The closing date is 2nd Oct 2025
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for substantive positions as Consultants in Anaesthesia, colleagues with a specialist interest in vascular anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia are particularly sought. We are keen to attract a motivated hard-working colleague who shares our vision to maintain a cohesive department, focused on excellent patient care and outstanding multidisciplinary team working.
These are new and replacement posts of 10 PAs (potential for more), with sessions aligned to specialist interests as well as in general specialties.
The posts are primarily based at Musgrove Park Hospital. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust now includes Yeovil Hospital, so there may be opportunities in the future for cross-site working.
Main duties, tasks & skills required
Alongside DGH surgical specialties, we support:
* A regional spinal surgery service 24/7 for Somerset, North Devon.
* North Somerset patients and tertiary care for Dorset. Total population for out of hours cover 1.2 million.
* A county-wide vascular service 24/7; to include East Somerset ( all elective and emergency work) and North Devon (all elective and emergency work) alongside Taunton and Somerset catchment.
* A region-wide specialist obesity and bariatric surgery service for the population of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, circa 2,000,000.
* Critical Care - currently 18 beds but expanding to 22 beds by 2026.
* Anaesthetic Support for 24/7 PCI and 24/7 Interventional Radiology service.
* 'The Beacon' Oncology unit, providing comprehensive cancer services from a dedicated modern facility to the population of Taunton and Somerset.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Please find attached the job description and person specification.
The content of the job plan can be tailored to provide rewarding opportunities to the right individuals, however as this is a pain medicine post the applicant must meet the essential criteria set out in the full job description.
These posts are primarily based at Musgrove Park Hospital. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust now includes Yeovil Hospital, so there may be opportunities in the future for cross-site working.
For further details / informal visits contact:
Name
Dr Mitesh Khakhar
Job title
Consultant Anaesthetist & Clinical Service Lead
Email address
Telephone number
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
Full GMC registration
MBChB, FRCA or equivalent
On Specialist register or CCT in Anaesthesia, within 6 months of date of interview
ILS / pILS or equivalent
Experience
Essential
Appropriate experience in anaesthetics/critical care to enable job programme to be successfully executed
Recent experience of out of hours & nights on call, including management of children over the age of 1 year
Desirable
Experience of organisation and/or management of theatre processes
Evidence of flexible working
Experience of clinical risk management.
Additional Criteria
Essential
Demonstration of a subspecialty interest relevant to this trust in which significant clinical experience gained
Understanding of clinical risk management
Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate
Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach
Ability to mentor staff both medical and nursing
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
For help with your application, contact:
Mitesh Khakhar
Pay scheme
Hospital Medical and Dental
Band
Consultant
Salary
£ to £ Yearly
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-Time, Full-Time
Reference number
184-OL-MED-SURG-3249
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA