Consultant Physician in Acute Medicine

Job summary

The post will support the weekday running of the Acute Medicine Unit (AMU), Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and enable a senior acute physician weekday presence within the emergency department (ED), this will be in conjunction with the 10 existing acute physicians on a rotational basis. The successful candidate will join the team at an exciting time for the service having been rated as best in the country for overall satisfaction with doctor training in the 2026 GMC national training survey and advanced plans to introduce a Frailty SDEC and take, and to restructure the AMU including proposals for NHS England funded capital improvements.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

The post holder will provide the full range of specialist diagnosis, treatment and care to patients with acute medical problems as outlined in the proposed programme. We are interested in appointing a motivated and highly competent doctor to these posts, as they will take on the task of developing acute medicine services within the broader vision of 'a high quality, constantly improving Trust, providing excellent clinical services'.

It is envisaged that the successful applicants will, in conjunction with the current post holders, be responsible for:

• consultant supervision of the acute medical unit
• consultant supervision of the existing ambulatory emergency care unit
• Provide acute medicine presence and support within the emergency department
• Participation in the medical on call rota (currently 1:21 weekdays and 1:7 split weekends).
• Provide consultant level care for the winter pressure escalation beds under the care of acute medicine

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.

Job description

We're delighted you're considering joining the Consultant Physician team as a consultant. As you're looking to be part of our team of 10 consultants, we thought we'd take the time to write about us, what we're looking for, and what we can offer you.

With opportunities to be mentored, the highest national score for training in the 2026 GMC national training survey, close links to Bristol and Plymouth medical schools and many ongoing projects for the development of acute services in the region we have a wide range of opportunities for those approaching their CCT (or equivalent) certification, as well as experienced consultants. We're also open to discussing job share, or part time arrangements.

For a detailed overview of the job and it's responsibilities please refer to the job description attached to the advert.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

MRCP (UK) or equivalent

Registered as a specialist in acute medicine with the GMC or will be eligible for inclusion as a specialist within 6 months of interview

Experience

Essential

Specialty interest in acute medicine complimentary to needs of the department.

Able to demonstrate significant experience in acute medicine.

Understanding of clinical risk management

Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate

Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach

Ability to mentor staff both medical and nursing

Extensive experience in acute medicine

Desirable

Additional sub-speciality interests

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

For help with your application, contact:

Toby Stockton

toby.stockton@somersetft.nhs.uk

07795603447