Job overview
The South Tees Oesophago-Gastric Unit (STOGU) at JCUH manages patients with benign and malignant OG conditions for Tees Valley and North Yorkshire and surrounding areas. This is performed within a framework of a multi-disciplinary team where all individuals are encouraged to contribute effectively towards patients care. STOGU provides specialist tertiary referral OG services to a population of over million patients in the valley. During the COVID-era, we continued to perform resectional surgery and supported other centres across the Tees Valley. In addition, we perform complex benign OG surgery for hiatus hernias and achalasia, specialist endoscopy services transnasal endoscopy (TNE), and endoscopic therapies stenting, endomucosal resections (EMR) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). We anticipate that STOGU will soon have access to robotic surgery for OG conditions with credible training/ fellowship or accredited robotic training. The post holder will have an excellent opportunity to further endoscopic interventions for gut related conditions. Furthermore, we have an established bariatric service for patients from the Tees valley catchment area.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be expected to be part of the Upper GI team and be able to perform benign, biliary and general surgery work. We provide a share of the elective general surgical provision for the local population.
Within the Upper GI team there is an opportunity to develop a special interest in robotic surgery. The current robotic surgery programme is expanding, we now have two DaVinci system robots at the James Cook Hospital (X & Xi). The robotic training for the colorectal surgeons is almost completed and is expected that existing Upper GI surgeons and the post holder will wish to be trained and contribute towards the robotic surgery program for the Upper GI surgery. We also have a gynaecological -oncology service dealing with complex multi-visceral cases.
Training and experience in advanced minimal access surgery (laparoscopic/ robotic), specifically related to Upper GI conditions is essential.
Working for our organisation
JAG accreditation in Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is essential as are advanced endoscopic skills. The Upper GI Multidisciplinary Team is supported by consultant radiologists with high quality Endoscopic Ultrasound, CT scanning, MRI and nuclear medicine. Interventional radiology service is well established and supports interventions related to GI haemorrhage needs, with out of hours support provided on the James Cook hospital site.
There are weekly Upper GI MDT meetings on site along with a HPB surgeon form Newcastle Hospitals. Other members of the colorectal MDT include Clinical Oncologists, dedicated Histopathologists with a special interest in UGI pathology, gastroenterologists, palliative care, Upper GI Specialist Nurses and MDT Coordinators. Engagement in cross site clinical governance and Audit will be expected. Attendance at the appropriate regular scheduled meetings such as Cancer MDM, clinical governance mortality review etc. is expected and that there is compliance with the Quality Surveillance Standards.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) for main responsibilities of the role.
Person specification
Knowledge and Skill
Essential criteria
1. JAG accreditation in upper GI endoscopy
2. Depth and breadth of experience to participate in the care of both elective and emergency general surgical patients including that of Major Trauma.
3. Advanced laparoscopic skills
Desirable criteria
4. National fellowship in upper GI surgery.
Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
5. FRCS or equivalent
6. Full registration with GMC with a licence to practice
7. Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of expected date of CCT/ CESR (with evidence of inclusion on the specialist register on a given date)
Desirable criteria
8. Training in appraisal techniques
9. Higher surgical degree (Msc/MCh/MD/PhD)
Experience
Essential criteria
10. Relevant experience in any declared specialist interest pertinent to the post
11. Evidence of clinical audit
Desirable criteria
12. Evidence of research or innovative service developments
Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)
It is the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate.
At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.
We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs.
We are here to support you throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Supporting disabled people and people with longterm conditions
We are a Disability Confident committed employer aspiring to become a lead employer in 2026.
This means we give fair and full consideration to applicants and will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need help with your application, or need the information in a different format, please contact our recruitment team and we will support you.
If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at or call us on 01642 854610
Right to Work in the UK
The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Work in the UK - (.
Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.
Please note that not everyone needs a Skilled Worker visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.
We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here: Skilled Worker visa: Your job - ( and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs - (
Please note: if the job you are applying for does not meet the eligibility criteria above, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship and you will need to explore whether you may be eligible to apply for an alternative immigration route which will secure your right to work in the UK before you apply. If you are in the UK already on a visa, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.
The Trust encourages and supports all applicants to be fully vaccinated against both COVID19 and influenza.
Please be aware, there are occasions where some vacancies may close prior to the closing date advertised. This will only happen where sufficient applications are received AND will be made evident on the job advert.
Please note if you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you via the email address that you have applied from so please ensure you check your emails regularly.
Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.