We are seeking a Consultant Spinal Surgeon to join our existing team of 22 Orthopaedic Surgeons, 7 of which are Spinal Surgeons.
This is a full-time position to provide a comprehensive spinal surgery service including emergency and elective for the population of Somerset. The role attracts 11 PA's per week and includes on-call on a 1 in 6 week rota commitment for spinal emergencies.
You will be an appropriately trained spinal surgeon from either an orthopaedic or neurosurgical background. The post is predominately based at our Musgrove Park Hospital site in Taunton, but the appointee must be prepared to work flexibly off-site, in alternative units such as community hospitals in Somerset, Exeter SWAOC, Yeovil District Hospital and the Taunton Nuffield Hospital.
Main duties of the job
To provide, to a high standard, the full range of specialist diagnosis, treatment and care of patients admitted under the emergency setting.
To participate on a 1:6 week (Friday to the following Friday 24 hours a day for seven days) rota, to carry out a post-take ward round of all spinal emergency admissions when on call, and to provide appropriate follow-up in their clinics.
Patient referrals during the on-call primarily derive from our Trust but can also come from the community, our sister Trust at Yeovil District Hospital as well as from Jersey General Hospital (for which we provide emergency cover if their resident spinal surgeon is not available).
Elective Spinal Services:
To provide a full range of elective Spinal surgery using both day surgery and in-patient operating lists. The post holder should have had at least two years of fellowship training in Spinal Surgery.
Education and Research:
To contribute to the academic life of the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma continuing the excellent heritage of teaching junior medical staff, medical students and Departmental staff. Undertaking and promoting research initiatives within the Department is actively encouraged with on-site support from the hospitals research and development unit.
Clinical Audit:
To participate actively in the Department's Clinical Audit programme and contribute to the development of Clinical Quality and reporting at the monthly clinical audit meetings.
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.
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 responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the role including the persons specification.
To undertake all necessary administration duties associated with the care of his/her patients. The post holder should work towards implementing Electronic Patient and paperless records, with prompt signing of clinical letters and results on Electronic Patient Record systems.
To be responsible to the Clinical lead for Trauma & Orthopaedics for the effective and efficient use of resources under his/her control.
To contribute to planning the development of Orthopaedics and Trauma Services which includes spinal surgery.
To contribute to main Departmental meetings.
To participate in all required annual updates and mandatory training.
To undergo annual appraisal and participate in the revalidation processes as stipulated by the General Medical Council.
To participate in and develop the MDT including utilising cross site expertise and involvement for example with Yeovil District Hospital.
The job plan you are expected to follow a flexible programme which will involve inpatient elective theatre sessions, spinal trauma lists, elective spinal outpatient clinics and spinal emergency clinics. Most of the elective sessions will be fixed on a 2-week rolling programme, but a variable number of flexible sessions are built into the job plan on an annualised basis to cover colleagues' leave.
The job plan will be reviewed annually and updated to recognise other duties and SPA activity taken on after appointment, following discussion with the Clinical Service Lead. Attendance to the weekly Friday morning multi-disciplinary team meeting is mandatory unless there are on call commitments.
Each Spinal Surgeon is rostered to lead the meeting which encompasses a rolling subspecialty meeting comprising of radiology, microbiology, oncology, scoliosis / deformity and general. Cases that are discussed include patients listed for surgery, all post-operative cases, complex cases requiring advice and planning. The meeting is also used to ensure that compliance with data entry into the British Spinal Registry is achieved.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Full GMC registration with an active licence to practise at time of applying.
* Entry onto the GMC Specialist Register via CCT, CESR or European Community Rights.
* Fellowship trained in Spinal Surgery for a minimum of 2 years.
Experience
* Broad neurosurgical or orthopaedic training with evidence of up to date spinal trauma management.
* Subspecialty interest in Spinal Surgery with evidence of advanced fellowship training.
* Understanding of clinical risk management.
* Competent to work without direct supervision.
* Clear logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach.
* Ability to mentor staff both medical and nursing.
* Experience of clinical risk management.
Additional Criteria
* Appropriate level of clinical knowledge.
* Shows knowledge of evidence informed practice.
* Shows awareness of own limitations.
* Ability to organise self and prioritise clinical need.
* Evidence of Teaching.
* Willingness to contribute to department teaching and training needs.
* Demonstrates breadth of awareness of issues.
* Understanding of NHS, Clinical Governance and resource constraints; management/financial awareness; experience of committee work.
* Higher qualification in medical education.
* Experience in development and implementation of guidelines.
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.
£105,504 to £139,882 a year. This is the salary based on working 10 sessions per week.
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