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Job summary

Main area
Paediatric Neurosurgery
Grade
NHS Medical & Dental: Locum Consultant
Contract
12 months (Fixed term 12 months)
Hours
Full time - 10 sessions per week (with 1:4 on-call commitment)
Job ref
387-WC5575-KL
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Town
Bristol
Salary
£113,565 - £150,569 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
13/08/2026 08:00

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Consultant in Paediatric Neurosurgery with Spinal interest

NHS Medical & Dental: Locum Consultant

As part of the transition to a Group Clinical Services structure within Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, there is an increased expectation of cross-site working.

Although roles will have a designated base, post holders are likely to be required to work across multiple Trust sites in line with service needs. Where this is not included in the initial job plan, any future requirement arising from the departmental restructures will be addressed through the job planning process. Travel time will be taken into consideration in line with contractual expectations.

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Locum Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon with a Spinal interest to join our nationally recognised Paediatric Neurosurgery service.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of an established team of specialist paediatric neurosurgeons delivering highly complex care to children from across the South West and beyond. The department offers a supportive environment with opportunities to develop specialist interests while contributing to a comprehensive paediatric neurosurgical service. 

The Department currently undertakes approximately 550 paediatric neurosurgical procedures per annum.  The Department has a full range of paediatric neurosurgical facilities including a dedicated neurosurgical operating theatre with an intraoperative MRI suite, provision of paediatric robotic neurosurgery including deep brain stimulation, stereotactic EEG and robotic endoscopy, O-arm spinal navigation, and gamma knife radiosurgery for children.  The hospital is a nationally designated centre for paediatric epilepsy surgery and Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.  The Department also delivers complex paediatric neurovascular services and non-syndromic craniofacial surgical services.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will join a team of four consultant paediatric neurosurgeons delivering elective and emergency paediatric neurosurgical care, including consultant-led outpatient clinics and inpatient services. The post is a 1:5 out of hours on call commitment. There is a 1 in 4 commitment to delivering the in hours on call service week (Monday to Friday).

Applicants must have completed specialist training in neurosurgery with substantial paediatric neurosurgical experience, including a minimum of 12 months fellowship training in Paediatric Neurosurgery within a major UK centre or international centre of excellence.  Candidates must also have fellowship level experience in paediatric and/or adult spinal surgery.

We are particularly interested in candidates with an interest in paediatric spinal neurosurgery, including experience in:

  • Spinal dysraphism surgery
  • Craniocervical junction surgery
  • Instrumented spinal surgery in children, including trauma and deformity correction

Use of O-arm navigation and robotic spinal surgery (desirable)

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.

Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:

 

  •  Better outcomes for our Patients
  •  More opportunities for our People
  •  Fairer more consistent care for our Population
  •  Best Value for Public Purse

Our vision for five years from now:

  • Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.
  • We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.
  • More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.
  • Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.
  • Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.
  • We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.
  • Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.
  • We will contribute to system financial balance

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role offers the opportunity to work within a highly specialised multidisciplinary team and contribute to the ongoing development of one of the UK's leading paediatric neurosurgical services.

For more details on the role and main responsibilities, please see Job Description attached. 

Person specification

Qualifications, Training & Experience

Essential criteria
  • Full and specialist registration in either AIM or GIM with the General Medical Council (GMC) Or Within 6 months of obtaining expected CCT date at time of interview
  • Locum candidates will be considered without CCT or CESR1 year fellowship in Paediatric Neurosurgery in a recognised centre of excellence (National or International)
  • Fellowship level experience in paediatric and/or adult spinal surgery
  • Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Neurosurgery
  • Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision
  • Evidence of a special interest and expertise in paediatric spinal surgery including spinal dysraphism, craniocervical junction surgery and instrumented spinal surgery in children
Desirable criteria
  • Higher academic qualification e.g. MD, PhD or equivalent
  • Fellowship level experience in paediatric and/or adult spinal surgery

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria
  • Up to date knowledge and experience of relevant specialty
  • Knowledge of NHS priorities with reference to specialty
Desirable criteria
  • Broad range of IT skills

Clinical Governance and Audit

Essential criteria
  • Understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies
  • Knowledge of the principles of clinical audit and evidence of participation
  • Positive approach to evidence based practice
  • Evidence of recent and regular engagement with continuing professional development (CPD) scheme

Research

Essential criteria
  • Knowledge of the principles involved in research
  • Evidence of involvement in research
Desirable criteria
  • Additional academic experience and qualifications e.g. PhD
  • Evidence of publication of peer reviewed academic papers

Teaching & Training / Management & Leadership

Essential criteria
  • Experience of teaching medical students and AHP’s
  • Experience of supervising trainees
  • Knowledge of teaching to a multidisciplinary team
  • Evidence of management training and evidence of learning from it
  • Ability to organise efficient and smooth running of a specialist service
  • Ability to cope with and effectively organise the workload of a consultant
  • Ability to practice independently as a consultant
  • Ability to take on responsibility and show evidence of leadership
  • Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks
Desirable criteria
  • Formal teaching/ education qualification
  • Educational Supervisor training completed
  • Evidence of management/leadership experience and/or qualifications and courses

Interpersonal, Communication and Team Working Skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, clinical colleagues, support staff and other colleagues
  • Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English.
  • Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods, and to respond to questions and queries
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi-professional basis with all levels of staff both within and across divisions
  • Ability to be a flexible team member

Any other Personal Abilities and Aptitudes

Essential criteria
  • Ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances
  • Awareness of personal limitations
  • Meets professional health requirements
  • Agreement to travel to and work in other Bristol NHS Foundation Trust sites necessitated by the role
Desirable criteria
  • Additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels
  • Trained as a Consultant Appraiser

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Mr Richard Edwards
Job title
Consultant Neurosurgeon
Email address
[email protected]
Additional information

Informal enquiries and pre-interview visits are welcomed and can be arranged by contacting Mr Richard Edwards, Clinical Lead for Paediatric Neurosurgery.

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