Job summary
We are pleased to offer a unique and high-quality Post-CCT Fellowship in Robotic Colorectal Surgery at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This role offers exceptional robotic operating exposure within a high-volume colorectal unit and provides integrated experience in complex gynaecological cancer surgery, working collaboratively with the Gynaecological Oncology team.
This post is ideally suited to newly accredited colorectal surgeons (CCT or equivalent) who wish to develop expertise in robotic surgery while participating in multidisciplinary pelvic oncology care in a leading NHS teaching hospital.
Over the past two years, the Trust has invested significantly in surgical robotics, acquiring two CMR Surgical Versius platforms and an Intuitive Da Vinci Xi system. Fellows will receive structured mentorship from accredited robotic consultants and take part in supervised console training, simulation-based learning, and high-volume operative experience.
Main duties of the job
Participate in consultant-supervised robotic colorectal operations including right and left-sided resections and TME.
Support complex pelvic oncology procedures with the Gynaecological Oncology team where required.
Assist in the delivery of lower GI endoscopy services (JAG accreditation desirable).
Contribute to departmental teaching, governance, audits, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Engage with medical students, foundation doctors, and surgical trainees in training and supervision activities.
Participate in departmental research or quality improvement projects where appropriate.
Maintain the highest standards of patient care and clinical professionalism.
Take part in clinical governance activities, including morbidity and mortality reviews.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.
www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SURGERY
About Us
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is a progressive and innovative teaching Trust with a reputation for high-quality surgical services and education. The colorectal unit comprises six colorectal consultants supported by seven specialty trainees and seven trust-grade doctors.
Our Trust has one of the highest minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery rates in the UK and has been nationally recognised for its commitment to robotic innovation and surgical training. You will be joining a forward-looking department that values collaboration, mentorship, and development.
Facilities
There will be an element of cross-site working and travel time will be reflected in the job plan. At St Albans City Hospital there is an operating suite with five theatres, three of which support laparoscopic surgery. In addition, at Watford General Hospital there is a Day Surgery Unit with operating theatre and access for general surgical and paediatric patients.
At Watford General Hospital there are currently three general surgical wards on Level 5.
Pre-admission clinics are undertaken at St. Albans City and Watford General Hospitals and are run by a dedicated and experienced Pre-operative Assessment (POA) team supervised by Consultant Anaesthetists.
Education and Audit
There is a weekly Colorectal Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting, and all surgeons are expected to contribute to case discussions and treatment planning. A monthly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meeting is also held, with active participation expected from all surgical staff.
All members of the team are required to maintain records of their Continuing Medical Education (CME) and are encouraged to take study leave to support their professional development. The unit maintains a strong commitment to Clinical Audit and actively engages in departmental Clinical Governance meetings to support quality improvement and patient safety.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SURGERY
About Us
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is a progressive and innovative teaching Trust with a reputation for high-quality surgical services and education. The colorectal unit comprises six colorectal consultants supported by seven specialty trainees and seven trust-grade doctors.
Our Trust has one of the highest minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery rates in the UK and has been nationally recognised for its commitment to robotic innovation and surgical training. You will be joining a forward-looking department that values collaboration, mentorship, and development.
Facilities
There will be an element of cross-site working and travel time will be reflected in the job plan. At St Albans City Hospital there is an operating suite with five theatres, three of which support laparoscopic surgery. In addition, at Watford General Hospital there is a Day Surgery Unit with operating theatre and access for general surgical and paediatric patients.
At Watford General Hospital there are currently three general surgical wards on Level 5.
Pre-admission clinics are undertaken at St. Albans City and Watford General Hospitals and are run by a dedicated and experienced Pre-operative Assessment (POA) team supervised by Consultant Anaesthetists.
Education and Audit
There is a weekly Colorectal Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting, and all surgeons are expected to contribute to case discussions and treatment planning. A monthly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meeting is also held, with active participation expected from all surgical staff.
All members of the team are required to maintain records of their Continuing Medical Education (CME) and are encouraged to take study leave to support their professional development. The unit maintains a strong commitment to Clinical Audit and actively engages in departmental Clinical Governance meetings to support quality improvement and patient safety.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Eligible for full GMC registration
- On GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCT
- MD or above
Desirable
- Sufficient experience at specialist registrar or equivalent
Knowledge:
Essential
- Comprehensive knowledge in the management of Colorectal and general surgical disorders
Desirable
- Management of emergency paediatric surgical conditions.
Experience:
Essential
- Research at MD or above with recognised publications.
- Ability, enthusiasm and commitment to teach in a clinical setting.
- Documented evidence of enhancing links by teaching on regional/national courses.
Desirable
- Robot training/course/experience.
- Clinical Supervisors Course or equivalent
Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Eligible for full GMC registration
- On GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCT
- MD or above
Desirable
- Sufficient experience at specialist registrar or equivalent
Knowledge:
Essential
- Comprehensive knowledge in the management of Colorectal and general surgical disorders
Desirable
- Management of emergency paediatric surgical conditions.
Experience:
Essential
- Research at MD or above with recognised publications.
- Ability, enthusiasm and commitment to teach in a clinical setting.
- Documented evidence of enhancing links by teaching on regional/national courses.
Desirable
- Robot training/course/experience.
- Clinical Supervisors Course or equivalent
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).
