Job Description
About the role
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is entering a transformative period in stroke care, and we are inviting an experienced and motivated Consultant Stroke Physician to be part of it.
In April 2026, we will open a brand-new 12-bed Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Musgrove Park Hospital, marking a major step forward in how stroke services are delivered across the county. This post offers a genuine opportunity to influence service design, clinical pathways, and patient outcomes at a pivotal time.
You will join a supportive and collaborative stroke team made up of 8 consultant stroke physicians and 4 specialist doctors, all committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based, and compassionate care.
Whether you are newly appointed to consultancy or looking for a fresh professional challenge, we will support your development and welcome your ideas.
The Role at a Glance
As a Consultant Stroke Physician, you will be central to the delivery of hyperacute, acute, and rehabilitation stroke services across Somerset. Your work will balance frontline clinical leadership with teaching, service development, and research activity.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading daily ward rounds on the Hyperacute Stroke Unit
- Providing 24/7 thrombolysis support in collaboration with the AGWS telemedicine network
- Delivering rapid-access TIA clinics, operating seven days a week at Musgrove
- Managing patients across acute stroke units at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital
- Contributing to stroke rehabilitation services and Early Supported Discharge pathways
- Actively supporting and leading stroke research, with access to a strong and varied clinical trials portfolio
- Supervising and teaching junior doctors and medical students
- Participating in a 1 in 8 weekend HASU on-call rota
- Your main base will be Musgrove Park Hospital, with occasional cross-site working as required.
Job Planning & Supporting Professional Activity
- 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) total
- 8.5 Direct Clinical Care
- 1.5 Supporting Professional Activities (SPA)
- Additional SPA time may be available for leadership roles, research, or service development
- A personalised job plan will be agreed with the successful candidate
Why Work With Us?
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the first fully integrated NHS provider in England, bringing together acute, community, mental health, and primary care services under one organisation. This structure allows for truly joined-up care and meaningful innovation.
What we offer:
- A forward-thinking Trust undergoing county-wide stroke transformation
- A welcoming, inclusive, and multidisciplinary working culture
- Strong mentorship and career development support
- A relocation package of up to £7,700 for substantive appointments (terms apply)
- A research-active department contributing to national stroke studies
- Modern facilities including upgraded CT and MRI imaging, critical care, and day surgery units
The opportunity to live and work in Somerset, with outstanding natural landscapes, excellent schools, and fast transport links to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London
PersonEssential Requirements
- MRCP (UK) or equivalent
- Full GMC registration with a licence to practise
- Entry on the Specialist Register (or within six months of CCT at the time of interview)
Significat experience in:
- Acute stroke medicine
- Thrombolysisn
- TIA management
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
Desirable Attributes
- Higher research degree
- Evidence of involvement in teaching, leadership, audit, or management
- Experience in stroke research or quality improvement initiatives
Additional Information
- This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975
- Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcomed
- Overseas applicants may be required to provide criminal record certificates from countries of residence within the past 10 years
- Applicants must hold current UK professional registration