Consultant Practitioner | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Consultant Practitioner to lead clinical initiatives focusing on frailty care. This full-time role is based in Bournemouth, requiring expertise in complex clinical reasoning and a passion for shaping healthcare services. Responsibilities include delivering autonomous clinical practice, leading changes, and ensuring seamless patient care in collaboration with community and acute teams. The position offers an opportunity to work within a respected organization dedicated to outstanding healthcare delivery.

Qualifications

• Established and confident in complex clinical reasoning.
• Passionate about influencing and shaping the service.
• Experience in providing both consultative and direct clinical practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and direct autonomous clinical practice.
• Lead change and improve standards of care.
• Advise communication with hospitals and community teams for patient care continuity.

Skills

Complex clinical reasoning

Holistic approach

High clinical risk management

Job description

Overview

Consultant Practitioner with clinical expertise in frailty. We are seeking an expert clinician to lead on a number of system priorities, including Frailty Hospital at Home, and provide clinical support with the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams.

This is an exciting time to join as we further develop our Frailty Hospital at Home in partnership with our colleagues in University Hospitals Dorset. The post holder will work in partnership with acute clinicians and teams to deliver the flagship service across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

We expect the post holder to be established and confident with complex clinical reasoning, a holistic approach, and comfortable with high clinical risk taking while thinking outside the box. A passion to influence and shape the future direction of the role and service is required. This is an exciting scope of work with a variable and developing pace of change.

Key Responsibilities

The Consultant Practitioner will provide clinical leadership and deliver direct autonomous clinical practice, providing input and/or consultative sessions within a defined cohort of patients. At least 50% of the portfolio is expected to be spent in direct autonomous clinical practice.

Responsibilities include: leading change, monitoring and improving standards of care, safeguarding and clinical effectiveness through supervision, evidence‑based practice, clinical audit, national and international research, and education and support for professional colleagues; maintaining and developing a local and national profile as a consultant practitioner; and advising and communicating with acute hospitals, primary and social care and community teams to ensure seamless continuity and transfer of care for patients.

Eligibility and Requirements

Applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible for this position.

Employment requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service may present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Working Conditions

This is a full‑time role based in Bournemouth and Poole. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service across the conurbation.

Our Organisation

At Dorset HealthCare, we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. We run 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. The Trust was rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC in 2019, with 95% of patients across our services saying they had a good or very good experience, and 89% of staff feeling they can truly make a difference.

Our 7,000‑strong workforce is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, building a workplace for the future where everyone is welcome and can be their best selves.

Application Guidance

For the main duties and responsibilities of this role please read the attached job description and person specification. Ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We recognise that AI can support candidates in completing their applications. However, over‑reliance on AI can diminish individuality and authenticity. If we suspect an applicant has used AI to create their supporting statement in its entirety and it does not match their experience, we may withdraw their application.

As part of our vision for a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people entering work. We provide an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you or someone you know would benefit, please contact [e-mail].

This advert closes on Wednesday 7 Jan 2026.