We are seeking a Consultant Dermatologist who has completed dermatology training with a CCT and wishes to join a rapidly growing dermatology team. Development of a sub‑specialty interest is encouraged, with opportunities to establish academic links with neighbouring university hospitals in Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and Plymouth.
This is a county‑wide role, predominantly based in Taunton, with outreach to community hospitals across Somerset. Musgrove Park Hospital has traditionally been the base for dermatology services; however, services are expanding across multiple sites, including the Taunton Diagnostic Centre and a purpose‑built dermatology hub at Yeovil Hospital. Further expansion is anticipated.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Duties
Clinical duties, including minor surgery, account for 7 sessions per week.
Teaching
Medical students from Bristol and Peninsula Medical Schools will attend clinics for 28 weeks per year. Teaching will be shared across the team and led by the consultant.
Research
Candidates with a research profile who wish to include research in their job plan may negotiate protected research time. As with all clinical research, ongoing support in terms of time and university fees will be dependent on satisfactory progress.
Clinical Governance
The successful candidate will participate in monthly clinical governance meetings for the dermatology team.
Administration and Budgetary Responsibilities
This post is funded from the Somerset Foundation Trust dermatology budget.
Appraisal, Job Planning and Mandatory Training
Appraisal, job planning, and mandatory training will take place annually, in line with standard arrangements for Somerset Foundation Trust consultants. Further details are available on the Trust's revalidation website.
Mandatory Revalidation
Medical staff at Somerset Foundation Trust are allocated 1.5 SPA sessions for core revalidation activities.
Job responsibilities
Like many NHS organisations, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust faces challenges in delivering care for patients with skin conditions, including rising demand, the absence of a dedicated department, and ongoing workforce pressures. However, the service benefits from an experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist team and a committed consultant workforce delivering high‑quality care.
While these challenges are common across the NHS, Somerset is distinguished by its strong commitment to service improvement and investment. The Somerset Dermatology Service Transformation Programme, led by the Trust Board, aims to deliver a whole‑system approach to care. This includes:
* Supporting patient self‑care through improved online resources and signposting
* Enhancing primary care management via GPs, pharmacists, and allied health professionals
* Developing intermediate care through GPwER (GP with Extended Role) services
* Ensuring timely access to specialist consultant‑led care where required
The department is actively involved in teaching and training, with opportunities to shape both service design and delivery. New models of care and multidisciplinary working are supported by a commitment to best practice in clinical supervision.
The Trust is committed to evidence‑based care, supported by research training and development within the dermatology team. The long‑term aim is to establish a dynamic, research‑active department delivering high‑quality care for patients across Somerset.
Somerset Foundation Trust includes 13 community hospitals, many of which are modern and well‑equipped, providing excellent opportunities for community‑based dermatology clinics. Investment in estate remains a priority, with plans to develop a dedicated dermatology department near Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.
Clinical Services
The dermatology service provides a comprehensive range of outpatient care, including:
* General adult and paediatric dermatology (non‑tertiary)
* Skin cancer diagnosis and management
* Patch testing services
* Phototherapy services across multiple sites
The service is supported by a skilled Nurse Specialist team, particularly in the management of systemic therapies, including biologics and isotretinoin, as well as patient support and follow‑up.
Phototherapy services are provided at Yeovil District Hospital, Yeatman Hospital (Sherborne), and Musgrove Park Hospital. A well‑established patch testing service operates at Yeovil, with a newer service developing in Taunton.
The department works closely with neighbouring Trusts in Bristol and Exeter. Medical and Clinical Oncology services are accessed via the SSMDT at Taunton. Consultant Plastic Surgeons support the service through skin cancer MDT participation, surgical lists, and outpatient clinics across both Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital.
While Mohs surgery is not currently offered, there are plans to develop this service as part of the ongoing transformation programme.
Qualifications
* Full GMC registration
* MRCP
* Completed dermatology training with CCT or within 6 months of obtaining specialist registration
* GCP training
* Research training
* Post‑graduate certificate in Medical Education
Experience
* Four years as Dermatology trainee
* For further details person specification please refer to the attached job description.
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.
Benefits and EEO Statement
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
* Career development focus to help you grow and achieve your potential
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
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