Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Upper GI with a growing complex robotic and laparoscopic biliary and upper GI hiatal surgery practice, and with the opportunity to help with the development of the local bariatric surgery service. This post is initially a locum post with plans and funding in place to convert to substantive appointment. 
The trust has developed a multi-platform robotic centre with both CMR and da Vinci systems. Our vision is to develop a regional robotic and training centre for Upper GI together with the already established colorectal and gynaecology teams. As such, both a fellowship in Upper GI surgery and consultant-level experience in robotic surgery is mandatory. Mentoring will be provided for elective and emergency work to ensure the new consultants have full support to fulfil their potential. 
The working conditions in this post are equitable to the current consultants.   
The Trust is a BAMM partner with training sessions available for Medical Management and Clinical Leadership. There is an active Postgraduate Medical Centre.  
The applicant should possess FRCS or equivalent qualification, be fully registered with the GMC and be on the Specialist Register/obtained Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). 

Main duties of the job

We operate an established hot laparoscopic cholecystectomy service for emergency patients, and any appointee would be expected to participate in this service and have experience of hot laparoscopic cholcystectomies. 
As a regional centre for reflux investigations and advanced endoscopy for both benign and malignant conditions, the Upper GI unit is expected to work closely with our Gastroenterology colleagues in attending local cancer and reflux MDT together with carrying out regular endoscopy service lists and providing training opportunities. For this reason, JAG accreditation and attendance to a training-the-trainer course for Upper GI endoscopy are essential to fulfil these commitments.   
Any new appointees will be expected to continue the strong academic profile of the surgical unit, with a particular emphasis on research in the use of Robotics. Therefore, a proven interest in research will be a requirement for this post, and a post-graduate research degree (MD/PhD), with evidence of appropriate publications will be beneficial.
As work takes place across three sites, clinic and list times are set to accommodate travel where necessary.  

There is a good compliment of junior staff in the department spread across all sites to ensure patient care. The successful applicants will also contribute to the supervision and training of the Basic and Higher Surgical Trainees within the department.   

Working for our organisation

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
At West Herts we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly.
www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking
We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact [email protected]
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.