Consultant - Upper GI and General Surgery
The closing date is 03 January 2026
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Upper GI with a growing complex robotic and laparoscopic biliary and upper GI hiatal surgery practice, and with the opportunity to help with the development of the local bariatric surgery service. This post is a locum appointment, with a plan and funding in place to recruit to a substantive post subsequently.
The trust has developed a multi-platform robotic centre with both CMR and da Vinci systems. Our vision is to develop a regional robotic and training centre for Upper GI together with the already established colorectal and gynaecology teams. As such, both a fellowship in Upper GI surgery and consultant-level experience in robotic surgery is mandatory. Mentoring will be provided for elective and emergency work to ensure the new consultants have full support to fulfil their potential.
We operate an established hot laparoscopic cholecystectomy service for emergency patients, and any appointee would be expected to participate in this service and have experience of hot laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
Main duties of the job
The candidate will be expected to assist the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust in achieving its commitments to the National Plan for modernisation of the NHS, including achieving the 18-week patient pathway. On the general side, the trust's Acute Assessment Unit is one of the largest in the country with comprehensive diagnostic facilities.
The appointee will contribute to the teaching of medical students and trainee doctors and to participate in audit, governance and training meetings.
Clinical governance is assuming an ever-greater importance within the NHS and there is strong emphasis on this area within WHHT. The appointee will be expected to contribute and participate in governance activities in depth and breadth. The appointee will attend departmental Consultant meetings.
The appointee will have an overriding duty of care to patients and is expected to comply fully with best practice standards.
There are monthly departmental meetings. In addition, there are a number of leadership roles which we would encourage all consultants to take on. There are Trust-wide lead and managerial roles which are advertised amongst the consultant body. The appointee should have had experience with quality improvement projects to support the department.
There is a monthly clinical governance program that two of the consultants organise. Local Audits, research and other presentations make this a very useful session.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, 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 closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, 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 require support or guidance please contactwestherts.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.
Details
Date posted
19 December 2025
Pay scheme
Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade
Consultant
Salary
£109,725 to £145,478 a year PA
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
6 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
360-B-1150
Job locations
Medical - General Surgery L6
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB
Employer details
Employer name
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Medical - General Surgery L6
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB
Employer's website
http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)










Employer contact details
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