Job overview
This permanent Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Consultant post is based in West Sussex, working across St Richard’s Hospital, Worthing Hospital, and other UHSx sites. The role offers the opportunity to develop a sub‑specialty interest in head and neck oncology and/or head and neck skin cancer. The post‑holder will contribute to shaping services as MFU reconfiguration progresses across Sussex.
The consultant will join an established Maxillofacial Unit at St Richard’s Hospital, providing a comprehensive OMFS service and caring for patients with complex multidisciplinary needs. Responsibilities include supporting junior medical and nursing staff and contributing to the ongoing development of the service.
The team includes seven Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons covering the full OMFS scope and head and neck surgical dermatology. The department also leads thyroid and parathyroid surgery locally, while major head and neck oncology is currently undertaken in Portsmouth.
The wider team includes a Specialist Doctor, four Specialty Doctors, two Specialist Registrars, six dental core trainees, three Consultant Orthodontists, and a Consultant in Restorative Dentistry. Dedicated nursing support is provided alongside Head & Neck and Dermatology CNSs and experienced dental nurses.
The unit is supported by a Maxillofacial Prosthetic Laboratory with maxillofacial technologists and orthodontic/restorative technicians.
Main duties of the job
Head and Neck Cancer Services
Initial clinics and diagnostic assessments for Head and Neck cancer are managed at St Richard’s Hospital, while operations are performed jointly with a skilled and dynamic team at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth. Together, they provide a wide range of Head and Neck surgical procedures, including microvascular tissue transfer.
Queen Alexandra Hospital is the main site of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, delivering excellent care to approximately 675,000 residents across Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, as well as to many patients beyond the region. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art theatres and diagnostic facilities.
An average of over 1,300 cases per year are discussed at the Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Meeting, including 326 new thyroid cases in 2024, with similar figures expected in 2025.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification attached to the advert for further details of the post. Proposed Interview Date: August 2026Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
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Clinical Skills and Experience
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Knowledge
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Organisation & Planning
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Teaching Skills
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Academic & Research
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Career Progression and Personal Attributes
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Important information for applicants:
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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.
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UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications