Job Summary
The Consultant Anaesthetist plays a crucial role in the Cardiovascular & Theatres department, providing expert anaesthetic care to patients undergoing surgical and diagnostic procedures. This position requires a highly skilled medical professional who can deliver comprehensive anaesthesia services, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the surgical process. The Consultant Anaesthetist will be involved in pre-operative assessments, intraoperative management, and post-operative care, working closely with surgical teams to optimize patient outcomes.
In this role, the Consultant Anaesthetist will be responsible for administering various types of anaesthesia, including general, regional, and sedation techniques. They will also monitor patients' vital signs and respond to any changes in their condition during procedures. The position demands a commitment to maintaining high standards of practice, adhering to clinical guidelines, and participating in continuous professional development.
Moreover, the Consultant Anaesthetist will engage in teaching and mentoring junior anaesthesia staff and medical students, fostering a culture of learning and excellence within the department. They are expected to contribute to departmental audits and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care. Given the diverse patient population in Nigeria, cultural sensitivity and effective communication, skills are essential for this role.
The successful candidate will have substantial experience in general anesthesia practice, with a focus on cardiovascular procedures. They should be adept at managing complex cases and possess excellent problem-solving skills. Additionally, they must demonstrate leadership qualities, as they will often lead anaesthesia teams during surgeries.
Overall, this position is integral to the delivery of safe and effective anaesthetic services in a dynamic healthcare environment. The Consultant Anaesthetist will play a pivotal role in improving surgical outcomes and enhancing the patient experience within the Cardiovascular & Theatres department
Key Responsibilities
- Pre-operative Patient Assessment: Conduct thorough evaluations of patients prior to surgery to determine their suitability for anaesthesia.
- Anaesthesia Administration: Administer various forms of anaesthesia (general, regional) based on individual patient needs and surgical requirements.
- Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuously monitor patients’ vital signs and anaesthetic depth during surgical procedures.
- Post-operative Care: Provide immediate post-operative care to ensure patients recover safely from anaesthesia.
- Collaboration with Surgical Teams: Work closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to develop anaesthetic plans tailored to specific surgeries.
- Crisis Management: Respond effectively to any complications or emergencies that arise during procedures.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed records of anaesthetic techniques used, patient responses, and any complications encountered.
- Quality Improvement Initiatives: Participate actively in departmental audits and quality assurance processes to enhance service delivery.
- Mentorship: Provide guidance and training for junior anaesthetists and medical students.
- Research Participation: Engage in clinical research projects aimed at advancing anaesthetic practices within the department.
- Equipment Management: Ensure that all anaesthetic equipment is properly maintained and functioning before use.
- Patient Education: Explain anaesthetic procedures to patients and address any concerns they may have prior to surgery.
- Cultural Competence: Adapt communication styles to meet the diverse cultural needs of patients in Nigeria.
- On-call Responsibilities: Participate in an on-call rota for emergency surgeries outside regular hours.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments such as Intensive Care Units (ICU) for seamless patient transitions.
Equality and Diversity
- Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.
Personal and Staff Development
- Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team.
- Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.
- Responsible for development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.#
Communications And Working Relationships
- Collaborate closely with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Communicate effectively with patients regarding their anaesthetic care.
- Maintain clear lines of communication within the Cardiovascular & Theatres department.
- Engage with hospital administration regarding departmental needs.
- Foster relationships with external stakeholders for collaborative projects.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings regularly
Line Management
- Lead a team of junior anaesthetists during surgical procedures.
- Oversee the training of new staff within the department.
- Conduct performance evaluations for junior team members.
- Ensure adherence to hospital policies among team members.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively within the anaesthesia team.
- Facilitate conflict resolution among team members when necessary.
- Support career development opportunities for junior staff..
Organisational Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with national health regulations related to anaesthesia practices.
- Participate in departmental strategic planning sessions.
- Contribute to budget preparation related to anaesthesia services.
- Engage in continuous professional development activities personally and for staff.
- Implement best practices for patient safety within the department.
- Monitor departmental performance metrics regularly.
Confidentiality
The post holder must be aware that Confidential Information and data to which the post holder will have knowledge and access to in the course of their employment with the AMCE is to be kept confidential, and this confidentiality is a condition of employment. The duty to maintain confidentiality continues even when the post holder is no longer employed.
This information is not to be shared with anyone outside of the AMCE under any circumstances, except to the extent necessary to fulfil any duties and responsibilities required within the role. Furthermore, upon termination with the AMCE Abuja, the post holder will return to the AMCE all confidential information held.
General
The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of AMCE together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients, staff and visitors.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an AMCE email account, which will be the AMCE's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.
Infection Control Statement
The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role. These requirements are set out in the AMCE Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures, which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.