Visa note
While this position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship, all international candidates must verify their eligibility to work in the UK with the employer before applying. Immigration requirements can change, and final approval will depend on meeting all UK Visas and Immigration criteria.
Job summary
We are seeking to appoint Consultant Anaesthetists to our directorate with a general anaesthetic interest. These are replacement posts which have arisen due to retirement. The successful candidate will join our team of 202 Consultants and 18 Speciality Doctors in providing anaesthetic services at Southend University Hospital.
The provisional AAC date is 2nd November 2023. This represents an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals looking to establish their career in the UK’s National Health Service.
Key details
Company: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Southend, Southend on Sea, SS0 0RY
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 a year Per annum Pro rata – Additional 3% on call supplement
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 390-MR-T&A-SO-6181
Main duties of the job
This is a permanent post, based on a 10PA contract. Appointed consultants will have the option to take up to 2 additional PAs subject to agreement with the Clinical Director. The appointed consultants will join the general 1 in 16 on call rota or the 1 in 7 weekend trauma.
Southend Hospital is a thriving cancer treatment centre. Major complex urology (robotic assisted and laparoscopic), gynaecology-oncology, colorectal, and breast procedures form a large part of theatre work, in addition to orthopaedics & trauma, oral surgery, ENT, interventional pain and general surgery.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pursue any subspecialty interest they may have, and will be encouraged to take part in service improvement. The hospital provides excellent facilities and a supportive environment for professional development.
About the employer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people. We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services.
We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and providing a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers. From facilities through to consultant specialists, we strive to be the best in our field.
As an employer, we offer not only a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress. We value diversity and welcome applications from healthcare professionals around the world.
Person specification
Essential qualifications
- MBBS or equivalent
- FRCA or equivalent
- Inclusion on the GMC’s Specialist Register for Anaesthesia or eligibility for inclusion (or within 6 months of attainment at the time of interview)
- Completion of higher training in anaesthesia (CCT or CESR)
Desirable qualifications
- PG Diploma e.g. perioperative, pain, education etc
- Masters or equivalent
- MD or PhD
Essential experience
- Experience of working at consultant level
Desirable experience
- Evidence of service development or expansion
- UK experience
Essential skills
- Good written communication skills – demonstrated throughout application form
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
International candidates should note that criminal record checks may be required from countries where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. The employer is offering a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Further guidance can be found on the UK government website.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For international candidates, this typically involves registering with the General Medical Council (GMC). The process can take some time, so we recommend starting this process early if you are considering applying.
For further information about working as a doctor in the UK, please see the NHS Careers website. The trust will provide support with the registration process for successful candidates who require it.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 390-MR-T&A-SO-6181. Applications must be submitted by 23 October 2025.
For international applicants, we recommend:
- Check your eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa
- Prepare GMC registration documentation
- Obtain any required criminal record certificates from countries where you have lived
- Contact Dr A M Belhaj if you have any questions about the application process or visa sponsorship
Apply Instructions: Applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs portal by 23 October 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Contact information
For questions about the job, contact:
Dr A M Belhaj
Clinical Director, Theatres & Anaesthetics
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01702435555
We welcome informal inquiries from international candidates who wish to discuss this opportunity before submitting a formal application.
Benefits package
In addition to the competitive salary, the NHS offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- NHS Pension scheme
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options
- Health and wellbeing support
- Access to NHS discounts and benefits
- Continuing professional development opportunities
International candidates will also receive support with relocation where applicable, including assistance with finding accommodation and settling in the UK.
Supporting documents
The following documents are available to support your application:
- Consultant Anaesthetist – Theatres – SO.pdf (PDF, 752 KB)
- Living and working in Southend.pdf (PDF, 804 KB)
These documents provide detailed information about the role and the benefits of living and working in Southend-on-Sea. We encourage all applicants to review these documents carefully before applying.
Employer accreditations
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust holds several accreditations that demonstrate our commitment to excellence:
- Age Positive
- Apprentice friendly
- Armed Forces Covenant
- CQC Good
- Menopause Friendly
- MINDFUL employer
- Positive about disability
- Smoke free
These accreditations reflect our inclusive workplace culture and our commitment to supporting all staff members, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Privacy notice
For information about how your personal data will be processed during the recruitment process, please see the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice. This explains how we handle your information and your rights under data protection law.
International candidates should be assured that their personal information will be handled securely and in accordance with UK data protection regulations. Any information provided for visa purposes will be used solely for that purpose and will not be shared without your consent.
Application deadline
The closing date for applications is 23 October 2025. We encourage early applications as interviews may be arranged on a rolling basis. International candidates should allow sufficient time for visa processing and GMC registration if successful.
The provisional interview date is 2nd November 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email and invited to attend either in person or virtually, depending on their location at the time of interview.
Further information
For more information about Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, please visit our website at https://www.mse.nhs.uk. The website provides information about our services, facilities, and the local area.
Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant coastal town with excellent transport links to London and other parts of the UK. It offers a high quality of life with good schools, recreational facilities, and affordable housing compared to many other parts of the South East of England.
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, or age. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
Professional development
We support continuous professional development through access to training programs, conferences, and educational resources. Our anaesthetists are encouraged to participate in research and academic activities to advance their expertise.
Work-life balance
The trust promotes work-life balance through flexible working arrangements, including part-time options and job-sharing. We recognize the importance of personal wellbeing and offer support services to help staff maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Technology and innovation
Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support advanced medical procedures. We invest in innovative practices and encourage staff to contribute to technological advancements in anaesthesia and patient care.
Community engagement
We actively engage with the local community through health education programs, outreach services, and partnerships with community organizations. Our consultants play a key role in promoting health awareness and preventive care.
Research opportunities
The trust has strong research links with academic institutions. Anaesthetists have opportunities to participate in clinical trials and research projects that contribute to medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes.
International support
We provide comprehensive support for international staff, including visa assistance, relocation allowances, and cultural orientation programs. Our international liaison officer helps new staff settle into their roles and the local community.
Clinical excellence
Our anaesthesia department maintains high standards of clinical care through rigorous quality assurance protocols and continuous monitoring of outcomes. We are committed to delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered anaesthetic services.
Team collaboration
The anaesthesia team works collaboratively with surgical departments, intensive care units, and other specialties to ensure seamless patient care. We foster a culture of mutual respect and teamwork among all healthcare professionals.
