Specialty Doctor in Anaesthetics and ICU

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Anaesthetist to join the Anaesthetics and Critical Care team at Yeovil District Hospital, part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

The post is for a Specialty Doctor in Anaesthetics and ICU, offering a full-time contract with an average of 48 hours per week. The role involves a mix of elective daytime theatre work and resident on-call shifts, including nights and weekends, covering theatres, intensive care and, in the future, obstetric anaesthesia when services resume in 2026. Applicants must have at least four years' experience in anaesthesia, be capable of managing ASA I-III patients independently, and be confident in initial ICU airway management for ASA I-IV cases. While obstetrics is not currently operational, the postholder will be expected to provide epidural and Caesarean section anaesthesia once the service reopens. Full GMC registration is essential, and a UK/EU-recognised ALS, ATLS or ETC certificate is required at the time of application or within six months of appointment.

The department offers strong support for ongoing professional development, including CESR progression, FRCA preparation and involvement in teaching, audit and governance. The postholder will work alongside a team of consultants, specialty doctors, trainees and fellows, and may have opportunities for cross-site experience at Musgrove Park Hospital. Informal visits are welcomed.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will provide anaesthetic services for elective and emergency cases across Main Theatres, Day Surgery, Intensive Care and, when reinstated, Obstetrics. Duties include delivering safe and independent anaesthesia for a wide range of surgical procedures, including caesarean sections and labour analgesia once the maternity service resumes. The role involves a full shift resident rota with on-call responsibilities covering emergency anaesthesia and ICU airway support, including nights and weekends. The doctor will participate in the assessment, stabilisation and airway management of critically ill patients in ICU, and contribute to pre-operative assessment and perioperative planning. The post also includes teaching junior doctors and medical students, contributing to departmental audit and governance activities, and supporting service development. While Consultant support is available, the Specialty Doctor is expected to work with a high degree of clinical independence.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.