About this role
Job summary The post holder will provide high-quality inpatient and outpatient Trauma and Orthopaedic services, with a particular focus on supporting and developing the knee service. The role includes participation in the consultant on-call rota, delivery of emergency and elective care, and contribution to multidisciplinary working. The post holder will support service development, training, audit, and clinical governance, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred care in line with national standards and Trust priorities. This is a Locum position for 12 months.
Main duties of the job To provide comprehensive Trauma and Orthopaedic care for inpatients and outpatients, with specialist input into knee surgery services.To participate fully in the 1 in 8 Consultant on-call rota, including post-take consultant ward rounds and emergency care.To work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, coordinated patient care. To support and liaise with the Orthopaedic Treatment Service operating within primary care.To contribute to the education and supervision of surgical trainees and other healthcare professionals.To support the department in meeting national and local performance targets and in the ongoing development of services. The post holder will actively support the department in meeting national and local performance standards, including elective recovery and referral-to-treatment expectations. They will work collaboratively with clinical and operational colleagues to help reduce long waiting times for orthopaedic and knee patients, ensuring care is delivered safely, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post holder will deliver inpatient and outpatient Trauma and Orthopaedic services on the acute hospital site, with a defined contribution to the knee service. This will include elective and emergency activity, clinical decision-making, operative care, and ongoing management of patients throughout their care pathway.
The role includes participation in the 1 in 8 Consultant on-call rota, providing emergency Orthopaedic cover and undertaking post-take consultant ward rounds. The post holder will ensure timely review, effective management, and safe discharge planning for trauma and orthopaedic patients.
The consultant will work closely with the Orthopaedic Treatment Service based in primary care, providing clinical advice, liaison, and support to ensure continuity of care and appropriate patient flow between services.
Multidisciplinary Working The post holder will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively with Consultants in Anaesthetics, Rheumatology (including pain services), Radiology, Pathology, and Elderly Care. Close working relationships with nursing staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals are essential to deliver holistic and effective patient care.
Training and Education The post holder will contribute to the education, training, and supervision of Higher and Basic Surgical Trainees, as well as other members of the multidisciplinary team. This includes clinical teaching, assessment, supervision in theatre and clinics, and support for professional development within the department.
Clinical Governance, Audit, and CPD The consultant will ensure a high level of efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in clinical practice, in line with Trust policies and national guidance. They will participate in clinical audit, service evaluation, and quality improvement activities within the Directorate, using outcomes to drive service improvement.
The post holder is expected to maintain continuing professional development in line with appraisal, revalidation, and clinical governance requirements, and to actively engage in learning and reflective practice.
Service Development and Performance The post holder will assist the department in meeting national and local targets, including government and NHS performance standards. They will take an active role in the ongoing development of the Trauma and Orthopaedic service, particularly in relation to the knee pathway, supporting innovation, pathway redesign, and improvements in patient outcomes and experience.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training Essential
Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice An appropriate higher surgical/medical qualification Entry on the GMC Specialist Register via. CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6mths of interview for appointment to substantive consultant role), CESR/Portfolio Pathway or European Community Rights
Experience & Knowledge Essential
Completion or within 6 months of completing CCT training in knee surgery Post CCT recognized fellowship in knee surgery (6-12 months minimum). Ability to perform unicompartmental knee replacements Experience in a special interest, that will complement those existing in the department
Team Working and Service Development Essential
Evidence of leadership and service development Ability to develop effective working relationships and team working
Understanding and Participation in Clinical Governance Essential
Evidence of understanding of clinical governance Knowledge of and direct involvement in audit. Knowledge of principles of research and evidence of involvement in research.
Management Training, Organisational Skills and Strategic Vision Essential
Management Training, Organisational Skills and Strategic Vision Evidence of ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust Knowledge of organisational aspects of the NHS
Teaching and communication Essential
Evidence of teaching experience and abilities appropriate to the post. Ability to present effectively to an audience Ability to communicate effectively
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Dorset County Hospital
West Dorset General Hospitals NHS Trust
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)