical leadership within the AMU.

The role includes post-take ward rounds, continuous review of newly admitted patients (including those suitable for Same Day Emergency Care), and supporting and teaching junior colleagues and Advanced Nurse Practitioners. The wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) is integral to the AMU and includes Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, the Frailty Team, and Social Work, all present on a daily basis. Post holders are expected to work collaboratively with these teams and contribute to twice-daily MDT meetings to support patient flow and facilitate early discharge.

The post holder will also play a key role in the education and training of medical students from ScotGEM, as well as the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. There is an opportunity to maintain or develop a specialty interest or additional skill through split working, subject to negotiation and service needs. Current areas of interest include medical education, point-of-care ultrasound, and infection prevention and control/antimicrobial stewardship.

The job plan (an example of which is provided below) is subject to annual review and comprises 10 PAs, with scope to include SPAs depending on agreed professional activities.

• Undertake assessment and triage of acute medical patients referred from the Emergency Department or Primary Care to the AMU.
• Be supported by dedicated junior medical staff and provide on-site clinical supervision and guidance.
• Establish initial investigation and management plans in line with the Society of Acute Medicine standards (within 8 hours during daytime and 14 hours overnight).
• Participate in the general medical on-call rota (approximately 1:12 frequency, including 1:6 weekends).
• Work with Acute Medicine colleagues to develop alternatives to inpatient admission, supported by rapid access to diagnostic services.
• Develop collaborative links with the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, in line with Royal College of Physicians guidance.
• Supervise and train junior medical staff and Advanced Practitioners.
• Contribute to undergraduate teaching as a clinical educator.
• Ensure clinical practice is effective, efficient, and appropriately monitored.
• Maintain high standards of care in line with GMC guidance Duties of a Doctor, including raising concerns where appropriate.
• Actively participate in audit and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain responsibility for patient care within the AMU and High Dependency areas, ensuring effective organisation of clinical practice.
• Ensure timely reporting of critical clinical incidents in line with organisational policy.
• Complete mandatory and statutory training as required.

Dumfries and Galloway offers a beautiful natural environment, from rugged coastline and sandy beaches to forests and rolling hills. A wide range of outdoor activities is available, including watersports, fishing, birdwatching, golf, and mountain biking. The area offers affordable housing, good schools, and excellent transport links, with Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Lake District, and Newcastle all within approximately two hours. NHS Dumfries and Galloway offers a comprehensive relocation package.

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