General Surgery Trust Registrar - ST3+ in Harlow

Job overview

A Trust Registrar (ST3+) in General Surgery plays a key role in delivering high-quality surgical care across The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. Working as part of the General Surgery team, the post holder will provide inpatient ward care, undertake ward rounds, support outpatient clinics, assist in theatre, and participate in the emergency general surgery on-call rota. The role also contributes to the education and development of junior medical staff, as well as service improvement through audit and governance activities. This position supports the Trust's commitment to providing safe, effective, and patient-centred care, helping to ensure excellent outcomes for both elective and emergency surgical patients across the organisation

Main duties of the job

• Deliver high-quality inpatient care for general surgery patients, including undertaking independent ward rounds and supporting junior doctors in the management of surgical inpatients.
• Assess, investigate and manage acute surgical admissions presenting through the Emergency Department and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service.
• Participate in the Emergency General Surgery (EGS) on-call rota, providing specialist advice and support for emergency surgical patients and inpatient referrals.
• Attend and contribute to outpatient clinics across Princess Alexandra Hospital, St Margaret’s Hospital and Herts & Essex Hospital, managing new and follow up patients under consultant supervision.
• Assist in elective and emergency surgical procedures, including performing appropriate emergency operations under consultant supervision.
• Work collaboratively with consultants, junior medical staff, nursing teams and multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care.
• Contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement and governance activities to support the ongoing development of the General Surgery service.
• Support the teaching, training and supervision of junior doctors and other members of the clinical team.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and practise in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and governance requirements.
• Uphold the Trust’s values of being Patient at Heart, delivering Everyday Excellence and promoting Creative Collaboration in all aspects of patient care and service delivery.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Trust Registrar (ST3+) will play an integral role within the General Surgery team, supporting the delivery of both elective and emergency surgical services across The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. The post holder will work closely with consultants, resident doctors, nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality, patient-centred care and contribute to the continued development of the surgical service.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the assessment, investigation and ongoing management of surgical inpatients, undertaking independent ward rounds and ensuring that patient care is delivered safely, effectively and in a timely manner. They will provide clinical leadership and support to junior medical staff, helping to coordinate patient management plans and facilitate safe discharge planning.

The post holder will participate in outpatient activities across the Trust's sites, including St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, and Herts & Essex Hospital, Bishop's Stortford. Responsibilities will include reviewing new referrals and follow up patients, developing management plans and liaising with consultants and primary care colleagues to ensure continuity of care.

A significant component of the role involves participation in the Emergency General Surgery (EGS) service. When on call, the post holder will assess and manage acute surgical presentations from the Emergency Department and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, provide specialist advice for inpatient referrals, and undertake emergency surgical procedures under the supervision of the consultant on call.

The registrar will also contribute to elective and emergency operating lists, assisting with and performing appropriate surgical procedures in accordance with their level of competence and training. The role provides opportunities to further develop clinical and operative skills while supporting the delivery of high-quality surgical outcomes.

The post holder will be expected to participate actively in clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives, helping to monitor and improve standards of care across the service. They will maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical records and work in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and relevant governance frameworks.

Teaching and training form an important aspect of the role. The successful candidate will support the education and supervision of junior doctors and other healthcare professionals, contributing to departmental teaching programmes and promoting a positive learning environment.

The role is full-time and includes participation in the General Surgery on-call rota. The post holder may be required to undertake duties across the Trust's sites in line with service requirements and will be expected to demonstrate flexibility, professionalism and a commitment to the Trust values of Patient at Heart, Everyday Excellence and Creative Collaboration in all aspects of their practice