Locum Oncology SHO

Job Overview

The Locum Oncology SHO supports the oncology team in the assessment, investigation, and management of patients with solid and haematological malignancies across inpatient, outpatient, and chemotherapy/day‑unit settings. The role involves close collaboration with consultants, registrars, oncology nurses, and allied health professionals to deliver safe, protocol‑driven cancer care. This position is ideal for doctors seeking flexible locum work while gaining experience in a busy oncology service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the assessment and clerking of patients presenting with various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, uro‑oncology, haematological malignancies, and others referred to the oncology service.
• Support the management of patients receiving chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, including pre‑treatment assessment, monitoring, and complication management.
• Participate in ward rounds, consultant visits, and multidisciplinary oncology meetings (e.g., tumour boards).
• Order and review relevant investigations (bloods, tumour markers, imaging, etc.) and escalate abnormal findings promptly.
• Assist consultants and registrars with oncology‑related emergencies and rapid‑response calls.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including admission notes, progress charts, and discharge summaries.
• Escalate deteriorating patients or treatment‑related toxicities immediately to senior oncology staff.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including nursing, pharmacy, radiology, and palliative care services.
• Uphold infection‑control, patient‑safety, and chemotherapy‑safety protocols in line with national and HSE/Hiqa guidelines.

Requirements

• Medical degree recognised by the Irish Medical Council.
• IMC registration or eligibility for registration at SHO/NCHD level.
• Previous experience in internal/general medicine, oncology, haematology, or a related hospital setting is advantageous.
• Basic understanding of common cancers and oncology‑supportive care.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Eligibility to locum in Ireland (e.g., Irish/UK/EU passport or Stamp 4).
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume oncology environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Sound clinical judgment and prioritisation skills.
• Comfort with oncology ward and day‑unit work, including chemotherapy administration.
• Ability to manage multiple patients safely and efficiently.
• Professional, adaptable, and reliable approach to locum work.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and high‑quality, compassionate cancer care.

Working Conditions

• Shift‑based rota including days, evenings, weekends, and on‑call duties.
• Busy oncology and haematology‑oncology wards, day‑treatment units, and outpatient clinics.
• Exposure to chemotherapy, supportive‑care, and palliative‑care services in a multidisciplinary setting.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive locum hourly rates, commonly in the €49–€62 per hour band depending on experience and hospital.
• Flexible scheduling to suit availability.
• Opportunity to gain experience in various oncology subspecialties in Ireland.