Consultant Stroke Physician(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated and forward-thinking Consultant Stroke Physician to join its expanding stroke services. This is a key opportunity to shape the future of stroke care across the county during an exciting phase of service development, including the introduction of a new 12-bed Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Musgrove Park Hospital in April 2026.

You will join a collaborative team of consultant stroke physicians and specialist doctors committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care across acute, hyperacute, and rehabilitation pathways.

 Key Responsibilities

Acute & Hyperacute Stroke Care

• Lead daily ward rounds on the Hyperacute Stroke Unit
  Deliver rapid assessment and management of acute stroke presentations
  Support 24/7 thrombolysis services and participate in the regional telemedicine network
  Contribute to safe and timely decision-making for emergency stroke care

TIA & Outpatient Services

• Run rapid-access TIA clinics (7-day service)
  Provide urgent assessment and management of transient neurological symptoms
  Support early diagnosis and prevention of stroke recurrence

Inpatient & Rehabilitation Care

• Manage patients across acute stroke units at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital
  Contribute to rehabilitation planning and early supported discharge services
  Ensure continuity of care across inpatient and community pathways

Leadership, Education & Research

• Supervise junior doctors, trainees, and medical students
  Participate in teaching, training, and clinical education programmes
  Contribute to and lead stroke-related research and clinical trials
  Support service development, audit, and quality improvement initiatives

On-Call & Service Delivery

• Participate in a 1 in 8 weekend HASU on-call rota
  Provide consultant-level clinical decision-making during emergencies
  Support cross-site working between Musgrove and Yeovil hospitals

 About the Organisation

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the UK’s first integrated provider combining acute, community, mental health, and primary care services under one organisation.

The Trust is committed to:

• Delivering seamless, patient-centred care
  Advancing clinical innovation and research
  Improving outcomes through integrated pathways
  Supporting staff wellbeing and professional development

 Why Join Somerset?

• Work within a modernising stroke service with major investment in infrastructure
  Access upgraded imaging, critical care, and specialist stroke facilities
  Be part of a research-active environment contributing to national studies
  Benefit from flexible working and strong multidisciplinary collaboration
  Live in a region combining countryside, coastlines, and vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter

 Essential Requirements

Qualifications

• Full GMC registration with licence to practise
  MRCP or equivalent qualification
  Entry (or eligibility within 6 months) to the Specialist Register in Stroke Medicine or relevant specialty

 NHS doctor career information

Clinical Experience

• Extensive experience in acute stroke management
  Proven competence in thrombolysis and TIA assessment
  Experience in stroke rehabilitation and multidisciplinary care
  Strong communication and team collaboration skills

 Desirable Skills

• Higher academic qualification (e.g. MD/PhD)
  Experience in stroke research and clinical trials
  Leadership in audit, governance, or service redesign
  Teaching and training experience

 Professional & Legal Requirements

• Compliance with Mental Capacity Act 2005
  Compliance with Mental Health Act (where applicable)
  Commitment to safeguarding adults and children
  Adherence to clinical governance and patient safety standards

 Recruitment Checks

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check required
  Overseas applicants must meet criminal record certification requirements

 Visa Sponsorship

This role may qualify for the UK Skilled Worker visa, subject to eligibility.

 UK Professional Registration

Applicants must hold valid GMC registration throughout employment.

https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing

 Why This Role Matters

• Directly improve survival and recovery outcomes for stroke patients
  Lead life-saving emergency stroke interventions
  Shape future stroke services across Somerset
  Contribute to national research and innovation
  Work in a highly supportive and progressive consultant team