Job Overview
The University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust is seeking a dedicated Consultant Neonatologist to join our expanding neonatal intensive care service. This permanent, full-time position offers an exceptional opportunity for international medical professionals seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom with certificate of sponsorship support. As a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we provide tertiary care for the most vulnerable newborns across the West Midlands region.
About University Hospital of North Midlands
The Royal Stoke University Hospital, part of the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust, serves as a major tertiary referral center handling approximately 6,500-6,800 births annually. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admits around 520 babies each year with a total of 1,219 admissions including our Transitional Care Unit. We provide comprehensive care including HFOV, nitric oxide therapy, and therapeutic hypothermia, making us a regional center of excellence in neonatal medicine.
Position Details
This substantive Consultant Neonatologist post will complete our team of 9 consultants delivering specialized neonatal care. The position offers a competitive salary range of £105,504 to £139,882 per annum, reflecting the seniority and specialist nature of this role. The successful candidate will join a highly regarded team within an expanding service that anticipates further growth with improved nurse staffing and consultant numbers.
Certificate of Sponsorship
We welcome applications from international job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. The Trust will consider sponsorship applications alongside all other applications, providing exceptional opportunities for qualified neonatologists worldwide to build their careers within the UK’s National Health Service.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will provide the full range of neonatology skills working collaboratively with consultants and multidisciplinary teams across both Obstetric and Child Health Directorates. Our NICU currently operates with 26 cots (6 intensive care, 6 high dependency, and 14 special care) with planned expansion to 7 IC and 7 HD cots. Additionally, we maintain a 10-cot Transitional Care Unit to support our comprehensive perinatal services.
Clinical Excellence
You will be responsible for delivering expert clinical care across all modalities of neonatal intensive care. This includes managing very low birth weight babies (over 100 annually) and providing approximately 2,800-3,000 respiratory support days per year. The unit serves as a tertiary referral center, particularly for Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital, with neonates transferred by regional transport teams including West Midlands neonatal transport, East Midlands CenTre, and Connect North West.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
Candidates must possess Full GMC Registration, MBChB/MBBS or equivalent, and MRCP/MRCPCH by examination or equivalent. Level 3 safeguarding training is mandatory, along with either CCT in Neonatal Medicine or being within 6 months of obtaining CCT in Neonatal Medicine at interview date, or CESR Neonatal Medicine. Evidence of thorough and broad training in neonatal medicine is essential.
Clinical Experience Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical care of patients and offer expert clinical opinion on both emergency and elective cases within the specialty. NLS Provider Certificate is required, along with a specific area of expertise within neonatology to complement our existing team. Experience using evidence-based medicine and clinical audit to support decision-making is crucial.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, the ability to carry out echocardiography is highly desirable, as is an NLS instructor certificate. Additional higher degrees such as MD or PhD would be advantageous. These qualifications demonstrate advanced expertise and commitment to professional development that would enhance our multidisciplinary team.
Management and Administrative Experience
The ideal candidate will possess experience and understanding of clinical audit and demonstrate a good understanding of NHS structure and processes. Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and develop productive working relationships across all staff levels is essential. Teaching clinical skills and collecting/submitting data for collaborative studies are required capabilities.
Teaching and Research Experience
Experience supervising junior medical staff and completion of a Training the Trainers course are essential requirements. Desirable attributes include experience teaching basic clinical skills to undergraduates and possession of a higher medical education qualification. For research, the ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems and awareness of current specialty-specific developments are mandatory.
International Applicants Support
We recognize that relocating to a new country requires comprehensive support. Our Trust provides extensive onboarding assistance, including help with registration processes, accommodation guidance, and integration into both the hospital community and local area. We value the diverse perspectives international consultants bring to our team and offer mentorship programs to ensure successful transition into UK clinical practice.
Professional Development Opportunities
The position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth within a teaching hospital environment. You will have access to continuous professional development programs, research opportunities, and teaching responsibilities. The Trust supports consultants in pursuing special interests and advancing their clinical expertise while contributing to service development and quality improvement initiatives.
Working Environment
Our neonatal unit provides a supportive, collaborative working environment with state-of-the-art facilities. We have the capability to deliver therapeutic hypothermia to two babies simultaneously and provide iNO to three babies across NICU and PICU if required. All consultants perform neonatal cranial ultrasonography, with three consultants currently providing neonatal echocardiography services.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website before the closing date of 01 October 2025. The reference number for this position is 205-7163767B. Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact Julia Uffindell, Neonatal Clinical Lead, at [email protected] or by telephone at 01782 672404. Julia can provide detailed information about the role, the department, and the support available for international candidates relocating to the UK.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants requiring entry clearance must present criminal record certificates from countries where they resided continuously for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Employer Recognition
The University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust holds both Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold and Disability Confident Employer accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to supporting armed forces personnel and creating inclusive working environments for all staff members regardless of background or ability.
Why Choose UHNM?
Joining our Trust means becoming part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to clinical excellence and patient-centered care. We offer a supportive work environment, competitive remuneration package, and opportunities for career progression. For international applicants, we provide comprehensive relocation support and sponsorship assistance, making your transition to working in the UK as smooth as possible.
Life in North Midlands
The North Midlands region offers an excellent quality of life with affordable housing, excellent schools, and beautiful countryside. With good transport links to major cities including Manchester and Birmingham, the area provides the perfect balance between professional opportunity and lifestyle benefits. Our Trust actively supports international staff with integration into the local community.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our Trust values diversity and believes it strengthens our ability to provide outstanding patient care. We particularly encourage applications from international medical professionals who can bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our neonatal team.
