Anaesthetic Consultant

Position Overview

The Anaesthetic Department at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking innovative and proactive professionals to enhance our team of committed clinicians. Our institution is involved in a variety of surgical procedures, including vascular, urological, and elective orthopaedic surgeries, as well as a range of day surgical specialties such as dental, ENT, general surgery, and more. We provide daily emergency theatre coverage and emphasize sustainable anaesthetic practices.

Our facility offers critical care services, featuring a six-bedded Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) and a four-bedded High Dependency Unit (HDU), supported by a dedicated team of Intensive Care Clinicians and Anaesthetists.

The Anaesthetic Department and ITU are engaged in educational initiatives, audits, and research projects, should the successful candidate wish to participate.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for delivering safe anaesthetic care across various surgical lists, with opportunities to work at additional Trust locations based on individual experience, preferences, and departmental needs.

Anaesthetic services are provided for both elective and emergency surgeries within a main operating theatre complex comprising five theatres. Additionally, there are two day-surgery theatres, two endovascular theatres, one ophthalmic theatre, and a four-theatre elective orthopaedic unit. Our anaesthetic services also extend to the MRI suite, endoscopy unit, and intravenous line insertions.

As a consultant, you will have the opportunity to practice both upper and lower limb ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, and we are in the process of implementing day-case major arthroplasty utilizing advanced regional block techniques. There is also potential involvement in the pre-assessment service, as well as opportunities to educate medical students, junior doctors, and other clinical staff within the theatre environment.

About Our Trust

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, operating three acute hospitals and community sites that serve a local population of approximately 700,000. We also provide specialized services for the Kent and Medway regions.

Our Trust is undergoing an exciting transformation, with the establishment of a new Medical School at the heart of our community, a focus on research, clinical leadership, and a commitment to creating a rewarding and supportive workplace.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive benefits package includes an additional payment to acknowledge your choice to work with us. We also offer relocation expenses for substantive positions, up to 32 days of annual leave, and robust support for professional development, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives as part of our commitment to continuous improvement in care.

Application Process

For a complete overview of the role, please refer to the Supporting Documents section for the full Job Description and Person Specification. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the designated line manager.

Applications must be submitted by the applicant. The use of artificial intelligence programs in application submissions may lead to rejection, as this document is a crucial part of the assessment process. However, applicants are encouraged to seek appropriate support if needed due to any declared disabilities.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Medical degree
• FRCA or equivalent
• Full GMC registration
• CCT/CESR Specialist Registration or expected within six months of the interview date

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in clinical or educational fields
• Fellowship in airway, regional anaesthesia, or paediatric anaesthesia

Skills and Attributes

Essential:

• Experience working within the NHS
• Comprehensive experience in adult and paediatric anaesthesia

Desirable:

• Prior consultant experience

Clinical Governance:

Essential:

• Evidence of involvement in audit, quality improvement, or governance processes

Desirable:

• Research qualifications
• Participation in research activities
• Leadership or management training

Personal Attributes:

Essential:

• Exemplifies and upholds Trust values
• Maintains clinical safety and vigilance
• Effective communication skills
• Team-oriented
• Supportive of colleagues
• Adheres to GMC code of conduct

Desirable:

• Publications in relevant fields
• Teaching or faculty roles in educational courses

Other Requirements:

Essential:

• This role requires on-call commitments and occasional travel across sites. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to travel effectively between locations.

Desirable:

• Dynamic and adaptable