Job summaryThe appointee will be a member of the Department of Anaesthesia. The Anaesthetic Department, Theatres and Intensive Care in combination make up the Critical Care Group, which is part of the Surgical Services Division. The department provides anaesthetic services primarily to the Wonford Hospital site in Exeter, but also to the Heavitree Hospital site and five theatres in satellite community hospitals. Most speciality areas are covered by the department, apart from neurosurgery, thoracic and cardiac surgery. Cover is provided for 260 theatre lists each week with approximately 50,000 cases per annum receiving anaesthetic care.
Main duties of the jobFor more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.
About usStretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities. Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Job descriptionMore detail about the roleApplications are invited for the post of Consultant Anaesthetist at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Eastern). This is a permanent post. Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has a site in Exeter (Eastern) and Barnstaple (Northern). The base hospital, on call requirement and residency requirement for this post is for Eastern. There are sporadic occasional cross-cover arrangements for anaesthetic services between the hospitals which are undertaken by the established Consultant staff on a first-come first-served basis. Clinical care is greatly facilitated by the state-of-the-art electronic patient record (EPIC) which we have used since 2020. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Eastern) is a Teaching Hospital based in the historic cathedral city of Exeter in the heart of the South West of England. As such it enjoys a wealth of sporting and cultural resources along with access to the many beaches of Devon and Cornwall and the open moorland of Exmoor and Dartmoor. Situated as it is on the motorway network, Exeter enjoys excellent travel links with the rest of the United Kingdom, Exeter is two hours from London by train and has a major regional airport.
Working Pattern: To be Agreed
Interview Date: 9th September 2026
For further information please contact: Informal enquiries would be welcomed by Dr Fiona Martin Clinical Director, on (01392) 402474.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.The
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and
Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.BenefitsWe will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefitYou'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
Person SpecificationGeneral RequirementsEssential- See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
Desirable- See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
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. 
