Job overview We are seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Consultant Anaesthetist to join our dynamic Anaesthesia, Theatres and Critical Care team at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. This is an excellent opportunity to deliver high-quality anaesthetic care across a diverse case mix including elective and emergency surgery, critical care, obstetrics and perioperative services.
Job ref 262-A-26-7965647. Main area: Anaesthetics. Grade: NHS Medical & Dental – Consultant. Contract: Permanent. Hours: Full time – 50 sessions per week. On‑call commitment: 1:10 – 1:12. Salary is dependent upon experience.
Closing date: 07/07/2026 23:59. Location: Cumberland Infirmary (CIC) & West Cumberland Hospital (WCH) (cross‑site) – Towns Carlisle & Whitehaven.
Main duties of the job
Deliver
high‑quality anaesthetic care
across a broad range of elective and emergency surgical services, including theatres, critical care, obstetrics and pre‑assessment.
Undertake
direct clinical care activities, including operating lists, clinics, peri‑operative ward work and daytime/on‑call CEPOD responsibilities.
Participate in a
consultant on‑call rota, providing 24/7 anaesthetic support for theatres, ICU, obstetrics and emergency care.
Contribute to
intensive care services, including management of critically ill patients and support for patient transfers where required.
Work
collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, supporting safe, effective and patient‑centred care delivery across services.
Engage in
teaching and training
of junior doctors, trainees and other healthcare professionals.
Participate in
clinical governance, audit and quality improvement activities
to support continuous service development.
Maintain
continuing professional development (CPD)
and contribute to appraisal and revalidation processes.
Support the
development of anaesthetic and peri‑operative services, including innovation and service improvement initiatives.
Undertake
cross‑site working
across Trust locations to maintain a full range of clinical skills and support service delivery.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities The post holder will work as part of a team of Consultant Anaesthetists to deliver a high‑quality, patient‑centred anaesthetic service across North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, supporting elective and emergency care across multiple clinical settings.
Provide comprehensive anaesthetic services across a wide range of surgical specialties, including elective and emergency procedures.
Undertake
Direct Clinical Care (DCC)
activities including:
Operating theatre lists (full and half day sessions)
Pre‑operative assessment and peri‑operative care
Post‑operative ward rounds and patient reviews
Anaesthetic‑led clinics where required
Deliver anaesthetic support to
critical care, including the assessment and management of critically ill patients.
Participate in the provision of
24/7 emergency anaesthetic services, including CEPOD, obstetrics, ICU and emergency department support.
Contribute to
patient transfer activity, including the safe management of ventilated patients where required.
Maintain high standards of clinical practice in line with
GMC Good Medical Practice
and Trust policies.
On‑Call and Out‑of‑Hours Duties
Participate in a
Category A consultant on‑call rota, including predictable and unpredictable out‑of‑hours work.
Provide senior clinical decision‑making and support during on‑call periods across theatres, ICU, obstetrics and emergency care.
Ensure continuity of care and retain overall clinical responsibility for patients under their care.
Multidisciplinary Working
Work collaboratively with surgical, nursing, and allied health professional colleagues to deliver safe, effective and efficient patient care.
Contribute to theatre efficiency, patient flow and service delivery across the peri‑operative pathway.
Support and advise junior medical staff and the wider multidisciplinary team.
Teaching, Training and Supervision
Actively participate in the
education and training of junior doctors, anaesthetic trainees, foundation doctors and medical students.
Contribute to formal and informal teaching programmes, including departmental teaching and regional courses.
Undertake the role of
Educational Supervisor
where appropriate.
Support trainee development, recruitment processes and ARCP activities.
Clinical Governance and Quality Improvement
Participate in
clinical governance activities, including audit, morbidity and mortality review and incident investigation.
Contribute to departmental and Trust‑wide quality improvement initiatives.
Attend and engage in
departmental audit and governance meetings
and cross‑site meetings.
Support the development and implementation of clinical policies, guidelines and best practice standards.
Service Development and Leadership
Contribute to the
ongoing development of anaesthetic and peri‑operative services, supporting innovation and improvement.
Participate in departmental management activities and support service planning.
Take on additional
lead or specialist roles
(e.g. clinical lead, audit lead, education roles) where appropriate.
Supporting Professional Activities (SPA)
Undertake SPA time for:
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Appraisal and revalidation
Teaching and training
Clinical governance and audit
Administrative duties and departmental meetings
Cross‑Site Working
Work flexibly across Trust sites, including Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital.
Maintain a broad and up‑to‑date clinical skill set across different service environments.
Support service delivery and resilience across both sites.
General Responsibilities
Comply with all Trust policies, including
health and safety, infection control and safeguarding .
Maintain full registration with the GMC and a licence to practice.
Participate in annual job planning and appraisal processes.
Engage in continuing professional development to meet personal and service needs.
Person specification Qualifications & Experience
GMC Registration + Licence to Practise
On (or within 6 months of) Specialist Register
FRCA (or equivalent)
Higher Specialist Training in Anaesthetics or evidence of equivalent competency (approved by PMETB/GMC)
Recent ICU and Maternity Experience (last 2 years)
High level of clinical experience and competence in a wide variety of fields of anaesthesia
Other relevant medical and non‑medical training/degree
Instructor status in either ATLS/APLS/ALS
Evidence of recent and ongoing CPD in intensive care
Experience and understanding of District General Hospital practice
Skills and Knowledge
Knowledge of Audit process & Clinical Governance
Ability to organise workload efficiently
A special interest to complement that of the existing post‑holders
A commitment to, and experience of teaching
Qualifications in teaching/instructing.
Experience of development of teaching resources.
Research and Teaching
Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
Commitment to continuing medical education, appraisal and clinical governance.
Publications in peer reviewed journals.
Experience of teaching to undergraduates and postgraduates.
Personality and Disposition
Ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
Enquiring, critical approach to work.
Willingness to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional and national levels.
Personal Circumstances
Able to participate in on‑call and emergency cover.
Ability to travel to fulfil the requirements of the post.
Able to be based within 30 minutes of the base hospital.
Benefits
27‑day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years.
NHS Discounts*.
Salary sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work*.
Vivup – free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work‑related problems.
EEO statement If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
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