About this role
Job summary
Please note: Unfortunately, we do not offer sponsorship at this time. Therefore, if you require sponsorship, we won't be able to accept your application for this role.
Are you an experienced doctor thinking of a change in career or a doctor who wants to build a career in palliative care?
If so, then the role of Specialty Doctorat Pilgrims may be just the job for you!
Pilgrims Hospice provides expert palliative care to the people of East Kent. We have three in patient units at Ashford, Canterbury and Margate where our three multi-disciplinary community teams are based as well as our therapy centres.
An opportunity has arisen in our medical team and Pilgrims is inviting applications for interested physicians. This would be ideal for experienced doctors thinking of a change in career, doctors with a view to building a career in this speciality or have a wealth of experience within palliative medicine.
We have an active educational programme and as a training unit for specialist and general practice trainees can offer some excellent opportunities to develop skills and gain experience.
The post will be based at Ashford but flexibility on sites can be considered. This post is available from 2nd January 2026, subject to pre-employment checks and is part time 7 sessions a week (3 full days plus 4 sessions a month dedicated to education and research). Requests for full time employment will be considered.
Main duties of the job
To provide clinical care and medical input to the multidisciplinary team for patients under the care of the Pilgrims Hospice, under the supervision of the named consultant (including hospice inpatients, community patients, outpatients, domiciliary visiting and patients attending Pilgrims Therapy Centre).
To participate in the teaching, supervision and training of medical trainees and other professional staff working at the Pilgrims Hospice or attending courses run by the Pilgrims Hospices.
To maintain a full programme of personal CPD in line with current recommendations. Please refer to the Hospice study leave policy
To participate in annual appraisal and to work to the stated strategic direction and objectives of Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.
To undertake administrative tasks in support of the activity of the organisation.
To be actively involved in an effective system of clinical audit and all other aspects of clinical governance.
To support research undertaken by Pilgrims. We have a thriving research programme led by our research facilitator.
About us
Our Vision
We recognise that our workforce is integral to the delivery of our Vision and our charitable aims. Pilgrims Hospices continues to create a highly skilled, motivated, engaged and healthy workforce by providing an environment where staff and volunteers feel highly motivated to perform their roles to a consistently high standard.
To achieve our Vision, we useour CODE:
Compassionate We treat everyone with compassion and care
Open We communicate openly, honestly and effectively
Dynamic We are dynamic, improving and developing our service
Empowered We empower people to achieve their outcomes
Other benefits:
Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause A sense of wellbeing A good work-life balance Locations across well-populated areas of east Kent all providing very good road and rail links NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the Job Description document for more information on what the role of Speciality Doctor entails.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Minimum 2 years experience of Palliative Care Possesses range of clinical knowledge, skills & information technology expertise. Concerned to maintain & develop this knowledge. Displays sound professional judgement Sees patients within a holistic context Able to manage general medical on call needs of palliative care patients
Desirable
Hospice experience
Qualifications Essential
MBBS or equivalent. Full GMC registration. Completion of Foundation competencies.
Desirable
Completion of ST1/CT1 and ST2/CT2 or equivalent experience.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent
Address Pilgrims Hospice
Hythe Road
Willesborough
Ashford
Kent
TN24 0NE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.pilgrimshospices.org/jobs (Opens in a new tab)