We have an exciting opportunity for a registered dietitian to become the hepatology dietitian within our acute adult team. Hepatology services within the Trust have recently expanded and we are seeking a specialist dietitian to further develop dietetics in hepatology at UHS.

The hepatology service is a regional unit for complex liver disease, managing patients from the Wessex area, the Channel Islands and the Falklands. Conditions include cirrhosis, alcohol related liver disease, fatty liver disease, drug induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, auto immune and biliary conditions and hepatocellular carcinoma. The team are a key satellite centre and work closely with the transplant team at Addenbrookes Hospital, holding a monthly MDT clinic.

The successful applicant will expected to work closely with the hepatology MDT and dietetic team. This role involves direct patient contact alongside service development of dietetic hepatology services at a large acute teaching hospital. You will be supported to engage in research and improvement activities.

Main duties of the job

You can read an overview of the main duties of the role in the section below: Job Description and Main Responsibilities.

To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents attached.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

At UHS we are committed to providing a flexible working environment. We believe that it benefits everyone if we achieve a positive work-life balance. Whether you are balancing family, study or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

We're proud to have been voted in the Top Five acute Trusts for our commitment to supporting our staff to achieve work-life balance.

UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme and life insurance.

Job description

Job responsibilities

WHAT YOULL DO

You will be an integral member of the specialist hepatology multidisciplinary team.You will: Be the dietetic clinical lead responsible for the provision of a highly specialist dietetic service to hepatology patients at UHS, including on the GI Bleed unit. Provide complex nutritional support to patients with hepatology related conditions including cirrhosis, alcohol related liver disease, fatty liver disease, drug induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, auto immune conditions, biliary conditions, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This includes inpatient and outpatient support. Provide nutritional support to patients undergoing regular outpatient paracentesis. Provide complex nutritional support to patients pre and post liver transplant liaising with the specialist hepatology dietitians and transplant coordinator at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. This is part of a once monthly MDT clinic. Work with the medical team lead dietitian and lead acute dietitian on planning, developing, and progressing the new hepatology dietetic service. Work in a variety of clinical settings including acute medical wards and out-patient clinics. Work within an experienced team of medical dietitians covering gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory medicine, acute medical admissions, neurology and medicine for older people. Be a key member of the multidisciplinary teams working closely with hepatology consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and ward nurses on the specialist medical wards. Provide educational talks on the importance of nutrition in hepatology to inform patients, nurses, and junior doctors. Be involved with the supervision and support of junior dietitians, dietetic assistants, and dietetic students.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in acute dietetics and nutrition support, with evidence of relevant, strong clinical skills. Flexibility, ability to prioritise and manage a busy, complex caseload is essential. You must have excellent communication skills as well as an empathic nature to help patients manage their condition and be aware of the psychological impact this may have. You should have extensive experience of working with complex nutritional support patients requiring enteral nutrition in the acute setting. Experience of working with hepatology patients is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. If you do not have experience of working with this patient group but are interested in this role please get in contact to discuss the option of a band 6/7 training role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Masters level qualification or equivalent experience
• HCPC (Health and Care professions Council) registered dietitian (RD)

Desirable

• Member of British Dietetic Association (BDA) and relevant specialist groups

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Evidence of post-graduate training in relevant speciality
• Experience of supervising staff
• Experience and involvement with training
• Evidence of extensive dietetic knowledge and highly specialist expertise in relevant specialist area with recent experience demonstrating this
• Ability to carry out physical anthropometric measurements and assess nutritional status

Desirable

• Experience of leading or co-ordinating audit or research work
• Clinical supervisory skills training

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

Southampton General Hospital

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

188-CLN0071-A