Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please see below.
Join a team that combines patient-centred care with the lifestyle benefits of living in Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is looking to appoint a Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The role will be based at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, with the option for cross-site working at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) in Exeter.
This is a role where you can shape your career while enjoying the support of a close-knit, forward-thinking department. Youll provide expert care across the complete scope of obstetrics and gynaecology, from routine procedures to challenging cases. We offer dedicated access to theatres, and youll be encouraged to develop your own specialist interests. Teaching, research, and service innovation are actively supported, giving you the freedom to build leadership skills and make a difference to womens health.
More detail about the role
You will enjoy a varied mix of elective and emergency work across obstetrics and gynaecology, with dedicated access to theatres and the flexibility to build areas of subspecialty expertise, including fetal medicine. We actively encourage consultants to pursue leadership development, service innovation, and advanced training.
Highlights of working at the Royal Devon and the role include:
- Training & Development A wide range of clinical and leadership courses, plus unprecedented access to our Gynaecology Theatre, support rapid skill enhancement and career growth.
- Career Progression A supportive structure for moving into departmental leadership, complex case work, and service redesign.
- Research Our long-standing research programme is expanding into a new, state-of-the-art clinical research facility in North Devon, with funded time for your own proposals and collaborations with the University of Exeter.
- Teaching Close links with the University of Exeter Medical School, including funded teaching time and a planned evening education programme for CPD.
- Service Development Opportunities to shape new services for a population of over 615,000 people across Devon, including technology-enabled remote consultations and disease monitoring.
- Innovation We are piloting Ambient Voice Technology, an AI tool that transcribes and summarises patient consultations in real time, freeing clinicians to focus more on patients.
- Digital Excellence We use the Epic electronic patient record system, already transforming care across the Trust, with a system-wide rollout completing in 2026.
About the department
Our North Devon Obstetrics and Gynaecology service is a close-knit team of eight consultants in Barnstaple, working alongside 19 colleagues in Exeter, with options for cross-site working. Junior staff include GP trainees, Foundation doctors, SAS and MTI doctors, supported by senior Perinatal Leadership, Clinical Matrons, and an experienced Operational Management team.
All services are delivered on the main Barnstaple hospital site with immediate access to laboratories, ICU, and other specialties. Facilities include the Ladywell Unit with a six-bedded Labour Ward, Bassett Ward for antenatal/postnatal care, a Level 1 Neonatal Unit, dedicated obstetric and gynaecology theatres, and Petter Ward for day cases.
Key duties
- Deliver safe, patient-centred care across the full range of obstetric and gynaecological services.
- Manage a diverse clinical workload, including emergency and elective cases.
- Lead and participate in theatre sessions, with scope to develop subspecialty expertise.
- Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate education, with protected teaching time.
- Engage in clinical research, supported by dedicated staff and facilities.
- Drive service innovation and quality improvement projects across the Trust.
- Take part in the 1:8 on-call rota (with cross-site option if desired).
Location and Relocation
Set in the beautiful South West of England, our hospitals are surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor, and a multitude of stunning beaches on our doorsteps are a great attraction to surfers, walkers, riders, or any outdoor sporting enthusiasts. With excellent schools, low crime rates, and a top Russell Group university In Exeter, Devon offers an outstanding quality of life. Relocation support and accommodation for visits are available to help make your move as seamless as possible.
Person Specification
Applicants must hold:
- Full GMC registration
- Entry on the Specialist Register (or within six months of CCT at time of interview)
- MRCOG or equivalent
- Evidence of clinical competence and experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Working Pattern: 10 PAs
Interview Date: TBC
For further information, please see Consultant info pack , or contact Emily Simpson, Executive & Specialist Recruitment Lead, emily.simpson21@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
