Role Summary
We are delighted to invite applications for a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon to join our well-established and progressive surgical team at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, based in Exeter.
This new substantive post supports the expansion and modernisation of colorectal services within the Trust, particularly in the management of low rectal and anal cancers. We are seeking a forward-thinking, highly motivated consultant with specialist experience in minimally invasive (including robotic) and open multi-visceral colorectal surgery. Additional skills in pelvic exenteration and joint multi-specialty surgery (with Urology and Gynaecology) are highly desirable.
You’ll be joining a department that fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence in patient care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a high-quality, consultant-led colorectal surgical service to patients across Exeter and surrounding areas.
- Act as a core member of the Lower GI multidisciplinary team (MDT), contributing to robust, evidence-based decision making.
- Deliver elective and emergency surgical care to both adults and children, across inpatient, day case, and outpatient settings.
- Participate in the general surgery on-call rota (1:18), supporting emergency general surgical admissions.
- Provide teaching, supervision and mentorship to surgical trainees and wider clinical teams.
- Lead or contribute to clinical audit, service development, research, and clinical governance initiatives.
- Maintain professional development and support the broader objectives of the surgical division and Trust.
What We’re Looking For
- GMC registration with a licence to practise.
- Inclusion on the Specialist Register in General Surgery (Colorectal subspecialty) or within 6 months of CCT at time of interview.
- Significant experience in robotic-assisted and complex open colorectal surgery, with an emphasis on rectal cancer.
- Demonstrable ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and across specialties.
- A passion for teaching, service improvement, and patient-centred care.
What We Offer
- A welcoming and supportive colorectal team with a strong MDT ethos.
- Access to state-of-the-art operating theatres, including robotic surgical systems.
- Opportunities to collaborate in complex pelvic oncology surgery, including joint procedures with Urology and Gynaecology teams.
- A strong culture of teaching and clinical research, with links to the University of Exeter Medical School.
- A dynamic, forward-looking Trust committed to delivering the highest standards of care while supporting career development and innovation.
Why Exeter?
Exeter offers an excellent quality of life, combining the vibrancy of a university city with the beauty of the Devon countryside and coastline. With excellent schools, transport links, and a range of cultural and outdoor activities, it’s a fantastic place to live and work.
Interested?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your consultant career and contribute to a growing, forward-thinking colorectal service, we encourage you to apply.
About the Role
For further information please contact: Mr Will Chambers - Clinical Lead for Colorectal Surgery will.chambers@nhs.net / Mr Ben Rossi - Clinical Lead for Colorectal Cancer Services b.rossi@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 34 days plus bank holidays depending on grade and years of service.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
