Specialist Orthoptist

at  Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Applications are invited from an enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our friendly team of 17 Orthoptists, 18 Ophthalmologists and 8 hospital Optometrists based in the purpose built eye clinic at Maidstone General Hospital serving a population of approximately 900,000 within the Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, North Kent, Medway and Swale areas.
Post graduate clinical experience is preferable but not essential – newly qualified graduates or those returning to practice after a career break are welcome to apply as a Band 5 and follow the BIOS preceptorship scheme at the start or restart of their careers.
Please note that the Orthoptists at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trust are eligible for a 5% Recruitment and Retention Premium salary uplift until 31.3.25 and for up to £8000 relocation expenses if certain criteria are met.
New graduates will start as a Band 5 and work through competencies to progress to Band 6 over a minimum of 12 months.
The Orthoptists at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust have an interesting and varied workload with 3 Ophthalmologists who specialise in paediatrics and ocular motility. The Orthoptic department support BTXA clinics, joint Orthoptic and Ophthalmology paediatric and adult clinics, oculoplastic, including TED clinics, joint Orthoptic and Optometry clinics, the busy emergency eye service and more. This role involves working at Maidstone Hospital and our other sites Medway Hospital and/or Tunbridge Wells Hospital so the ability to travel to different hospitals is essential.
You must hold a degree or diploma in Orthoptics and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. The Orthoptic department is an accredited clinical placement for Liverpool, Sheffield and UCL University Orthoptic students and is actively involved in teaching other professionals such as pre-registration Optometrists. An interest in developing teaching skills or a teaching qualification is therefore preferable.
The Orthoptists have extended roles in VPD, SEN, VI, stroke and glaucoma and with encouragement from the departments Orthoptic clinical tutor and clinical lead we regularly participate in department audit, research, journal clubs, clinical governance and training days for CPD.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is a large acute hospital Trust in the county of Kent.
The Trust provides a full range of general hospital services and some areas of specialist complex care to around 760,000 people living in the south part of West Kent and the north part of East Sussex.
The Trust’s core catchment areas are Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and their surrounding boroughs. We work from two main clinical sites: Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. Tunbridge Wells Hospital opened in 2011 and provides single rooms with en-suites for all in-patients – the first of its kind in the country.
We employ more than 7,000 full and part-time staff in a huge range of clinical and non-clinical roles across both of our hospital sites.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email mtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.net if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.
Interview Date: 3rd June 202

Please refer the Job description for details