About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a Consultant in GU & HIV to join our well-established multidisciplinary team delivering integrated sexual health and HIV services across Somerset, working closely with 2 other SRH Consultants and 2 SAS Doctors
The post is based withinSWISH and the Starling HIV service, both of which are undergoing an exciting phase of development and integration. Our service operates from a main hub in Taunton, alongside a newly opened hub in Yeovil (opened March 2026). This expansion has supported the ongoing transition of HIV care into community settings and strengthened the integration between sexual health and HIV services
The Yeovil area has significant unmet sexual health needs, providing a valuable opportunity to shape and enhance service provision
This is an opportunity to provide clinical leadership and play a role in improving sexual health outcomes and reducing inequalities across Somerset
Use opportunities to shape and innovate GU delivery within the service
Expand community-based HIV care -- strengthen integration between sexual health and HIV services -- develop innovative approaches to meet population health needs --invest in new facilities and service models
We warmly encourage prospective applicants to get in touch with Erica Boulton in the first instance, for an informal discussion to explore the role, service and opportunities available in more detail
Interviews are to be held on the 17th July 2026
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities
Deliver high-quality clinical care in GUM and HIV across Somerset
Support the continued integration of SWISH and Starling services
Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Contribute to service development, particularly in areas of high unmet need
Support community-based HIV care delivery
Clinical Duties
Provide care and treatment for patients with STIs presenting in an integrated sexual health service including PREP, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEPSE) for HIV infection, DoxyPEP.
Provide advice and guidance for the wider team on complex cases, reviewing where necessary.
To provide telephone and e-mail advice for other health care professionals e.g., GPs, secondary care, pharmacists.
To work as part of the sexual health and HIV service to cover emergency work during working hours
Providing HIV care and treatment according to service needs and individual competency.
Cross cover for annual, study and emergency sick leave, taking account of all medical staff in the service
Counsel and advise on termination of pregnancy and refer on to appropriate services.
To provide counselling, initiation and continuation of contraception including emergency contraception.
Signpost/provide LARC depending on individual competencies
To work collaboratively with clinical teams to develop innovative pathways in sexual health and HIV.
Encouraged to develop a special interest based on service needs
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 lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, 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.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description Job responsibilities
A quote from a Consultant employed at SFT within the SWISH team
"I chose to take a consultant post within the SWISH/Starling team for many reasons, the main being the positive direction of travel the team and trust are taking to improve sexual health services for their local population. Not only has the job met those expectations, but far exceeded them. The service is on a mission to make changes which will improve the way we deliver care by actively listening to ideas generated by staff at all levels, something which feels rare to find in the current NHS climate. The service has a strong united vision, a real sense of positivity that materialises into change. The new hub clinic in Yeovil has just opened, which is a great example of the changes that are being made to meet the needs of the local population in the east of the county, an area with high level of unmet sexual health needs. Now is a really exciting time to join the SWISH/Starling team and be part of the progress. I relocated a long distance to take my SWISH post, a leap into the unknown, and I am happy to say it was the best career decision I have ever made. Outside of work, Somerset is a beautiful place to live, and rewards those who come here with an excellent work/life balance
Please refer to the supporting Job Description for further information on this post, including an outline of the duties of the role and an indicative job plan. The Job Description also contains greater detail relating to the organisation and delivery of the SWISH & Starling service as well outlining the other clinical staff working within the department. It gives information regarding Somerset Foundation Trust and its values. On the final page are contact details of relevant staff should you wish to discuss the post further or arrange a visit to the department and we would welcome contact from prospective candidates.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
*Full GMC registration with Licence to practice *Entry on the GMC Specialist Register in Genito-Urinary medicine via CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of the interview date), CESR or European Community Rights *MRCP (UK) or equivalent *Dip GUM *Dip HIV
Desirable
*LoC Med Ed (Letter of Competence in Medical Education) or PGEA (Postgraduate Education Accreditation) in Medical Education *An appropriate higher degree or qualification (MD, PhD or equivalent). *BASHH registered trainer *LoC IUT *LoC SDI-IR *Dip CoSRH
Experience Essential
*Wide experience in management of STIs including complex conditions. *Ability to take full and independent clinical care of patients with GU and contraception related conditions. *Experience in HIV care and treatment *Providing GU and HIV advice to colleagues, including nurses and other health care professionals *Counselling and provision of emergency contraception *Counselling and signposting all methods of contraception including LARC. *Excellent written and oral communication skills
Desirable
*experience of providing visible leadership on GU matters to MDT colleagues *experience of managing the review and implementation of governance procedures and policies *Experience in insertion and removal of contraceptive implants and coils
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 Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Trustwide
The Crescent
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)