Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and well-established pre-operative assessment team.  We are expanding our current team to meet increasing demand driven by the expansion of surgical services, and the addition of new theatres in a new Acute Services Block currently under construction. 

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic consultant to join our Anaesthetic department. The Department consists of 48 Consultants, (10 specialising in ITU) and a similar number of trainees and SAS grades. Surgical specialties include all major DGH specialties, as well as complex head and neck, paediatrics and bariatrics. The non-resident on-call commitment is currently 1:20 and covers emergency surgery and obstetrics.

The hospital is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and progressive culture. The Trust has University Hospital status with UCL and the Royal Free, which provides opportunity to strengthen our teaching and R&D program. The department is fully committed to teaching and training both undergraduate medical students and postgraduate doctors.   

Luton and Dunstable hospital is located within easy access to central London and the Midlands.  London Luton Airport is within fifteen minutes’ drive from the hospital.  There are many attractive villages and towns nearby like St Albans and Harpenden which has excellent schools.

 

Main duties of the job

The appointee will join the well-established Anaesthetics Department as part of a service development plan, where we currently have a new Acute Surgical Block (ASB) under construction which is due for completion in 2025.

 

Applicants must be included in the GMC Specialist Register for Anaesthetics or be within six months of CCT accreditation.  The successful applicants will provide a comprehensive high quality Anaesthesia service.

 

We have a dedicated Pre-Operative Assessment Service which reviews and prepares patients ahead of surgery. This multi-disciplinary service is provided by Consultant Anaesthetists, specialist nursing staff, a prescribing pharmacist and an Elderly Care Consultant.  It is well supported across the other hospital specialties. The successful candidate is expected to join the team and provide regular sessions to this service.

Working for our organisation

Our Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

As part of our continued response to COVID19 the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (“the 2014 Regulations”) was updated and approved by Parliament. This meant that full COVID19 vaccination would become a condition of employment in all NHS roles which have face-to-face contact with patients and service users from 1 April 2022 unless exempt.

The Government subsequently announced that, given the changes to the Omicron variant, they believe it is no longer proportionate to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for NHS staff. The Government’s decision is subject to Parliamentary process. This will require further consultation and a Parliamentary vote to be passed into legislation.

As this role is within scope of the current legislation COVID19 vaccination status will remain part of our routine Occupational Health check.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and your patients from the virus. If you’re still unsure, you can find lots of information

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

 

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.