Consultant Obstetrician- Maternal Medicine and Fetal Care(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is inviting applications for a Consultant Obstetrician to join its expanding maternity team at Musgrove Park Hospital. This newly created role focuses on strengthening high-risk obstetric services and supporting the development of a dedicated elective caesarean section pathway.

This is an obstetrics-only position, offering a unique opportunity to specialise fully in maternal and fetal care without gynaecology commitments. You will play a central role in delivering advanced obstetric services within a collaborative district general hospital setting that provides care close to tertiary level.

The post includes participation in an obstetric-only on-call rota (1:12) and follows a structured 8.5:1.5 split between Direct Clinical Care (DCC) and Supporting Professional Activities (SPA).

Key Responsibilities

As a Consultant Obstetrician, your role will be both clinically focused and strategically influential. Your responsibilities will include:

Delivering high-quality care across antenatal, intrapartum, and emergency obstetric services
Leading fetal monitoring practices across Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital
Performing fetal growth scans and Doppler assessments, particularly for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and growth-restricted pregnancies
Running regular specialist clinics, including:

Weekly ultrasound/scan clinics
Fortnightly high-risk antenatal clinics (e.g. preterm birth, maternal medicine, diabetes, epilepsy)
Supporting elective caesarean section services and triage systems
Participating in consultant-led ward rounds and on-call duties
Supervising and mentoring junior doctors, contributing to teaching and training
Engaging in audit, clinical governance, and quality improvement initiatives
Supporting innovation, service development, and multidisciplinary collaboration

About the Department

You will join a highly experienced and supportive consultant team delivering a wide range of specialist services, including:

  • Maternal medicine and fetal surveillance
    Early pregnancy and emergency gynaecology services
    Perinatal mental health care
    Diabetes and endocrine disorders in pregnancy
    Urogynaecology and chronic pelvic pain services

The department is forward-thinking and continuously evolving, with modern facilities such as:

  • A newly developed surgical suite and delivery unit
    A dedicated day-case surgical centre
    A Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
    Plans for a bespoke Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology Unit (EPAC/GAU)

There is a strong emphasis on innovation, enhanced recovery pathways, and improving patient experience.

Working at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

The Trust is committed to supporting its staff both professionally and personally. Benefits include:

  • Flexible working options
    NHS Pension Scheme
    Generous annual leave
    Access to career development and training opportunities
    Blue Light Card discounts across retail, travel, and leisure
    Relocation support (subject to eligibility)

Somerset offers a high quality of life, combining scenic countryside, coastal landscapes, and access to cities such as Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. It is an ideal location for both professional growth and family life.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

  • MBBS or equivalent medical degree
    Full GMC registration with a licence to practise
    Specialist registration (or within 6 months of application)
    MRCOG or equivalent
    CCT in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (or within 6 months)

Essential Experience

  • Extensive clinical experience in obstetrics
    Expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies and complex maternal conditions
    Competence in fetal growth scanning and Doppler ultrasound
    Ability to work independently and lead clinical decision-making

Desirable

  • Higher degree (e.g. MSc)
    Special interest training (SITM) in maternal medicine or fetal care
    Experience in labour ward leadership or advanced obstetric practice
    Qualification in medical education

Key Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Strong leadership and organisational skills
    Commitment to patient-centred, compassionate care
    Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
    Engagement with research, audit, and continuous improvement
    Adaptability in a dynamic clinical environment

Important Information for Applicants

  • This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under UK legislation
    Applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship are welcome

For further guidance, the following official UK resources may be useful:

Final Note

This is an excellent opportunity for a Consultant Obstetrician seeking to specialise in high-risk obstetrics within a progressive NHS Trust. The role offers a balance of clinical leadership, teaching, and service development, all within a supportive and forward-looking environment.