Consultant in Anaesthetics

The Anaesthetic Department at GHNHSFT is a hard‑working and dynamic group of over 90 Consultants and SAS/Staff grade doctors, providing comprehensive anaesthetic support to all surgical specialties offered by the Trust. We also have significant involvement in interventional radiology/cardiology services, endoscopy, medical specialties and paediatrics. The anaesthetic department works very closely with critical care in one of the busiest intensive care units in the South West of England.

There are 36 operating theatres across two main acute sites and three small peripheral hospitals, in addition to the services also provided outside theatres including electro‑convulsive therapy, procedural sedation, and many others. The obstetric unit based in Gloucester Royal Hospital has the busiest delivery suite in the South West region and provides 24‑hour 365‑day services for the local population. GHNHSFT is the single largest contributor to the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) in the UK and has a diverse range of patients presenting for unplanned care requiring anaesthetic input from very young children through to very elderly patients.

In addition to the high unplanned caseload which has been recognised by GiRFT for having very good outcomes, the Trust also provides a wide‑range of national acclaimed elective services including major urology and elective orthopaedic hubs based from Cheltenham General Hospital. Highly specialised services such as oesophagectomy, phaeochromocytoma, major vascular and complex head and neck surgeries are also provided by the dedicated teams alongside the general surgical services offered as part of the general hospital Trust to patients of all ages.

GHNHSFT is partnered with two medical schools and the postgraduate Severn School of Anaesthesia and has a strong culture of teaching and learning embedded, in addition to a number of high‑profile research commitments. Resident doctors are an integral part of the anaesthetic department and are often receive commendation from them for our engaged and proactive approach to support and the conducive attitude towards learning fostered by the department.

Job Summary

This is a substantive appointment to ensure continuous delivery of services. All job plans within the Anaesthetic department are offered in accordance with the 2003 Consultant Contract and in line with best‑practice principles outlined by the British Medical Association and NHS Employers. This will typically involve 8.5 programmed activities of direct clinical care (DCC) and 1.5 of core supporting professional activities (SPA) for a full‑time appointment. Direct clinical care will typically be in the form of theatre sessions but may also include other activities such as pre‑operative assessment clinics. All Anaesthetic Consultants in GHNHSFT work annualised contracts allowing for greater flexibility in job planning for both individuals and the department.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Contributing to the on‑call Consultant rota is a key requirement for this role. The applicant must be able to act independently as the final clinical decision maker, be able to attend either of the acute hospital sites within 30 minutes and support the on‑call resident doctors via phone whilst on‑call. Therefore, a CCT or recognised equivalent in anaesthesia is essential. Applications from those who do not possess this (or realistically expect to obtain one within 6 months or before commencement of the role, whichever is sooner) will not be accepted.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct anaesthesia independently and safely across a range of surgical specialties at any of the sites supported by GHNHSFT to the standard expected of a Consultant Anaesthetist; support resident doctors during planned care and while on‑call; participate in a 1:16 non‑resident on‑call rota.
• Provide conditions for improved training opportunities in line with national and local recommendations.
• Assist and participate with the development of postgraduate training for all grades of trainee and other staff as appropriate.
• Act as Educational Supervisor to junior and SAS medical staff, being responsible for their appraisal and personal development planning.
• Provide medical information for the development of systems appropriate for Trust needs.
• Participate in departmental consultant and senior staff meetings, other departmental, divisional and Trust meetings, as well as regional and national meetings as necessary.
• Undertake all work in accordance with Trust procedures and operating policies.

Communications and Working Relationships

Consultant Anaesthetists work with all departments within the organisation and a number of external providers. Effective and respectful communication with resident doctors, AHPs, nursing staff and other team members is expected.

Clinical Governance

All staff employed by the Trust are expected to have a good understanding of clinical governance, undertake all work in accordance with GHNHSFT policies and procedures, maintain CPD requirements for appraisal and revalidation, participate in the annual Job Planning review process, and adhere to the Adverse Clinical Incident policy. Permanent consultants are expected to rotate equitably through directorate clinical management and leadership roles. If a candidate has a strong interest in a vacant lead role, this can be considered after discussion with the specialty director upon appointment.