Build your emergency and critical care expertise while keeping substantial time away from the rota.
This twilight Veterinary Surgeon role combines a varied small animal emergency caseload with experienced clinical support, advanced facilities and a choice of shift patterns. We are seeking an experienced small animal vet for a dedicated 24/7 emergency and out-of-hours service near Chester. You’ll provide care when pets need it most, with the opportunity to take ownership of cases and develop your clinical judgement.
The role
Working in a modern, fully equipped referral hospital environment, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities. The service supports local first-opinion practices and provides ongoing care for hospitalised veterinary patients, bringing variety across emergency presentations, medical workups, critical care and emergency surgery. You’ll assess and stabilise patients, plan investigations and treatment, manage inpatient care and provide clear handovers to support continuity. Just as importantly, you’ll help owners understand their options and make informed decisions at difficult moments. Independent decision-making is part of the role, but support is available from experienced multidisciplinary colleagues and on-call referral clinicians. The organisation is also recruiting an ECC specialist for Mondays and Tuesdays, with the intention of creating further opportunities for clinical development and mentoring.
About you
You’ll bring at least two years’ postgraduate experience as a small animal Veterinary Surgeon, strong medical and surgical skills, and a genuine interest in emergency and critical care. You should be comfortable managing emergency presentations, inpatient care, medical investigations and emergency surgical cases. Confidence taking responsibility for clinical decisions matters, alongside the judgement to seek advice and collaborate when needed. Clear communication with clients, referring practices and colleagues will be central to your work. This role would suit someone who values excellent patient care, calm client support and continued development of their ECC knowledge.
Hours and rota
This is a part-time position on annualised hours, averaging 22.83 hours per week. Rota options are three shifts on, seven off followed by four on, seven off, or seven on, fourteen off. Twilight shifts run from 2pm to midnight Monday to Friday, and 2pm to 1am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Salary, development and benefits
The salary is up to £72,800 full-time equivalent, depending on experience. RCVS and VDS fees are paid in full. Development support includes a generous CPD allowance, access to a veterinary reference library and more than 450 courses, plus fully funded postgraduate qualifications such as CertAVP and PgCert, with tuition, examinations and study leave covered. Specialist telemedicine advice, wider clinical support networks and regional clinical mentoring provide additional case support. Based near Chester, the role offers access to Liverpool, North Wales, the Wirral, the Lake District and two nearby airports.
- RCVS and VDS fees are paid in full.
- a health cash plan
- an Employee Assistance Programme
- wellbeing champions
- enhanced family leave policies
- staff pet-care discounts including 50% off services and discounts on food and medications
- free on-site parking
- Visa Sponsorship available.
You must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and eligible to register with the RCVS to be considered for this role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Twilight Veterinary Surgeon - Referral Environment in Chester employer: Vetted Recruitment
Join a leading veterinary practice in the picturesque County Durham, where you can thrive as a Head Veterinary Surgeon. With a strong emphasis on patient care and employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and continuous learning. Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including CPD allowances and wellbeing support, and the opportunity to shape the future of veterinary care while making a meaningful impact on both colleagues and patients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Twilight Veterinary Surgeon - Referral Environment in Chester
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Vetted Recruitment often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vetted Recruitment
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Vetted Recruitment. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Vetted Recruitment.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Vetted Recruitment.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Vetted Recruitment.
