Job Overview
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust is seeking dynamic and enthusiastic Consultants in Stroke Medicine to join our dedicated team of stroke physicians, neurologists, and multidisciplinary professionals. We are committed to delivering modern stroke care across the full pathway and welcome international candidates who require Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK.
About Our Organization
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB) serves Birmingham and the Black Country – one of the UK’s most culturally diverse areas. Our Trust is a friendly and welcoming environment where you can belong, grow, and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. We care deeply about our patients, our population, and our people.
Our Values and Mission
Our core values – Ambition, Respect and Compassion – guide everything we do. These values shape how we work together, how we care for our patients and their families, and how we respect and value the rich diversity of our team and community. Our purpose is to “Improve the Life Chances and Health Outcomes of our Population,” which inspires and unites us every day.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Trust has moved all acute services to the new state-of-the-art Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH), which provides cutting-edge treatment and care for patients from Sandwell and across the region. This modern facility features co-located specialist services supporting the new emergency department with dedicated imaging facilities and Assessment Units.
Clinical Service Overview
SWB NHS Trust provides care for an urban and diverse population of over half a million people. Our stroke services are delivered at Sandwell Hospital, where we admit over 700 confirmed strokes annually. Our hyperacute pathway is supported by dedicated Stroke Alert Nurses who ensure timely delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic components.
Consultant-Led Care
Decision-making is consultant-led 24/7, ensuring the highest standards of patient care. We are actively participating in clinical research and run an RCP-accredited course for the management of hyperacute stroke twice a year. We have developed a robust Clinical Governance structure to maintain excellence in service delivery.
International Candidates Welcome
We are pleased to confirm that we offer Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates. 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.
Visa and Immigration Support
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.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration or be eligible for GMC registration. Full GMC Registration with Licence to Practise is essential. We can accommodate candidates whose parent specialty is Medicine for Older People, Neurology, or Rehabilitation Medicine.
Essential Qualifications
Candidates must have entry on the Specialist Register in Geriatrics, Acute Medicine, or Neurology (or entry expected within 6 months from the interview date). MRCP or equivalent qualification is required, along with clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining CCT in any parent specialty.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, we welcome candidates with higher degrees or CCT in Stroke Medicine. Special interests that complement our existing consultants are particularly valued, as is knowledge/skills in Artificial Intelligence and advanced brain imaging in Stroke Medicine.
Clinical Experience Requirements
Successful candidates must demonstrate ability to take full and independent responsibility for the management of acute medical emergencies and the care of patients. Experience equivalent to that required for gaining CCT in the parent specialty is essential.
Management and Administrative Skills
We seek consultants who can plan strategically and exercise sound judgment when faced with conflicting pressures. The ability to organize and prioritize workload effectively, plus the capability to motivate and develop the multi-disciplinary team, are crucial requirements.
Clinical Effectiveness
Experience in conducting audit and the ability to use evidence-based practice and clinical audit to support decision-making are essential skills we require. Our consultants play a vital role in maintaining and improving clinical standards across the stroke service.
Teaching and Training
The ability to teach clinical skills to medical and nursing staff and other disciplines is essential. Consultants must also be able to appraise junior doctors and other staff members. Formal training in teaching, while desirable, is not essential.
Research and Innovation
We value consultants who can apply research outcomes to clinical problems and maintain awareness of current specialty developments, initiatives, and issues. Knowledge and experience in applying information technology to Stroke Medicine is particularly desirable.
Employment Package
This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive salary range of £109,725 to £145,478 per annum. The position is graded at Consultant level within the Hospital Medical and Dental Staff pay scheme.
Staff Benefits and Support
We were one of the first Trusts to provide the Real Living Wage and offer a Live and Work scheme to support people at risk of homelessness into paid work and training. We provide comprehensive staff benefits, health & wellbeing support, and bespoke training and development programmes.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website before the closing date of 14 October 2025. The job reference number is 381-ME-7395096. Supporting documents including Job Description and Person Specification are available for download.
Contact Information
For informal discussions or questions about the role, please contact Dr Kamel Sharobeem, Clinical Director/Consultant Stroke Physician, at [email protected] or telephone 0121 507 3636. Alternatively, you may contact Group Director Dr Chetan Varma at [email protected].
Location and Relocation
The position is based at SWB NHS Trust, Grove Lane, Smethwick, B66 2QT. Birmingham offers excellent transport links, diverse cultural opportunities, and a welcoming environment for international professionals and their families relocating to the UK.
Equal Opportunities Employer
We are proud to be an Age Positive employer, Disability Confident Employer, Living Wage Employer, MINDFUL employer, and Smoke-free organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Next Steps
If you are an international medical professional seeking to relocate to the UK with Certificate of Sponsorship support, and you meet our essential criteria, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and contribute to delivering exceptional stroke care while building your career in the UK’s National Health Service.
