About this role
Job summary
We are looking to appoint a Trust grade anaesthetist (equivalent level ST4) to our large, cohesive and forward-looking department. Candidates with independent core anaesthesia skills are most welcome to apply. This must include the IAC and IAOC. The primary FRCA is desirable but not essential. Participation in the trainee on call rota relevant to training grade is essential - this will include contribution to the obstetric and ICU rota out of ours. Further career development and training will be flexible and encouraged by the department. You will be given an Educational Supervisor and you will be encouraged and supported to sign off competencies.
We are the largest hospital in the Southwest Peninsula, and offer a secondary care service to approximately 500 000 patients, and a tertiary care service to a further 1.5 million. Almost all adult surgical specialties are catered for, and we are the main paediatric surgical hospital in the peninsula. A successful applicant will be joining a department that has held ACSA Accreditation since 2015 and is proud of its collegiate spirit and cohesiveness. We have a strong track record in clinical excellence & translational research, and receive very strong feedback from our rotating trainees.
Please refer to the job packs for further details including the job plans and requirements for the posts.
Main duties of the job
This post is for a Trust Grade Lower Locally Employed Doctor in Anaesthetics. You will be responsible for the delivery of high quality anaesthesia. The post holder will be required to comply with all Trust Policies notably in relation to job planning, appraisal and leave taking in line with Departmental and Trust objectives. Eg. Flexible working and annualised job plans. You will also be expected to participate in the normal duties relating to the administration of the Department of Anaesthesia. These duties will include teaching, continuing medical education and audit. Assistance with rota preparation may also be required.
The Directorate of Anaesthesia, Theatres and Pain Services is committed to support the efficient development of surgical specialties. The successful applicant for this post will be expected to participate in the provision of anaesthetic services for operating lists that start earlier than the normal start times or are planned to run on into the late evening and potentially weekend elective and trauma anaesthetic cover. This will be agreed with the Director of Anaesthetic Services. Contribution to out of hours service supporting the provision of services to one of the four areas covered will be expected on the basis of a 1 in 8 residential on call rota. The on call work will be in an area appropriate to each individual's capabilities but will include obstetrics and ICU as a minimum.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description Job responsibilities
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is seeking to appoint a Locally Employed Doctor (LED) in Anaesthesia at a level equivalent to ST4. This post is suitable for a doctor who has successfully completed the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) and Initial Assessment of Obstetric Competence (IAOC), and is able to contribute to a busy and diverse anaesthetic service, including obstetrics and critical care.
The post holder will play a central role in delivering high-quality, safe, and compassionate anaesthetic care across the Trust, while being supported to further develop their skills and achieve competency sign-off through the RCoA Lifelong Learning Platform (LLP).
Clinical ResponsibilitiesThe post holder will:
Deliver anaesthetic care for elective and emergency surgical procedures across a broad range of specialties, commensurate with their level of competence. Provide obstetric anaesthetic care, including labour ward epidural services, anaesthesia for operative delivery, and management of obstetric emergencies, in line with IAC/IAOC capabilities. Contribute to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) service, supporting the management of critically ill patients as part of the multidisciplinary team. Undertake pre-operative assessment, intra-operative management, and post-operative care, ensuring a patient-centred and safety-focused approach throughout the perioperative pathway. Recognise and manage the deteriorating patient, with appropriate escalation to senior colleagues. On-call Commitments
Participate in full shift rotas, including dedicated on-call commitments for obstetric anaesthesia and ICU. Provide out-of-hours cover for emergency theatres, labour ward, and critical care services, with appropriate consultant supervision. Ensure timely, effective decision-making and escalation in accordance with Trust policies and clinical governance frameworks. Service Contribution
Contribute to the delivery of a safe, efficient, and responsive anaesthetic service across the Trust. Support theatre productivity, patient flow, and perioperative care pathways. Work collaboratively with surgical, obstetric, midwifery, and critical care colleagues to ensure high standards of care for patients and their families. Training and Professional Development
Engage in a structured programme of professional development, supported by named educational and clinical supervisors. Actively work towards the achievement and sign-off of competencies on the RCoA Lifelong Learning Platform (LLP), with progression beyond IAC and IAOC where appropriate. Participate in departmental teaching, simulation training, and multidisciplinary education programmes. Maintain an up-to-date professional portfolio demonstrating reflective practice, progression, and ongoing learning. Governance, Audit and Quality Improvement
Participate in clinical governance activities, including audit, quality improvement initiatives, and incident reporting. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, recognising both areas for learning and examples of good practice, in line with contemporary safety approaches. Attend and contribute to departmental meetings, including morbidity and mortality reviews. Communication and Teamworking
Communicate clearly, effectively, and compassionately with patients, relatives, and colleagues. Contribute to a respectful, supportive, and inclusive working environment. Work flexibly as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet service and patient needs. This post offers an excellent opportunity to consolidate core anaesthetic competencies within a large, supportive teaching hospital environment, with exposure to a wide range of clinical practice including obstetric and critical care anaesthesia, and a clear pathway towards further career progression.
Person Specification
Shortlisting Essential
GMC registered with licence to practice IAC and IAOC Evidence of positive patient and colleague feedback
Desirable
Primary FRCA Post grad qualification Excellence in research or QI Prizes or distinctions
Shortlisting Essential
Full GMC registration with licence to practice and no restrictions on practice
Desirable
Further progression in anaesthetic training
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 University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)