Specialist Doctor, Post – CCT Fellowship in Robotic Colorectal Surgery

Job overview

We are pleased to offer a unique and high-quality Post-CCT Fellowship in Robotic Colorectal Surgery at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This role offers exceptional robotic operating exposure within a high-volume colorectal unit and provides integrated experience in complex gynaecological cancer surgery, working collaboratively with the Gynaecological Oncology team.

This post is ideally suited to newly accredited colorectal surgeons (CCT or equivalent) who wish to develop expertise in robotic surgery while participating in multidisciplinary pelvic oncology care in a leading NHS teaching hospital.

Over the past two years, the Trust has invested significantly in surgical robotics, acquiring two CMR Surgical Versius platforms and an Intuitive Da Vinci Xi system. Fellows will receive structured mentorship from accredited robotic consultants and take part in supervised console training, simulation-based learning, and high-volume operative experience.

Main duties of the job

Participate in consultant-supervised robotic colorectal operations including right and left-sided resections and TME.

Support complex pelvic oncology procedures with the Gynaecological Oncology team where required.

Assist in the delivery of lower GI endoscopy services (JAG accreditation desirable).

Contribute to departmental teaching, governance, audits, and multidisciplinary team meetings.

Engage with medical students, foundation doctors, and surgical trainees in training and supervision activities.

Participate in departmental research or quality improvement projects where appropriate.

Maintain the highest standards of patient care and clinical professionalism.

Take part in clinical governance activities, including morbidity and mortality reviews.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SURGERY

About Us

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is a progressive and innovative teaching Trust with a reputation for high-quality surgical services and education. The colorectal unit comprises six colorectal consultants supported by seven specialty trainees and seven trust-grade doctors.

Our Trust has one of the highest minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery rates in the UK and has been nationally recognised for its commitment to robotic innovation and surgical training. You will be joining a forward-looking department that values collaboration, mentorship, and development.

Facilities

There will be an element of cross-site working and travel time will be reflected in the job plan. At St Albans City Hospital there is an operating suite with five theatres, three of which support laparoscopic surgery. In addition, at Watford General Hospital there is a Day Surgery Unit with operating theatre and access for general surgical and paediatric patients.

At Watford General Hospital there are currently three general surgical wards on Level 5.

Pre-admission clinics are undertaken at St. Albans City and Watford General Hospitals and are run by a dedicated and experienced Pre-operative Assessment (POA) team supervised by Consultant Anaesthetists.

Education and Audit

There is a weekly Colorectal Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting, and all surgeons are expected to contribute to case discussions and treatment planning. A monthly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meeting is also held, with active participation expected from all surgical staff.

All members of the team are required to maintain records of their Continuing Medical Education (CME) and are encouraged to take study leave to support their professional development. The unit maintains a strong commitment to Clinical Audit and actively engages in departmental Clinical Governance meetings to support quality improvement and patient safety.