Spinal Consultant Surgeon

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a highly motivated and fellowship trained Consultant Spinal Surgeon to join our dynamic and collegiate spinal service based at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. This is a fulltime post working alongside a team of 22 orthopaedic consultants, including seven spinal surgeons, to deliver a comprehensive elective and emergency spinal service for the population of Somerset. The post will initially be offered on a locum basis, with the intention to progress to a substantive appointment subject to satisfactory performance and service needs.

The successful applicant will contribute to the full spectrum of spinal care, including trauma, degenerative conditions, infection, tumour, and deformity. Elective practice will include both day case and inpatient spinal surgery, supported by modern theatre facilities, dedicated spinal equipment, and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.

You will play an active role in the weekly Friday morning spinal MDT, which brings together radiology, microbiology, oncology, and deformity specialists to support high quality decision making and ensure compliance with the British Spinal Registry. The post also offers excellent opportunities for teaching, research, and clinical audit, with strong support from the Trust's Research & Development Unit and Musgrove Park Academy.

Main duties of the job

Provide highquality assessment, diagnosis and management of patients admitted with spinal emergencies.

Participate in a 1:6 week spinal oncall rota, offering 24hour emergency cover from Friday to Friday.

Undertake posttake ward rounds for all spinal emergency admissions during oncall weeks.

Run a spinal emergency clinic and perform emergency operating lists when on call.

Manage referrals from Musgrove Park Hospital, Yeovil District Hospital and community services when required.

Deliver a full range of elective spinal surgery through both day case and inpatient operating lists.

Provide 1--2 elective outpatient clinics and 1--2 elective theatre sessions per week.

Contribute to the management of degenerative, deformity, trauma, tumour and infection cases.

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.