Important Visa Information for International Applicants
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. Please note that while sponsorship is available, all applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer before making relocation plans. The certificate of sponsorship is a key requirement for obtaining a UK work visa, but final approval depends on meeting all UK Visas and Immigration criteria.
About the Position
Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Locum Consultant in Elderly Care Medicine to join their forward-thinking Ageing & Complex Medicine team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to elderly patients in the Wigan Borough while working within a modern and comprehensive Elderly Care service.
The role offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum (pro-rata) and is a fixed-term position for 6 months on a full-time basis. Applicants with sub-specialty interests within Elderly Care are particularly encouraged to apply, with support available for developing these interests through in-house training and CPD activities.
About the Organisation
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust provides acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. The trust operates with the principle that ‘happy staff makes for happy patients’ and has a recognized track record in staff engagement and living their values ‘the WWL Way’.
WWL is committed to placing patients at the heart of everything they do and providing safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. The trust is an Associated Teaching Hospital of Edge Hill University, offering excellent postgraduate and research facilities. They support study leave for CPD and provide funding up to an agreed limit.
Job Details
Company: Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NN
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum (pro-rata)
Employment Type: Fixed term (6 months)
Working Pattern: Full-time
Reference Number: 302-25-7582524-MHRM
Please note that senior positions (AFC band 8A or above) may be expected to participate in an on-call rota if the role is predominantly operational.
Job Responsibilities
The Ageing and Complex Medicine Directorate currently has six substantive Consultants, one Associate Specialist, and three Specialist Registrars. The successful applicant will join this team of six consultants, contributing expertise in Acute Comprehensive Geriatric Medicine and sub-specialties including Stroke Medicine, Ortho Geriatrics, and Frailty Services.
The directorate manages 81 acute Care of Elderly beds (24 Orthogeriatric beds, 22 stroke unit beds, 42 Acute geriatric). Consultants are supported by one Associate Specialist, three SpRs, 6 CMT/GPST, and 6 FY doctors, with specialist nurses in Stroke Medicine, Parkinson’s disease, and Dementia services.
In addition to general Care of Elderly clinics, there are specialist clinics dedicated to Stroke, TIA, Falls, Parkinson’s disease, and Dementia. The trust operates a one-stop TIA clinic with same-day Carotid Doppler scanning and CT/MR Scan service, with direct access to the vascular team led by three senior clinicians.
Elderly Care Services
The Elderly Care team provides comprehensive services both in-hospital and in the community. There are regular MDT meetings, community clinics/visits, and Care home visits, with an emphasis on proactive case management including Advance care planning. The team provides support to community teams consisting of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Community matrons.
WWL is a trauma center offering comprehensive trauma and Orthopaedic services, including Upper limbs (hand, wrist, shoulder, and elbow) and Lower limbs (pelvis, hip, knee, ankle, and foot). The majority of acute trauma work takes place at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (RAEI) in Wigan, with Aspull ward having 28 beds including 10 ortho-geriatric beds.
Person Specification
Essential Skills
- Experience of managerial structure within the NHS
- Experience of Audit and its role in Clinical Governance
- Commitment to training and teaching junior medical staff and other health professionals
- Ability to work in a flexible manner
Essential Qualifications
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>Recent comprehensive experience in Geriatric Medicine
Professional Qualifications
- MRCP (or equivalent)
- Full GMC with license to practice
- MB ChB or equivalent
Essential Knowledge
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>Commitment to development of Acute Medical services within the trust
- Evidence of being proactive and self-motivated
- Ability to work as part of a team
Certificate of Sponsorship Information
The trust is pleased to offer a certificate of sponsorship to eligible international candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Professional Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration to be considered for this position. For overseas healthcare professionals, information about UK registration can be found on the NHS Careers website. The trust will support candidates through the registration process where possible, but this remains the responsibility of the applicant.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. International applicants should be prepared to provide equivalent documentation from their country of residence.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 302-25-7582524-MHRM. When applying, international candidates should:
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Clearly indicate in your application if you require sponsorship
>Include details of your GMC registration status
>Provide information about any previous UK work experience
>Submit proof of professional qualifications and certifications
>Include contact details for professional references
For questions about the job, contact: Medical Workforce (People Services Team) at [email protected] or call 07786521831.
Relocation Support
While the trust offers a certificate of sponsorship, candidates should be aware that relocation costs are not typically covered by the NHS. International candidates should consider the financial implications of relocating to the UK, including accommodation costs, shipping of personal belongings, and potential visa application fees.
The trust has a successful track record of staff engagement and offers a range of flexible working options subject to meeting relevant eligibility criteria. For international staff, additional support may be available through the trust’s international healthcare professionals’ program.
About Wigan
Wigan is located in Greater Manchester, in the North West of England. The town offers a good quality of life with affordable housing compared to other major UK cities. The area has excellent transport links, with easy access to Manchester, Liverpool, and the wider North West region.
The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary is conveniently located in Wigan town center, with good public transport connections and parking facilities. The surrounding area offers a mix of urban amenities and green spaces, including the historic Wigan Pier and nearby countryside for recreational activities.
Career Development Opportunities
The trust is committed to the professional development of its staff. As a teaching hospital associated with Edge Hill University, there are numerous opportunities for professional growth, including involvement in teaching medical students and participation in research activities.
For international medical professionals, working within the NHS provides valuable experience in one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems. The trust encourages continuous professional development and supports staff in pursuing further qualifications and specialist interests.
Life in the UK for Healthcare Professionals
The UK offers an excellent quality of life with a comprehensive healthcare system, world-class educational institutions, and rich cultural heritage. Healthcare professionals in the UK benefit from competitive salaries, good working conditions, and opportunities for career progression.
The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world and is renowned for its commitment to patient care and professional excellence. International healthcare professionals often find that working in the NHS provides a rewarding career path with opportunities to make a significant difference to patient outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants
Q: What is the process for obtaining a certificate of sponsorship?
A: The trust will issue a certificate of sponsorship to eligible candidates who are offered the position. This is then used as part of the UK visa application process.
Q: How long does the visa application process typically take?
A: Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the time of year. Applicants should allow ample time for the visa application process, which can take several weeks or months.
Q: Will the trust help with credential recognition?
A: While the trust will support the application process, overseas qualifications must be recognized by the relevant UK regulatory bodies.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 11 December 2025. Interview dates are to be confirmed. Early application is encouraged to allow sufficient time for the visa application process if applicable.
All applicants, particularly international candidates requiring sponsorship, should ensure they have submitted a complete application well before the deadline to account for any additional documentation requirements or processing times.
Equal Opportunities
Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. The trust is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
The trust holds several accreditations including Armed Forces Covenant, CQC Good, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Disability Confident Committed, Living Wage Employer, Smoke Free, and Veteran Aware, demonstrating their commitment to creating an inclusive workplace for all staff.
Contact Information
For questions about this position or the application process, please contact:
Medical Workforce (People Services Team)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07786521831
For more information about Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, please visit their website at http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/.
Privacy Notice
Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice can be viewed at https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/privacy. This outlines how your personal data will be processed and protected during the application and recruitment process.
By applying for this position, you consent to your personal data being processed in accordance with the trust’s privacy notice and data protection legislation.
