Consultant Gastroenterologist

This is an exciting time to join the dynamic and forward-thinking team of gastroenterologists at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (MPH site).

We run a comprehensive gastroenterology and hepatology service for West Somerset, with over 4,500 new outpatient referrals annually. We are also the regional hub for the NHS bowel cancer screening programme and offer a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within a friendly DGH setting.

We have recently received substantial investment from NHS England, which has enabled us to purchase state of the art endoscopic equipment for all our procedure rooms.

The trust is currently undergoing significant modernisation with a new 80 million surgical centre/critical care build (completion due 2025), incorporating a new endoscopy suite on the Musgrove Park Hospital site.

The hospital has an excellent reputation regionally for teaching and training, provides a number of region wide services and has a truly patient centred care focus throughout the organisation supported by excellent managers and a dedicated clinically run Improvement Network. Our services are highly rated by patients, families and stakeholders and the hospital provides an incredibly friendly supportive and collegiate atmosphere to work in.

We will consider sub-specialty interests which align with departmental requirements - candidates are encouraged to discuss in advance specific areas of interest and departmental needs.

Main duties of the job

The Gastroenterology Department at Musgrove Park Hospital offers unique opportunities to both new and existing consultants:

1. Supportive environment for career development
2. Flexible working patterns, including annualised sessions
3. Opportunities to join the local gastroenterology chambers providing additional NHS sessions
4. Advanced endoscopy including ERCP/cholangioscopy, EUS, advanced/large polyp service, BCSP, upper and lower GI stenting
5. Excellent support from postgraduate doctors in training with 3 HEE registrar trainees, 2 stand-alone registrar posts, 2 Clinical Fellows (F3 and above), 4 ward doctors (IMT, F2 x2, F1)
6. Enhanced endoscopy training programme leading to rapid acquisition of endoscopy skills for our registrars
7. Strong research capability and delivery
8. Comprehensive sub-specialty services including UGI cancer, IBD, Hepatology and nutrition

The gastroenterology team recognises that many individuals who have recently completed specialist training have not had sufficient time to fully develop their skills in endoscopy and in other areas. We are fully committed to post-CCT development and would welcome candidates who wish to further develop their range of clinical skills. We have a strong track record in this area already with two recent appointees being supported with paid time and additional resources to learn Endoscopic Ultrasound, and Advanced Colonoscopy (Inc. large polyps). Furthermore, we have supported individuals who wish to develop as BCS Endoscopists.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Job responsibilities

The post-holder will provide treatment and care to patients with gastroenterological disease in Somerset to the highest possible standards, consistent with the broader vision of 'a high quality, constantly improving Trust providing excellent clinical services'.

This will include inpatient, outpatient and endoscopy services.

Participation is expected on the on-call rota for both emergencies and out of hours ward work.

Person Specification Qualifications

• MRCP (UK) or equivalent
• Has (or will obtain within 6 months of interview) CCT in Gastroenterology +/- G(I)M
• MD/ PhD or
• Other higher qualification

Experience

• Sub-specialty interests in gastroenterology complimentary to the needs of the service
• Understanding of clinical risk management
• Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate.
• Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical & scientific approach.
• Ability to mentor staff both medical and nursing
• JAG (or equivalent) accreditation in upper and lower GI endoscopy
• Experience of clinical risk management

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.