Specialty Doctor in General Surgery

Job overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Specialty Doctor in General Surgery to become part of our forward‑thinking, supportive, and highly skilled surgical team.

This 12‑month fixed‑term role—primarily based at Glangwili Hospital, with the possibility of extension—offers extensive hands‑on experience across the full breadth of general surgery.

Alongside excellent professional development, the post provides an enviable quality of life. Carmarthenshire is renowned for its stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and affordable living, making it an ideal place to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The Health Board is committed to fostering teaching, research, quality improvement, and strong multidisciplinary working.

Our department includes 10 consultants and 8 specialty doctors, all dedicated to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred surgical care.

Elective surgical services are provided across Glangwili General Hospital and Prince Philip Hospital, with opportunities to contribute to general surgery, upper gastrointestinal (Upper GI) surgery, and colorectal surgery. With the benign Upper GI service expanding across the Health Board, we particularly welcome applicants with a special interest in this area.

This role is especially suited to candidates already working within the UK who are seeking a stable, long‑term, non‑consultant career position within a friendly, well‑established team in a beautiful part of the country.

Applicants must hold full GMC registration and have current NHS clinical experience.

Main duties of the job

• Clinical Duties  Contribute to the delivery of elective and 1:8 emergency General Surgery services for both hospital and community patients, working closely with the supervising Consultant to ensure high‑quality prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of surgical conditions.  Undertake independent ward rounds and provide safe, effective inpatient management.  Perform independent emergency surgical procedures—including appendicectomy and laparotomy—with consultant support available when required.  While NHS guidance limits doctors to an average of 10 sessions per week, most of our Specialty Doctors opt for a 13‑session working pattern, which aligns well with the rota and enhances team continuity.  Leadership, Supervision, and Teamwork  Provide strong clinical leadership to resident and trainee medical staff within the specialty, contributing to a positive and collaborative working environment.  Teaching, Training, and Research  Engage in departmental teaching and research activities, supporting their ongoing development and contributing to a culture of learning and innovation.  Governance and Quality Improvement  Participate in regular multidisciplinary clinical audit to ensure practice remains evidence‑based and aligned with national standards.  Deliver all clinical care in accordance with contractual requirements, Health Board service plans, and established policies, procedures, and protocols.  Maintain exemplary standards of clinical documentation, patient safety, and governance in line with Health Board expectations.
• Contribute to the delivery of elective and 1:8 emergency General Surgery services for both hospital and community patients, working closely with the supervising Consultant to ensure high‑quality prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of surgical conditions.
• Undertake independent ward rounds and provide safe, effective inpatient management.
• Perform independent emergency surgical procedures—including appendicectomy and laparotomy—with consultant support available when required.
• While NHS guidance limits doctors to an average of 10 sessions per week, most of our Specialty Doctors opt for a 13‑session working pattern, which aligns well with the rota and enhances team continuity.
• Provide strong clinical leadership to resident and trainee medical staff within the specialty, contributing to a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Engage in departmental teaching and research activities, supporting their ongoing development and contributing to a culture of learning and innovation.
• Participate in regular multidisciplinary clinical audit to ensure practice remains evidence‑based and aligned with national standards.
• Deliver all clinical care in accordance with contractual requirements, Health Board service plans, and established policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain exemplary standards of clinical documentation, patient safety, and governance in line with Health Board expectations.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

These are the current applicable pay scales; however, these may change upon implementation of the framework agreement for reform to the terms and conditions of service for resident doctors and dentists in Wales. Further details can be found at BMA+-+Framework+Agreement+Wales.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences.  In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Please see below links to promotional material: