Locum Consultant in Gastroenterology

Job overview

We are seeking to appoint a Consultant in Gastroenterology on a fixed-term basis for 6 months to provide essential cover for a period of sickness absence within the service. This role is critical to maintaining continuity of safe, effective, and timely care across our Gastroenterology pathways.

The post-holder will join an established and dynamic team of consultants delivering comprehensive gastroenterology services across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The role will support both inpatient and outpatient care, contributing to the delivery of high-quality clinical services across acute and community settings.

The successful candidate will play a key role in sustaining service delivery, supporting waiting list management, and maintaining performance standards during a period of workforce pressure. The role includes participation in on-call and Gastroenterologist of the Day rotas, with flexibility to support service demand across both hospital sites.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will provide consultant-led care across the Gastroenterology service, ensuring high standards of clinical practice and patient experience are maintained throughout the duration of the fixed-term appointment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering high-quality inpatient and outpatient gastroenterology care across both acute hospital sites and community settings
• Participating in the Gastroenterologist of the Day rota, including inpatient reviews, referrals and urgent decision-making
• Undertaking outpatient clinics and supporting Advice & Guidance pathways for primary care colleagues
• Providing consultant-led endoscopy lists in line with service requirements and job planning arrangements
• Supporting the management of patients within specialist services, including IBD and hepatology where appropriate
• Contributing to weekend working and on-call rotas to ensure 7-day service provision
• Supporting junior medical staff and multidisciplinary teams in clinical decision-making
• Maintaining clinical governance standards, including participation in audit, appraisal and quality improvement activity

This role is specifically designed to ensure continuity of service provision and mitigate risks associated with reduced consultant capacity.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post-holder will be responsible for delivering comprehensive Gastroenterology services, working as part of a consultant-led multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and responsive care.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide consultant-led care for gastroenterology inpatients on a rota basis, including ward-based care at Cheltenham General Hospital
• Participate in the Gastroenterologist of the Day rota, including inpatient referrals, acute reviews and endoscopy provision at Gloucester Royal Hospital
• Deliver outpatient clinics across acute and community sites
• Provide timely clinical advice to colleagues across the Trust, including ED, SDEC and other specialties
• Support primary care through Advice & Guidance and referral pathways
• Undertake planned and urgent endoscopy activity in line with service needs
• Contribute to weekend and on-call rotas

Leadership and Team Working

• Support and supervise junior medical staff and contribute to multidisciplinary team working
• Work collaboratively within the Gastroenterology team to maintain service delivery during a period of reduced workforce capacity
• Contribute to team-based decision-making and service improvement initiatives

Quality, Governance and Improvement

• Participate in clinical governance, audit and quality improvement activities
• Maintain high standards of clinical care in line with Trust policies and national guidance
• Engage in appraisal, revalidation and continuing professional development

Service Development

• Contribute to maintaining service performance and patient flow during the fixed-term period
• Support service resilience, including waiting list management and demand/capacity pressures
• Participate in identifying opportunities for service improvement and efficiency

General Responsibilities

• Work in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and professional standards
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold information governance requirements
• Take responsibility for personal development and contribute to the development of colleagues