Job overview
University Hospitals Sussex (East) are looking for an outstanding locum paediatric anaesthetist to join our team looking after patients from pre-term neonates to teenagers, working in a fantastic area of the country. Our anaesthetic department is dynamic and has an excellent reputation for teaching, research and innovation for the benefit of our population. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to hone and expand their clinical skills in addition to developing services within University Hospitals Sussex and our partner organisations.
This is a 6 month fixed term post initially but can be extendable to 12 months if on GMC specialist register to cover temporary planned absences in the anaesthetic department. The successful applicant would work primarily at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital located on the same site as the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
Visiting our department prior to interview is encouraged, and if unfamiliar with the hospital, contact with the clinical lead or clinical director prior to application would also be welcomed.
Main duties of the job
Due to the nature of the work undertaken, considerable experience in the delivery of anaesthesia for a wide range of procedures in paediatric patients from neonates to teenagers is expected. The posts are flexible in nature, but offer the opportunity to expand and hone practice in a variety of subspeciality areas. The weekly list allocations are consultant led and can hence be tailored to the interests and skills of individuals.
There are plenty of opportunities for leading service development and quality improvement projects and experience/enthusiasm for these areas would be welcomed.
We are large teaching department with an associated medical school so we expect all consultants to participate in the education and training of medical and non-medical colleagues. Those with a proven track record of delivering education to these groups will find plenty to occupy themselves.
Further details of the duties of the role can be obtained by contacting the clinical lead or clinical director.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The job plan will consist of flexible paediatric lists based at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. Supporting the paediatric anaesthesia service will be the primary aim of the role, and the job plan will also include annualised ‘flexible in year’ sessions which may be undertaken on week or weekend days by mutual agreement. There is no on call commitment initially with this post, however this may be later incorporated by mutual agreement. Each half day session is 5 hours (1.25 PA).
Participation in monthly department governance meetings and revalidation requirements will be included within the 1 SPA allocation of this post. In addition, there will be responsibilities for supervising and assessing specialist trainees and other members of the multi disciplinary team.
The post holder will have a commitment to teaching of both undergraduates and postgraduates and evidence of active participation in teaching.
When appointed to the Trust Consultants will be expected to work from any Trust site
Interviews are tentatively planned to take place on 9 December 2025 and applicants will be informed of any changes accordingly.
Person specification
Experience /Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. •Basic medical degree
2. •FRCA or appropriate specialist qualification
3. •Full and specialist registration (with a licence to practise) with the GMC or be eligible for registration within six months of the interview. • If you trained in the UK, you must also have a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Anaesthetics or be within six months of receiving it by the interview date. • If you trained outside the UK, you must provide evidence that your qualifications are equivalent to the UK CCT. (Equivalence must be confirmed by GMC by date of AAC)
Desirable criteria
4. •Higher Degree
5. •Higher degree related to anaesthesia
Clinical Skills & Experience
Essential criteria
6. •Advanced training paediatric anaesthesia
7. •Deliver safe and effective perioperative anaesthetic care to patients undergoing complex general surgical procedures.
Desirable criteria
8. •Experience of perioperative care of neonates
9. •Experience of delivering sedation to children
10. •Post CCT fellowship in paediatric anaesthesia or equivalent consultant level experience
Knowledge
Desirable criteria
11. •Breadth of experience in and outside specialty
Organisation & Planning
Essential criteria
12. •Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
13. •Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints
Desirable criteria
14. •Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended
Teaching Skills
Essential criteria
15. •Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
Desirable criteria
16. •Recognised teaching qualification
Acaedemic & Research
Essential criteria
17. •Evidence of participation in audit
Desirable criteria
18. Research experience
19. Publications
20. Prizes & Honours
Career Progression of Career to date
Essential criteria
21. •Appropriate progression of career to date & Personal Attributes
22. •Evidence of:- Good communication skills both oral and written
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications