Consultant Stroke Physician(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

This is a rare opportunity to join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust at a pivotal moment in the evolution of stroke services. We are expanding and redesigning stroke care across the county, including the opening of a new 12-bed Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Musgrove Park Hospital in April 2026.

We’re looking for a Consultant Stroke Physician who is passionate about delivering excellent patient care, enjoys collaborative working, and wants to help shape modern, responsive stroke services. Whether you’re newly appointed to consultancy or looking for a fresh professional challenge, you’ll find strong clinical leadership, support, and ambition here.

About the Stroke Team

You’ll join a well-established and highly supportive multidisciplinary team, including:

• 8 Consultant Stroke Physicians
• 4 Specialist Doctors
• Dedicated nursing, therapy, and rehabilitation teams

Together, the team delivers comprehensive hyperacute, acute, and rehabilitation stroke care across Somerset, with a strong focus on innovation, quality improvement, and research.

Your Role

As a Consultant Stroke Physician, you will have a central role in delivering and developing stroke services across the Trust. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading daily ward rounds on the Hyperacute Stroke Unit
• Supporting a 24/7 thrombolysis service, including collaboration with the AGWS telemedicine network
• Running 7-day rapid access TIA clinics at Musgrove Park Hospital
• Providing consultant-level care across acute stroke units at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital
• Contributing to stroke rehabilitation pathways and Early Supported Discharge services
• Supporting and leading stroke research, with access to a broad portfolio of active clinical trials
• Teaching and supervising junior doctors and medical students
• Participating in the 1 in 8 weekend HASU on-call rota
• Your primary base will be Musgrove Park Hospital, with occasional cross-site working at Yeovil.
• Job Planning & Supporting Activities
• 10 Programmed Activities (PAs)
• 8.5 Direct Clinical Care
• 1.5 Supporting Professional Activities (SPA)
• Opportunities for additional SPA time linked to leadership, research, education, or service development
• Final job plan agreed collaboratively with the successful candidate

Why Join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust?

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the first NHS organisation in England to integrate acute, community, mental health, and primary care services under a single provider model. This creates genuine opportunities for joined-up care, innovation, and professional growth.

What we offer:

• A forward-thinking Trust with a county-wide vision for stroke transformation
• Strong clinical leadership, mentoring, and peer support
• A research-active department contributing to national stroke studies
• Access to modern facilities, including upgraded CT/MRI imaging, critical care, and day surgery
• Relocation support of up to £7,700 for substantive appointments (terms apply)
• Flexible working and a culture that values wellbeing and inclusion

Living & Working in Somerset

Somerset offers an exceptional quality of life. From Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to vibrant market towns, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, it’s a place where work and life balance naturally come together. You’ll also benefit from excellent transport links to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London.

Person Specification

Essential

• MRCP (or equivalent)
• Full GMC registration with a licence to practise
• Entry on the Specialist Register, or within 6 months of CCT
• Substantial experience in acute stroke care, thrombolysis, TIA management, and stroke rehabilitation
• Excellent communication, leadership, and teamworking skills

Desirable

• Higher research degree
• Evidence of teaching, audit, leadership, or management experience
• Active involvement in stroke research or quality improvement initiatives

Pre-Employment Checks & Sponsorship

• This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome
• Overseas applicants must provide criminal record certificates from relevant countries, in line with UKVI requirements