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Job overview

This is an exciting time to join the dynamic and forward-thinking team of gastroenterologists at Musgrove Park Hospital. 

We run a comprehensive gastroenterology and hepatology service for West Somerset, with over 4,500 new outpatient referrals annually. We are also the regional hub for the NHS bowel cancer screening programme and offer a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within a friendly DGH setting. 

We have recently received substantial investment from NHS England, which has enabled us to purchase state of the art endoscopic equipment for all our procedure rooms. 

The trust is currently undergoing significant modernisation with a new £80 million surgical centre/critical care build ( completion due 2025), incorporating a new endoscopy suite on the Musgrove Park Hospital site. 

The hospital has an excellent reputation regionally for teaching and training, provides a number of region wide services and has a truly patient centred care focus throughout the organisation supported by excellent managers and a dedicated clinically run Improvement Network. Our services are highly rated by patients, families and stakeholders and the hospital provides an incredibly friendly supportive and collegiate atmosphere to work in.

We will consider sub-specialty interests which align with departmental requirements - candidates are encouraged to discuss in advance specific areas of interest and departmental needs.  

Main duties of the job

The Gastroenterology Department at Musgrove Park Hospital offers unique opportunities to both new and existing consultants: 

• Supportive environment for career development 
• Flexible working patterns, including annualised sessions 
• Opportunities to join the local gastroenterology chambers providing additional NHS sessions
• Advanced endoscopy including ERCP/cholangioscopy, EUS, advanced/large polyp service, BCSP, upper and lower GI stenting
• Excellent support from postgraduate doctors in training with 3 HEE registrar trainees, 2 stand-alone registrar posts, 2 Clinical Fellows (F3 and above), 4 ward doctors (IMT, F2 x2, F1)
• Enhanced endoscopy training programme leading to rapid acquisition of endoscopy skills for our registrars
• Strong research capability and delivery 
• Comprehensive sub-specialty services including UGI cancer, IBD, Hepatology and nutrition

The gastroenterology team recognises that many individuals who have recently completed specialist training have not had sufficient time to fully develop their skills in endoscopy and in other areas. We are fully committed to post-CCT development and would welcome candidates who wish to further develop their rang of clinical skills. We have a strong track record in this area already with two recent appointees being supported with paid time and additional resources to learn Endoscopic Ultrasound, and Advanced Colonoscopy (Inc. large polyps). Furthermore, we have supported individuals who wish to develop as BCS Endoscopists. 

Working for our organisation

We are the first NHS trust on the English mainland to have merged our community, mental health and acute hospital services.  

Location  

Taunton is a beautiful area of the South West, located between areas of outstanding natural beauty. Somerset offers you the opportunity to live near or visit some of the UK’s most desirable locations; from beautiful local beaches; to the vibrant cosmopolitan centres of Bristol, Bath and Exeter, all within easy reach.   There is an abundance of outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling, surfing, climbing to name but a few.  

The County town of Taunton boasts a wide range of local amenities including; an extensive range of shopping, a wide range of local restaurants, sporting and recreational facilities including Somerset County Cricket Ground, Taunton Racecourse and The Blackbrook Theatre. Taunton’s nightlife offers a great atmosphere with cosy pubs and trendy bars.  

There is outstanding range and quality of education available both primary and secondary level and state and private provision.  Cost of housing is relatively low for the south west and  crime rates are very low – all of which contributes to excellent standards of living for families and the opportunity for great work life balance. 

Taunton also provides access to the M5 motorway and a mainline intercity rail link. Travel connections are convenient with the main line station offering trains to London Paddington in less than 2 hours.