Job overview
The department of Trauma and Orthopaedics of University Hospitals Sussex is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon. The sub-specialty interest should be in General & Lower Limb Trauma, including Primary Hip & Knee arthroplasty. This is a 10 PA substantive post, and the successful candidate is expected to be in post by 1st April 2026. Although, this post is based at Worthing and St Richard’s hospital, but we expect successful candidate to travel and provide services across all sites of University Hospitals Sussex. You will join us during an exciting period in our organisation’s evolution following the recent mergers that created University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust, now the fifth biggest Trust in England. Currently we are in the process of transformation of Trauma services across the University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust, with vision of creating two major Non-Ambulatory Fragility Fracture units to lead pathways outlining the best practice concepts for ensuring patients with all types of fractures receive excellent and equitable NHS care.
Main duties of the job
To support the department in providing general trauma concentrating on Non-Ambulatory Fragility Fractures and Primary Hip and Knee arthroplasty. The post holder will have full participation in Consultant of the week general trauma on-call rota. It may be based at Worthing or at St Richard’s hospital but is currently under review. The post holder will be expected to work across all the sites of the Trust, depending on clinical needs to provide outpatient fracture clinics, theatre trauma lists, inpatient ward rounds and elective Orthopaedic hip & knee arthroplasty lists. Post holder is expected to play an active role in the Post Graduate Medical Centre delivering regular teaching and training to junior medical staff.
Working for our organisation
At University Hospitals Sussex, 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
This post will provide a support for General as well as complex Lower Limb Trauma support based at Worthing Hospital with some capacity to carry out Primary Hip and Knee arthroplasty that is currently based at St Richard’s hospital. Currently the Consultant of the week on call rota is based at Worthing hospital, but due to Transformation work it may change to other sites of the Trust. The appointee must be prepared to adapt their pattern of working to fit with the contractual obligations of the Trust and may be required to work across all sites in the Trust.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Basic medical degree
2. FRCS [Tr& Orth]. or its recognised equivalent.
3. Full and specialist registration (with a licence to practise) with the GMC or be eligible for registration within six months of the interview. • If you trained in the UK, you must also have a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Trauma & Orthopaedics or be within six months of receiving it by the interview date. • If you trained outside the UK, you must provide evidence that your qualifications are equivalent to the UK CCT. (Equivalence must be confirmed by GMC by date of AAC)
Desirable criteria
4. Higher Degree
5. Experience at Consultant level
Clinical Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
6. Trauma experience
7. Experience general Trauma
8. Foot & Ankle arthroplasty experience demonstrated via logbook, National Joint Registry data
Desirable criteria
9. Trauma skills demonstrated via logbook
Knowledge
Desirable criteria
10. Breadth of experience in and outside specialty
Organisation and Planning
Essential criteria
11. Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams.
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 and Research
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of participation in audit
Desirable criteria
16. Research experience
17. Publications
18. Prizes and honours
Career Progression
Essential criteria
19. Appropriate progression of career to date
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
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