Job overview
The post-holder will provide high-quality, consultant-led paediatric and neonatal general surgical care to children across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall, supporting the development of a High-Level Paediatric Surgery service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP).
The role will strengthen local provision, reduce avoidable tertiary transfers, improve equity of access for families, and support networked delivery of specialist children’s surgical services across the South West.
The service will be for non specialised surgery.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver consultant-level elective and emergency paediatric general surgery, including neonatal surgery appropriate to a high-level paediatric non specialised surgical service. • Manage common and intermediate paediatric surgical conditions locally, including (but not limited to): o Inguinal hernia repair, orchidopexy o Pyloromyotomy o Gastrostomy formation o Paediatric laparoscopy o Central venous access o Endoscopic procedures for foreign body ingestion o Distal hypospadias (where appropriate in liaison with plastic surgery) • Provide emergency surgical input for children and neonates admitted to UHP, both ward based and in hours emergency lists • Work collaboratively with paediatric anaesthetics, paediatrics, neonatology, radiology, intensive care, and nursing teams. • Ensure safe, effective peri-operative care and timely senior decision-making. • Work alongside emergency general surgery, paediatrics and neonatology to provide complete and seamless patient care.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Full registration with the GMC with a licence to practise ________________________________________ Clinical Experience & Skills • Demonstrable experience in paediatric general surgery at consultant level • Ability to independently manage common and intermediate paediatric surgical conditions • Experience of emergency paediatric surgery • Experience of neonatal surgical care appropriate to a high-level paediatric surgical unit • Commitment to high standards of patient safety and family-centred care ________________________________________ Professional Competence • Evidence of sound clinical judgement and decision-making • Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams • Commitment to clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement • Understanding of networked models of paediatric surgical care ________________________________________ Teaching & Communication • Experience of teaching and supervising trainees and students • Excellent communication skills with children, families, and colleagues • Ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries ________________________________________ Personal Attributes • Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and leadership • Flexible, resilient, and adaptable to service development • Commitment to equality, diversity, and reducing health inequalities • Willingness to contribute to service growth and innovation ________________________________________Desirable Criteria Additional Clinical Expertise • Subspecialty interests such as: o Neonatal surgery o Paediatric gastrointestinal surgery o Paediatric urology • Experience supporting or developing paediatric surgical services in a DGH or networked model ________________________________________ Research & Education • Evidence of research, publications, or presentations • Formal educational or leadership qualifications ________________________________________ Equality & Values UHP is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applicants must demonstrate behaviours consistent with Trust values and a commitment to providing equitable care for all children and families. Managerial and Leadership
- Previous or current clinical leadership roles • Experience developing new services or care pathways • Involvement in regional or national paediatric surgical groups