Job summary
The Post is for 12 months, with effect from August 2025. The post holders will be working within the 3 complex spinal teams and will rotate between the different teams every 6 months. Time will be allocated for research and teaching. The teams are busy with a high proportion of complex spinal cases. It is expected that the post-holder will act as a senior registrar, provide leadership and support for other trainees, will be expected to participate in research projects and audits, with support in job description to produce peer reviewed papers and audits.
The Walton centre is currently the regional lead for malignant spinal disease and spinal injuries with referrals from Cheshire/ Merseyside and north wales hospitals.
Main duties of the job
The spinal teams at the Walton centre deal with all aspects of spinal disorders: spinal deformity surgery including anterior and posterior approaches, surgery for spinal tumours, spinal trauma and infections, surgery for congenital spinal disorders, tethered cord and chiari malformations.
All aspects of spinal work are covered, from emergency to elective work.
The purpose of the Walton Centre Spinal Fellowship is to enable a senior trainee with a major interest in developing a career in spinal surgery to have the opportunity to work in close liaison with Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic spinal Consultants who have specific interests in spinal disorders. The post is designed for trainees ( orthopaedic or neurosurgical background) who wishes to pursue a career in spinal surgery.
For further information please contact Ms Lee Consultant Neurosurgeon maggie.lee4@nhs.net or Mr Srikandarajah Consultant Neurosurgeon nisaharan.srikandarajah@nhs.net
About us
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for the Investors in People. We invest in people and we invest in wellbeing standards and have been awarded Gold status for both. The Walton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services we are proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originally formed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.
With around 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and 18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incredibly dedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal and neurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site in Fazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves and muscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-term neurological conditions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification document for detailed information about the job description for this vacancy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification document for detailed information about the job description for this vacancy.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Post CCT Neurosurgery
- FRCS(SN)
Desirable
- Interest in Spinal deformity surgery
Experience
Essential
- Completed year 5 of Specialist Registrar (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Previous Fellowship in spinal surgery
Ability & Knowledge Clinical & Technical Skills
Essential
- Basic understanding of Biomechanics, clinical anatomy and pathology of the spine
- Basic experience of clinical assessment and surgery of the spine
Desirable
- Already experienced in the surgical treatment of spinal disorders
- Knowledge of the basic principles of sagittal spinal alignment
Motivation
Essential
- Desire to sub-specialise in spinal surgery when trained
Personality
Essential
- Potential to cope with stressful situations and undertake responsibility
- Good communication skills
Desirable
- Able to cope with stress and has leadership skills
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Audit
Essential
- Understands principles
- Evidence of previous audits
Desirable
- Evidence of participation in spinal surgery
Research
Essential
- Should already have evidence of research experience
Desirable
- Previous publications in spinal surgery
Management Ability
Essential
- Evidence acting at senior level
Desirable
Other Requirements
Essential
- GMC Registrations with license to practice
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Post CCT Neurosurgery
- FRCS(SN)
Desirable
- Interest in Spinal deformity surgery
Experience
Essential
- Completed year 5 of Specialist Registrar (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Previous Fellowship in spinal surgery
Ability & Knowledge Clinical & Technical Skills
Essential
- Basic understanding of Biomechanics, clinical anatomy and pathology of the spine
- Basic experience of clinical assessment and surgery of the spine
Desirable
- Already experienced in the surgical treatment of spinal disorders
- Knowledge of the basic principles of sagittal spinal alignment
Motivation
Essential
- Desire to sub-specialise in spinal surgery when trained
Personality
Essential
- Potential to cope with stressful situations and undertake responsibility
- Good communication skills
Desirable
- Able to cope with stress and has leadership skills
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Audit
Essential
- Understands principles
- Evidence of previous audits
Desirable
- Evidence of participation in spinal surgery
Research
Essential
- Should already have evidence of research experience
Desirable
- Previous publications in spinal surgery
Management Ability
Essential
- Evidence acting at senior level
Desirable
Other Requirements
Essential
- GMC Registrations with license to practice
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
