Job overview
We are inviting applications for the role of Palliative Care Consultant, fixed term, up to 12months.
This post is an exciting opportunity for a Consultant in Palliative Medicine as part of UHSussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder will be based at WGH/SRH.
The Specialist Palliative Care Team provides a 7-day advisory service, across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, with an associated internal palliative medicine telephone on-call service.
The post will provide outpatient clinical activity in a developing Supportive Oncology Service, with regular commitments to hospital inpatient review of patients with complex specialist palliative care needs, within their allocated hospital base.
In addition, the post will provide clinical leadership, MDT participation [Cancer of Unknown primary and Haematology], medical student and post graduate teaching and research opportunities.
This is an opportunity to influence and improve care for some of our most vulnerable patients, ensuring that our services reflect best practice and the highest standards.
If you have the vision, leadership, and passion to help shape the future of palliative end-of-life care at UHSussex, we would like to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The post will provide outpatient clinical activity in developing a Supportive Outpatient Service, with regular commitments to inpatient review of patients with complex specialist palliative care needs, within their allocated hospital base. In addition, the post will provide MDT attendance to either Cancer of Unknown primary or Haematology.
You will participate in clinical audit and support the wider clinical governance agenda, including involvement with the Mortality Review Panel (Learning from deaths), and other Mortality meetings.
You will have the opportunity to support with our palliative care research agenda and to take part in the Trusts’ excellent Quality Improvement Programme – the Patient First Improvement System.
You will participate in the BSMS medical school teaching and post graduate teaching. Having the opportunity to support the educational supervision of trainee doctors within the Trust in SPA time.
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.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. •Basic medical degree
2. •MB BS, FRCR or appropriate specialist qualification
3. •Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
4. •CCT in palliative medicine or equivalent (equivalence must be confirmed by GMC by date of AAC)
5. •Entry onto the GMC Specialist Register or eligibility for entry within 6 months of the date of the AAC
Desirable criteria
6. Higher Degree
Clinical Skills & Experience
Essential criteria
7. •Evidence of training in palliative medicine
8. •Understanding of clinical risk management
Knowledge
Essential criteria
9. •Breadth of experience in and outside specialty
Organisation & Planning
Essential criteria
10. •Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
11. •Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints
Desirable criteria
12. •Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended
Teaching Skills
Essential criteria
13. •Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
Desirable criteria
14. •Recognised teaching qualification
Academic & Research
Essential criteria
15. •Evidence of participation in audit
Desirable criteria
16. Research
17. Publications
18. Prizes & Honours
Career Progression & Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
19. •Appropriate progression of career to date
20. •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