Specialty Doctor – Chronic Pain

NHS National Services Scotland; Melrose; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Scotland is seeking a dedicated doctor to join their Chronic Pain Service at Borders General Hospital. This part-time position involves running outpatient clinics, engaging in multidisciplinary team initiatives, and contributing to patient education. Applicants should have full GMC registration and a commitment to improving chronic pain management. This role offers a chance to work within a supportive team in a scenic location with vibrant community access.

Qualifications

• Hold full GMC registration.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills.
• Be enthusiastic about developing expertise in chronic pain management.

Responsibilities

• Run outpatient clinics independently and with team members.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Contribute to patient group sessions and educational programs.
• Engage in triage of referrals and formulation of management plans.

Skills

Excellent communication

Adaptability

Teamwork

Chronic pain management interest

Education

Full GMC registration

Job description

OUR VALUES IN ACTION

Care and Compassion • Quality and Teamwork • Dignity and Respect • Openness, honesty and responsibility

Location: Borders General Hospital, Melrose, TD6 9BS

Hours: Part-time post (2 sessions per week - 8 hours) (0.2 WTE)

Are you passionate about improving the lives of people living with chronic pain? NHS Borders is seeking a dedicated and compassionate doctor to join our dynamic and multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Service at Borders General Hospital.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a well‑established secondary care service that prioritises self‑management, education, and holistic care.

You will

• Run outpatient clinics independently and jointly with other team members.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and service development.
• Contribute to patient group sessions and education programmes.
• Engage in triage of referrals and formulation of individualised pain management plans.

About You

We welcome applications from doctors of all grades who:

• Hold full GMC registration
• Are enthusiastic about developing expertise in chronic pain management.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills.
• Formal chronic pain qualifications are not essential—apprenticeship‑style learning and mentorship will be provided.

The Team

You’ll be joining a supportive MDT including:

• Consultant Anaesthetist
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Secretary
• Newly developed Pharmacist post
• Links with Pain Association Scotland

Why NHS Borders?

Located in the scenic Scottish Borders, our hospital offers excellent facilities, a strong educational programme, and a vibrant community. With easy access to Edinburgh via the Borders Railway, you can enjoy rural living with city convenience.

Interested?

Informal enquiries and visits are encouraged. Please contact:

Dr Jonathan Aldridge, Clinical Director – 01896 826322

Dr Shona Smith, Consultant Anaesthetist – 01896 826322

Chronic Pain Service Team – 01896 826323

Legal and Eligibility Notice

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit the Disclosure Scotland Changes.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigration Service.

As part of the pre‑employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre‑settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK website here.

For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licensed Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or 'going rate'. Further information on these criteria can be found here.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.