West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon

The closing date is 15 August 2025

Job summary

Applications are invited for a locum Consultant General Surgeon with a specialist interest in Colorectal Surgery to join a well-established and successful team of five colorectal surgeons at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The successful candidate will also contribute to a wider team of 12 consultants delivering both elective and emergency general surgery, with opportunities to develop their sub-specialty interests.

As a Teaching Hospital, we are committed to excellence in education. The successful applicant must demonstrate a track record of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including prior formal roles, and show evidence of ongoing commitment to education. A proven interest in research--ideally at MD level or above--is also required

Main duties of the job

Over the past two years, the Trust has invested in three robotic platforms--CMR Surgical Versius and Intuitive Da Vinci Xi systems--demonstrating our commitment to surgical innovation. Prior training in robotic surgery, including attendance at relevant courses and experience in robotic colorectal cancer resections, is highly desirable. With one of the highest minimally invasive colorectal surgery rates in the UK, our unit seeks applicants who have completed an accredited laparoscopic or robotic colorectal fellowship.

A significant interest and proven expertise in complex Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) surgery is essential, and fellowship-level training in this area is highly desirable. We offer a collaborative and supportive team environment, with opportunities for joint surgery, structured mentoring, and training to maintain the Trust's excellent outcomes in the National Bowel Cancer Audit (NBOCA).

Close collaboration with our Gastroenterology colleagues is embedded in practice, and regular Lower GI endoscopy will form part of the role. Full JAG accreditation is therefore essential.

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-imaging 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.

At West Herts we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly. https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking/

We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.

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.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Date posted

01 August 2025

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Consultant

Salary

£105,504 to £139,882 a year PA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

360-B-1012

Job locations

Watford General Hospital

Watford

WD18 0HB

Job description

Job responsibilities

The appointee will support the Trust in delivering the NHS Modernisation Plan, including the achievement of 18-week referral-to-treatment and cancer performance targets.

The post includes up to 1.5 SPAs to support activities such as appraisal, revalidation, and professional development. With activity across three sites, job plans are structured to accommodate reasonable travel time. There is a good complement of junior and resident medical staff distributed across sites, ensuring safe and high-quality care. The successful candidate will also play an important role in supervising and training Basic and Higher Surgical Trainees.

The working conditions and job plan will be equitable to those of existing consultants, with full support to help the successful applicant integrate and thrive within our department.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The appointee will support the Trust in delivering the NHS Modernisation Plan, including the achievement of 18-week referral-to-treatment and cancer performance targets.

The working conditions and job plan will be equitable to those of existing consultants, with full support to help the successful applicant integrate and thrive within our department.

Person Specification

Essential

Full GMC Registration
GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCT/CESR
MD or above

Desirable

Worked at least five years at specialist registrar or equivalent

Person Specification

Essential

Full GMC Registration
GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCT/CESR
MD or above

Desirable

Worked at least five years at specialist registrar 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Watford General Hospital

Watford

WD18 0HB

Employer's website

http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Watford General Hospital

Watford

WD18 0HB

Employer's website

http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)