Senior Clinical Fellow in Emergency General Surgery (EGS)

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for 2 Senior Clinical Fellows in Emergency General Surgery (EGS) within University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.

This role is designed for senior trainees seeking to further develop independent decision-making in acute general surgery, alongside a focused interest in acute biliary disease. The post offers a combination of high-level clinical exposure, increasing autonomy, and involvement in service development, within a supportive and dynamic environment.

The successful candidate will gain experience in a high-volume service, including areas of practice available in relatively few centres across the UK (“Hot GB”, Bile duct exploration), providing an excellent platform for progression to a consultant role in EGS and acute biliary surgery.

Applicants should be working towards a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or equivalent CESR.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will work as part of the Emergency General Surgery service, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team including consultant surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, dietitians, and allied health professionals to deliver high-quality patient care.

The role includes:

• Participation in the General Surgery on-call rota
• Elective and emergency clinical activity across theatre, ward, and outpatient settings
• Cross-site working within the Trust, primarily based at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), with additional activity at Weston General Hospital and North Bristol Trust

Please note: The role will include weekend working and cross-site commitments.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsabilities

Theatre

• Dedicated elective EGS operating sessions
• Focus on acute biliary surgery, including hot gallbladders and bile duct exploration
• Exposure to a high-volume emergency caseload
• Opportunities to develop operative skills with increasing responsibility

Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)

• Senior clinical review within SDEC
• Assessment and management of emergency surgical referrals
• Participation in ambulatory care pathways and admission avoidance

Outpatient Clinics

• Participation in general surgery clinics
• Continuity of care for elective and post-acute patients
• Opportunity to develop independent clinic practice

Inpatient and On-Call Support

• Senior support to the EGS on-call service
• Daily ward rounds and multidisciplinary team working
• Development of clinical decision-making in acute care settings

Specialist Experience

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (CBDE)

The post offers experience within a high-volume bile duct exploration service, with opportunities to develop skills in:

• Trans-cystic and choledochotomy techniques
• Management of complex biliary stone disease
• Use of adjuncts such as lithotripsy
• Progressive involvement in bile duct exploration procedures

Acute Biliary Surgery

• Exposure to a wide spectrum of acute biliary disease
• Management of severe cholecystitis and complex gallbladder pathology
• Development of skills in subtotal cholecystectomy and bailout strategies
• Clinical decision-making in higher-risk patients

Research, Teaching and Development

The post-holder will have opportunities to:

• Contribute to audit, service evaluation, and outcomes data collection
• Participate in research and publication activity
• Deliver teaching and training within the department
• Support course organisation and simulation-based education

Service Development and Leadership

The fellowship includes involvement in service improvement initiatives, with opportunities to:

• Contribute to development of SDEC and ambulatory pathways
• Support improvements in patient flow and waiting times
• Participate in service alignment across Trust sites
• Engage in development and evaluation of new models of care

What We Offer

• A high-volume, supportive EGS environment
• Opportunities to develop skills in acute biliary surgery and bile duct exploration
• Exposure to complex emergency general surgery
• Involvement in teaching, research, and service development
• A strong platform for progression to a consultant post