Consultant - Upper GI and General Surgery

NHS; Watford; On-site; GBP 109,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable healthcare institution is offering an exciting opportunity for a consultant in Upper GI surgery at Watford General Hospital. The role involves significant responsibilities in both elective and emergency general surgery with a focus on advanced laparoscopic methods. Ideal candidates should have extensive surgical experience and the necessary qualifications. This is a fixed-term appointment for 6 months, with a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Must have MBBS or equivalent FRCS.
• Required to be on the specialist Register ALS.
• Must possess extensive experience in elective and emergency general surgery.
• Specialist training and fellowship in benign UGI surgery including anti-reflux surgery necessary.
• Advanced laparoscopic skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in achieving 18-week patient pathway commitments.
• Contribute to teaching of medical students and trainee doctors.
• Participate in audit, governance and training meetings.
• Managing administrative, teaching, and research activities within the department.

Skills

MBBS or equivalent FRCS

On the specialist Register ALS

Extensive experience in elective and emergency general surgery

Specialist training and fellowship in benign UGI surgery

Advanced laparoscopic skills

Education

MBBS or equivalent

Job description

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.

Main duties

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. The appointee will have an overriding duty of care to patients and is expected to comply fully with best practice standards.

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.

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

Job responsibilities

The new appointee will be enrolled in the 1:12 (2/2/3) general surgical on-call rota with support from a separate colorectal emergency service rota. A full-time appointment with 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) is available which includes 1.5 PAs of Supporting Activities (SPAs) and 1.5 PAs for General Surgery on-call. The Job Plan will be discussed and agreed on appointment and is subject to annual review. All job plans will be agreed between the Trust and the successful candidates and will be reviewed on an annual basis. The appointee will be expected to fully contribute to the administrative, teaching and research activities within the department. All consultants represent the department on various committees within the Trust as well as taking responsibility for delegated areas according to their interests and availability.

Person Specification

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent FRCS
• On the specialist Register ALS
• Extensive experience in elective and emergency general surgery
• Specialist training and fellowship in benign UGI surgery including anti-reflux surgery
• Advanced laparoscopic skills

Desirable

• Experience in Revisional surgery
• Accredited Training the Gastroscopy trainee
• Full JAG accredited endoscopy
• Experience in robotic surgery including completed courses