Job summary
We are looking to welcome a consultant anaesthetist to primarily work within adult general theatres and be on the adult general on call rota, but be willing and able to flex to cover work within our paediatric theatres. The job plan will incorporate, on average, one session in paediatric theatres per week to maintain skill.
We are the largest hospital in the Southwest Peninsula, and offer a secondary care service to approximately 500 000 patients, and a tertiary care service to a further 1.5 million. We are a major trauma centre. Almost all adult surgical specialties are catered for, including cardiac, neurosurgery, thoracics and paediatrics. A successful applicant will be joining a welcoming and friendly department that has held ACSA Accreditation since 2015 and is proud of its collegiate spirit. We have a strong track record in clinical excellence & translational research, and receive very positive feedback from our rotating trainees. We understand the need to accommodate a healthy work life balance and aim to support flexible working. We have a lively social programme and a dedicated anaesthetic coffee room, known as the 'Back Bar'.
We are located on the Devon/Cornwall border with access to all the amenities of a metropolitan city, yet moments away from the moors and sea. We are proud that Plymouth was voted the top city to live in England in 2023!
Main duties of the job
This post is for a substantive consultant anaesthetist capable of delivering high quality anaesthesia across all main surgical specialties. These duties include but are not limited to teaching, continuing medical education and quality improvement activities.
The post holder will be expected to participate in the general on-call rota that covers general surgery, obstetrics, major trauma, IR and neurosurgery. There are separate on call rotas for paediatrics, ICU and cardiac.
We are a busy and expanding Trust. Some weekend elective, emergency and trauma anaesthetic cover will also be required. An appropriate allocation of programmed activities will be agreed for this work. We aim to be flexible and are happy to receive applications from less than full time.
The enclosed job plan is indicative and may change following service development to meet the requirements of the service and importantly, the interests of the post holder.
About us
The Anaesthesia Service Line comprises 74 consultants (7 military), 5 staff grade & associate specialist doctors, and approximately 40 trainees. Further contributions are made from colleagues from pain services and critical care. Cardiothoracic anaesthesia is provided by colleagues from the cardiothoracic service line. Although large, we have a reputation for being supportive and friendly. We deliver >20 000 PA of direct clinical care per annum in both the operating theatres and wider hospital environment. There are over 30 operating theatres and other areas where anaesthesia contributes.
We pride ourselves in being a progressive, fun, dedicated department, with monthly departmental business meetings, regular and ad hoc CPD sessions and a fantastic anaesthetic coffee room ("The Back Bar") which enable the development of strong personal and professional bonds within the department.
From a management perspective we are a separate directorate with the surgical care group but work together to ensure efficient use of resources and to discuss future strategic policies.
Plymouth is described as Britain's ocean city, offering an excellent work-life balance and plenty of opportunity to make the most of the outdoors - including the beaches of Cornwall and Devon and the moors. Newquay and Exeter airport are a short drive away with national and international flights.
Job description
Job responsibilities
We have included an indicative 10 PA job plan within the candidate pack, however the successful applicant will have the opportunity to meet with the Service Line Director in advance of commencing the post to agree a job plan that works for both the applicant and Trust. We recognise the importance of flexible working and will seek to accommodate this wherever possible. We are also keen to support applicants to do what they enjoy and therefore bring their best selves to work!
Job plans typically start with 1.5 generic SPA.
We run a 1ston call rota, backed up by a 2nd on call consultant for anaesthesia (not cardiac, ICU or paediatrics). When 1ston call you need to be within 30 minutes of the hospital. For 2ndon call, it is 45 minutes. There are resident trainees in obstetrics and the emergency theatre (as well as ICU and cardiac ICU).
We have regular evening trauma lists and cover the emergency stroke thrombectomy service. There areweekend emergency and trauma lists, as well as a number of waiting list initiatives for elective work.
We would be more than happy to discuss elements of the job, rota or any other queries.
We would actively welcome and encourage visiting the department, hospital and the area in advance of interviews/application.
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
- CCT/ CESR in anaesthesia (or expected within 6 months)
- Full GMC registration with license to practice
- Broad, current clinical experience of adult anaesthesia.
- Advanced module or SIA in obstetric anaesthesia (or previous experience at consultant level)
Desirable
Desirable
- Possession of other related postgraduate qualification such as BSc, MSC or PhD
- Evidence of positive patient and colleague feedback
- Experience of managing complex cases
- Distinction, scholarships and prizes
- Evidence of skills in service improvement, research, medical education, leadership
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website .
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website .
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address
Derriford Hospital
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH