Locum Consultant Anaesthetist

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic Locum Consultant Anaesthetist to join the Anaesthetic Department at Yeovil District Hospital. This is a fixed-term post (6--12 months) offering varied clinical work across a busy district general hospital, with opportunities to shape services and develop sub-specialty interests.

The role involves providing high-quality anaesthetic care for elective and emergency patients across general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, urology, ophthalmology, gynaecology, and obstetrics (scheduled to resume in April 2026). Consultants also contribute to critical care, day surgery, regional anaesthesia, and acute pain services. Out-of-hours non-residential on-call cover includes emergency theatres, maternity, and occasional paediatric cases, with availability required within 30 minutes for emergencies.

Beyond clinical duties, the post holder will supervise and teach junior doctors, participate in audit, research, and clinical governance, and engage in continuing professional development. The Trust offers strong educational facilities, including a redeveloped postgraduate centre, and encourages involvement in service innovation and quality improvement.

This position offers the chance to work in a supportive, forward-looking department within a Trust undergoing major investment, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living in Somerset, with its outstanding natural beauty, affordable housing, and excellent schools.

Main duties of the job

As a Locum Consultant Anaesthetist at Yeovil District Hospital, you will provide safe, high quality anaesthetic care for both elective and emergency patients across a wide range of specialties, including general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, urology, ophthalmology, gynaecology, and obstetrics (scheduled to resume in 2026). Out of hours responsibilities include emergency theatres, maternity, and occasional paediatric cases, with consultants expected to be available within thirty minutes for urgent input. You will also contribute to intensive care cover while on call, until a revised staffing model is introduced. Beyond clinical work, you will help develop evidence based policies, engage in quality improvement, and take on leadership roles within the department. Education and supervision are central to the role: you will oversee and support junior doctors, participate in teaching programmes, and contribute to postgraduate training. Research and audit are encouraged, with opportunities to initiate projects that enhance service delivery and professional development. Consultants are accountable for their own competence, expected to maintain CPD, and participate in appraisal, job planning, and revalidation. Administrative duties, mentoring, and involvement in governance and the Local Negotiating Committee further ensure that you play a full part in the Trust's development. The role combines clinical excellence with teaching, leadership, and innovation, within a supportive and socially active department.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.