Job Summary
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic Locum Consultant Anaesthetist to join the Anaesthetic Department at Yeovil District Hospital. This is a fixed‑term post (6–12 months) offering varied clinical work across a busy district general hospital, with opportunities to shape services and develop sub‑specialty interests.
The role involves providing high‑quality anaesthetic care for elective and emergency patients across general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, urology, ophthalmology, gynaecology, and obstetrics (scheduled to resume in April 2026). Consultants also contribute to critical care, day surgery, regional anaesthesia, and acute pain services. Out‑of‑hours non‑residential on‑call cover includes emergency theatres, maternity, and occasional paediatric cases, with availability required within 30 minutes for emergencies.
Beyond clinical duties, the post holder will supervise and teach junior doctors, participate in audit, research, and clinical governance, and engage in continuing professional development. The Trust offers strong educational facilities, including a redeveloped postgraduate centre, and encourages involvement in service innovation and quality improvement.
This position offers the chance to work in a supportive, forward‑looking department within a Trust undergoing major investment, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living in Somerset, with its outstanding natural beauty, affordable housing, and excellent schools.
Main Duties of the Job
As a Locum Consultant Anaesthetist at Yeovil District Hospital, you will provide safe, high‑quality anaesthetic care for both elective and emergency patients across a wide range of specialties, including general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, urology, ophthalmology, gynaecology, and obstetrics (scheduled to resume in 2026). Out‑of‑hours responsibilities include emergency theatres, maternity, and occasional paediatric cases, with consultants expected to be available within thirty minutes for urgent input. You will also contribute to intensive care cover while on call, until a revised staffing model is introduced. Beyond clinical work, you will help develop evidence‑based policies, engage in quality improvement, and take on leadership roles within the department. Education and supervision are central to the role: you will oversee and support junior doctors, participate in teaching programmes, and contribute to postgraduate training. Research and audit are encouraged, with opportunities to initiate projects that enhance service delivery and professional development. Consultants are accountable for their own competence, expected to maintain CPD, and participate in appraisal, job planning, and revalidation. Administrative duties, mentoring, and involvement in governance and the Local Negotiating Committee further ensure that you play a full part in the Trust's development.
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
* NHS pension scheme
* Generous annual leave allowance
* A strong focus on career development
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.
Details
Date posted: 05 December 2025
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 184-OL-MED-SURG-3818
Job locations: Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications:
* Medical Degree and Royal College membership, or equivalent.
* Full GMC Registration with a license to practice at time of applying.
Desirable Qualifications:
* An appropriate higher degree or qualification (MD, PhD or equivalent).
* Entry on the GMC Specialist Register in Anaesthesia via CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of the interview date), CESR, or European Community Rights.
Essential Experience:
* Depth and breadth of clinical experience in Anaesthesia.
* Experience in a special interest that will complement those already existing in the department.
* Provide high quality anaesthetic care for both elective and emergency surgical patients.
* Provide dedicated non‑residential on‑call cover (with internal cover).
* Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate.
* Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach.
Desirable Experience:
* Experience at consultant / locum consultant level.
Additional Criteria:
* Understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies.
* Knowledge of the NHS plan/modernisation agenda and the implications for service.
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer Details
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT
Website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
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