Locum Consultant Spinal Surgeon | East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 84,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS hospital in Ipswich is seeking a full-time Locum Consultant in Spinal Surgery for a 12-month fixed-term position. You will be an integral part of a well-regarded spinal unit that provides comprehensive care, engages in research, and supports various responsibilities, including clinics and operational duties. This role offers a competitive package, opportunities for professional development, and a vibrant working environment.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working options

27 days annual leave

NHS discounts

Health and Wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Spinal Surgery as a Consultant.
• Ability to lead and participate in multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to research and evidence-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Take part in Consultant clinical responsibilities.
• Conduct two Spinal Clinics and one all-day theatre session weekly.
• Collaborate with the spinal on-call service.

Skills

Clinical responsibilities

Surgical skills

Team collaboration

Research involvement

Education

Qualified Consultant in Spinal Surgery

Job description

We are inviting applications for a full time, Locum Consultant in Spinal Surgery to join our team at Ipswich Hospital for a 12 month fixed term post.

• The Ipswich Hospital Spinal Unit is a modern, profitable and nationally recognised unit, fully integrated with the Pain Service and with Primary Care.
• There are currently eight substantive spinal surgeons supported by six full‑time spinal nurse specialists/Surgical Care Practitioners, three spinal fellows and two specialist registrars from the Anglian Rotation.
• The spinal unit is one of three Specialist Spinal Hub Units in the East of England.
• The unit runs a 24/7 consultant led on‑call service with access to all imaging as required.
• All outcome data is entered on the British Spine Registry with administrative support.
• The unit is part of the region‑wide East of England Spinal Network which includes both orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal surgeons.
• The Spinal Unit covers Suffolk, North East Essex and Mid Essex and is expanding into the surrounding areas providing specialist and non‑specialist spinal services. The new Consultant will further the development of an already first class spinal service.
• The unit is actively involved in local, regional & national research.

The Job Plan for this post will be reviewed annually, following an Appraisal Meeting. The Job Plan will be a prospective agreement that sets out a Consultant’s duties, responsibilities and objectives for the coming year. It should cover all aspects of a Consultant’s professional practice including clinical work, teaching, research, education and managerial responsibilities. It should provide a clear schedule of commitments, both internal and external. In addition, it should include personal objectives, including details of their link to wider service objectives and details of the support required by the Consultant to fulfil the job plan and the objectives.

We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes.

We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.

We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.

Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.

Our philosophy is thatTime Mattersto everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.

We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.

Find out about living and working here -www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A

The appointee will:

• Take his/her share of the Consultant clinical responsibilities within the Department. The precise allocation of session time will be agreed with Consultant colleagues but it is envisaged that two Spinal Clinics per week will be held. There will be one all day operating theatre session per week and a Departmental weekly MDT meeting.
• Share in the rota of Consultant cover for Spinal Surgery. The successful candidate will be involved on the spinal on‑call service.

Be required to use the medical equipment and consumables already in use within the department.

This advert closes on Tuesday 16 Dec 2025.