Specialist Anaesthetist

NHS; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Reading is seeking a Specialist in Anaesthesia to deliver excellent clinical care and work across multiple surgical specialties. The role involves providing anaesthesia, conducting assessments, and participating in quality improvement projects. A minimum of 12 years' medical experience with at least 6 years in anaesthesia is required. Competitive remuneration and opportunities for part-time or flexible work arrangements are available. This position supports a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years' medical work, with 6 years in anaesthesia.
• Experience in NHS settings is preferred.
• Ability to provide safe general and regional anaesthesia independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide anaesthesia for elective, emergency, and trauma surgeries.
• Conduct pre-operative assessments and post-operative visits.
• Participate in audit and quality improvement projects.

Skills

General anaesthesia

Regional anaesthesia

Procedural sedation

Teaching and supervision

Clinical governance

Education

Full registration with the GMC

Membership of the Royal College of Anaesthetists

Higher degree related to anaesthetic practice

Current Advanced Life Support training

Job description

This a permanent post for a Specialist in Anaesthesia to join the existing team at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

It is anticipated that this post will be 10 programmed activities (PAs) each week. If suitable applicants are interested, posts may filled on a part-time or flexible basis.

The aim of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Anaesthetic Department is to deliver excellent clinical care in the field of Anaesthesia and the successful applicant must therefore have the pre-requisite clinical and leadership skills, as well as team work, drive and ambition in achieving these goals.

In 2025 we were awarded Royal College of Anaesthetists ACSA accreditation, and have begun working towards applying for University Department status. We were one of the top performing departments within the Trust, based on a recent staff feedback survey. There is a strong and valued cohort of SAS doctors within our department.

Please note the simulation date will be 30/01/2026 and the interview date will be 17/02/2026.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be able to work independently to provide anaesthesia, pre-operative assessment, post-operative visits, administration, teaching and audit. There will be a job plan review immediately upon starting to discuss use and scheduling of SPA time. This will be followed by a further review after 3-6 months to ensure that the SPAs fulfil the needs of the individual and the department.

A minimum of 6 years medical work as a Specialty Doctor and/or closed SAS grades in Anaesthesia is required.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

Our theatres provide elective, emergency and trauma surgery within multiple operating theatres allowing a throughput of ~26,000 cases each year. The department works with the multi-disciplinary team from numerous specialities; including ENT, Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, General surgery etc. to deliver surgical care safely and of a high standard. The department works to support the latest technologies, such as robotic surgery and have two state of the art Robots used for Urology, Upper GI and Colorectal surgeries.

The main site at RBH comprises of 20 operating theatres, in three separate complexes and one ring fenced Elective Orthopaedic Unit.

• South Wing Theatres - 7 theatres
• Redlands Theatres - Ring fenced Orthopaedic Unit, 4 theatres.
• Central Theatres - 5 theatres
• Maternity Theatres - 3 theatres, 1 procedural room

Prince Charles Eye Unit and West Berkshire Community Hospital provide elective services within a self-contained day bed unit:

• West Berkshire - comprises of 2 operating theatres and 1 procedural room
• Prince Charles Eye Unit - comprises of 2 operating theatres. The team specialise in Ophthalmology only within the unit.

The department also supports services provided in Interventional and diagnostic Radiology, as well as external contracts with BHFT Dental Surgery, Prospect Park and Broadmoor.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Full registration with the GMC/eligible for registration
• Membership of the Royal College of Anaesthetists of the UK or equivalent
• Higher degree or other relevant qualifications related to anaesthetic practice
• Current Advanced Life Support training

Clinical Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Practice provides safe and effective general and regional anaesthesia, and procedural sedation, independently for all patients (Equivalent to stage 3 capability, RCoA 2021 Anaesthetics Curriculum)
• A minimum of 12 years' medical work (either continuous period or in aggregate) since obtaining a primary medical qualification of which a minimum of 6 years should have been in a relevant specialty in the Specialty Doctor and/or closed SAS grades
• Must meet the criteria set out in the Specialist grade generic capabilities framework
• Previous experience working in the NHS

Audit, Management & IT

• Ability to work within clinical governance guidelines
• Evidence of participation in audit and quality improvement projects, presenting data and implementing change as appropriate
• Good IT skills; use of patient and hospital databases
• Understanding of NHS management structures
• Previous involvement in clinical leadership roles

Research, Teaching Skill & Experience

• Evidence of providing good teaching and supervision to trainees
• Evidence of personal involvement in research
• Educational qualification or equivalent educational experience
• Contributes to improving patients' experience
• See patients as individuals and involve them in decisions about their care
• Ability to work in partnership to deliver a patient-centered service
• Demonstrates willingness to embrace user involvement

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrates willingness to embrace user involvement
• Ability to communicate with clarity and intelligence in both written and spoken English
• Willingness to take responsibility, and exerts appropriate authority
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.