Consultant General Surgeon

NHS National Services Scotland; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 111,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Orkney is seeking an experienced Consultant Surgeon to join a small, dedicated team at The Balfour hospital. The role offers general surgical care with flexible contracts and the chance to live in a supportive community renowned for its quality of life. You will work in a collaborative environment and contribute significantly to patient care across the islands. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy clinical variety and autonomy while living in one of the UK's most beautiful regions.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Continued professional development opportunities

Support for commuting or relocation

Qualifications

• Experience in general surgical care.
• Completion of CCT within the next 6 months preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide general surgical care in a modern hospital.
• Collaborate with colleagues across NHS Orkney and NHS Grampian.
• Ensure flexibility in hours and contract type.

Skills

JAG-accredited for endoscopy

Teamwork

Clinical skills

Job description

Consultant Surgeon – NHS Orkney

Location: The Balfour, Kirkwall, Orkney
Contract: Flexible – Full time, part time or annualised
Salary: Consultant £111,430 - £148,064 plus Distant Islands Allowance pro rata per annum

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to practise surgery in a place where your work truly matters – and your life outside of work is just as rewarding?

In Orkney, we’re offering more than just a job. We’re offering a lifestyle – one where you can enjoy a fulfilling surgical role in a modern, well-equipped hospital, while living in one of the most beautiful and welcoming communities in the UK.

We’re looking for an experienced Consultant Surgeon to join our small, dedicated team at The Balfour, our 44-bed hospital serving a population of around 22,000 across 20 inhabited islands. You’ll provide general surgical care, and it is essential you are, or working towards being, JAG-accredited for endoscopy. This is a role that offers clinical variety, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

We are open to hearing from candidates who are completing CCT within the next 6 months.

Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll work closely with colleagues across NHS Orkney, NHS Grampian, and national emergency retrieval services, in a collaborative environment where your voice is heard, and your expertise is valued.

We understand that flexibility is key, and we’re open to shaping the role around the right candidate. Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time, or annualised hours, we can offer a contract that fits your lifestyle. You might choose to live locally or commute from elsewhere – either way, we’ll support you. We also encourage and facilitate regular placements in larger centres to help you maintain and develop your clinical skills, alongside study leave and CPD opportunities.

And then there’s Orkney itself. Regularly voted one of the happiest places to live in the UK, it offers excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and a rich cultural life. From sea kayaking and birdwatching to world-class archaeology and internationally renowned music festivals, there’s always something to explore. With excellent ferry and air links to the Scottish mainland and the rest of the UK, you’re never far from where you need to be – but you might just find you never want to leave.

If this sounds like the kind of change you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about working with us, visit NHS Orkney, and for a taste of life in Orkney, explore www.orkney.com

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd of November 2025

Interview Date: Monday 24th of November 2025

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