East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Specialty Doctor Anaesthetics
The closing date is 18 November 2026

Job summary
We are seeking speciality doctors in anaesthetics to join our busy and dynamic department at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Successful candidates will be based at a primary hospital (either Conquest Hospital, St Leonards or Eastbourne District General Hospital) with the expectation of cross-site working. On calls will also be based at a primary hospital. Post holders must have at least two years' experience in anaesthetics, with previous experience providing anaesthesia for emergency surgery beneficial. Competency in obstetric anaesthesia is desirable, and critical care experience is required.

Main duties of the job
Our vision is to build on developing an excellent, high-quality service, where individual team members are highly valued in the delivery of patient centred care. We are keen to achieve ACSA (Anaesthetic Clinical Service accreditation) status in the future.

The Trust anaesthetic department is split between Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital, with a busy and varied case mix on each site. We are a friendly, supportive department and successful candidates will be welcomed as equal and valued members of our team, which currently comprises of 43 consultant anaesthetists, plus a similar number of speciality doctors and trainees.

About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to nurseries at Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital, staff restaurants and on-site staff accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is available to staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Onsite parking is available for a small administration fee.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Details
Date posted: 10 November 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Specialty Doctor
Salary: £63,696 to £102,689 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 374-CQEB-5002
Job locations: Conquest Hospital, The Ridge, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7RD, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
During normal hours there will be the opportunity to develop skills and experience across the wide range of anaesthetic subspecialties available in the Trust. This will include covering elective and emergency lists on either hospital site, with an appropriate level of consultant supervision (dependent on complexity of cases and/or post holder experience). Successful candidates should be competent to provide anaesthesia for uncomplicated lists without direct supervision. However, a consultant mentor will always be available to advise in such cases and provide ad hoc support as needed. At times there will also be a requirement to cover obstetric services and critical care during normal weekday hours (rather than a theatre list); this will be dictated by clinical need and staffing numbers within the department and will be a shared responsibility by all, in order to ensure these unpredictable areas are always safely staffed. During normal hours, both obstetrics and critical care always have a dedicated consultant to provide support and direct supervision as necessary.

Successful candidates will be entitled to weekly SPA time, to be used for non-clinical administrative duties, teaching, training, audit, research, clinical governance and reflective practice.

The post holder will join the Trauma Weekend Team at the Conquest Hospital. This is recognised as currently contributing an average of 1.1 PA based on a 1: 8 weekend rota cycle, plus one bank holiday per member per year. The weekend activity is 0800 to 1800 Saturday and Sunday. There is no night-time activity.

Person Specification
Training and Experience
Essential

• Completed at least four years' full-time postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part-time or flexible basis) at least two of which will be in speciality training programme in a relevant speciality or as a fixed term speciality trainee in a relevant speciality or shall have equivalent experience and competencies
• Wide experience in all aspects of anesthesia appropriate to working in a DGH setting - including critical care.

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.

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address: Conquest Hospital, The Ridge, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7RD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Clinical Lead, Joe Macmillan, jmacmillan1@nhs.net

Supporting documents
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