Opportunity
An excellent fixed term or permanent opportunity has arisen within the Orthopaedic department at an NHS Foundation Trust serving the community of West Norfolk and the surrounding region. We are seeking an experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest and expertise in Upper Limb surgery to join our established and friendly team.
This fixed term post offers a substantive clinical workload across elective upper limb surgery and trauma, with the opportunity to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care within a supportive orthopaedic department. The post would suit a candidate looking to consolidate or develop their upper limb practice in an NHS environment, whether returning to the NHS, relocating, or seeking a defined-term appointment.
The post includes a generous Supporting Professional Activities (SPA) allocation, flexible job planning, and a structured on-call commitment proportionate to a fixed term appointment. We are committed to supporting all colleagues – permanent and fixed term alike – to feel fully integrated and valued members of the department from day one.
Pulse Doctors welcome applications from candidates at any stage of their consultant career, including those who are newly appointed, returning to practice, or seeking a time-limited role in a high-quality district general hospital setting in West Norfolk.
Key Responsibilities
Elective Upper Limb Surgery
- Provide consultant-led elective upper limb surgical services, including shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand surgery, in line with the post-holder’s subspecialty expertise.
- Lead and conduct elective upper limb outpatient clinics, including new patient assessment, post-operative review, and injection therapy.
- Undertake elective upper limb procedures including arthroplasty, arthroscopy, tendon and soft tissue reconstruction, carpal tunnel and nerve decompression, and fracture management as appropriate.
- Contribute to the development and optimisation of upper limb pathways, including referral management and waiting list initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with physiotherapy, hand therapy, and occupational therapy colleagues to deliver comprehensive upper limb rehabilitation.
Trauma & Emergency Orthopaedics
- Participate in the orthopaedic trauma on-call rota, providing consultant-level decision-making and operative cover for acute upper limb and general orthopaedic trauma.
- Contribute to the fracture clinic service, including assessment and management of upper limb fractures and dislocations.
- Provide clinical oversight and support to junior colleagues managing acute orthopaedic presentations in the emergency department and on the wards.
- Engage with the trauma MDT, including liaison with emergency medicine, radiology, anaesthetics, and therapy colleagues.
Leadership, Education & Governance
- Participate in departmental clinical governance, audit, morbidity & mortality review, and quality improvement activity.
- Contribute to the teaching and supervision of specialty trainees, core surgical trainees, and other clinical staff.
- Engage with the orthopaedic MDT and relevant regional networks, including upper limb and hand surgery networks where applicable.
- Support departmental initiatives to improve patient outcomes, theatre efficiency, and elective recovery.
- Maintain and develop clinical expertise in line with BOA and relevant subspecialty society CPD requirements.
Essential Criteria to Apply
Qualifications & Registration
- Full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) with a licence to practise.
- Entry on the GMC Specialist Register in Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, or within six months of eligibility at the time of interview.
- FRCS (Tr & Orth) or equivalent specialist qualification.
- Completion of a recognised higher surgical training programme or equivalent, with demonstrable upper limb subspecialty training or experience.
Clinical Experience & Skills
- Demonstrable surgical competence across a range of upper limb procedures appropriate to a DGH consultant post, including shoulder and/or elbow arthroplasty, arthroscopic surgery, and soft tissue reconstruction.
- Experience in the management of acute upper limb trauma, including fractures, dislocations, and tendon injuries.
- Ability to contribute independently to the orthopaedic on-call rota from the start of the appointment.
- Evidence of engagement with clinical audit, governance, and quality improvement in an orthopaedic context.
- Experience of working within or contributing to an MDT environment involving physiotherapy, hand therapy, and radiology colleagues.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build confidence and trust with patients and colleagues.
- A motivated, adaptable and collaborative approach, with the ability to integrate quickly and effectively into an established team.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality, safe and patient-centred surgical care.
- Enthusiasm for contributing to a district general hospital and the community it serves.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of clinical practice and team working.
What’s on Offer for You?
- Permanent or fixed-term salaried NHS Consultant contract: £113,565 - £150,569 (Depending on Experience)
- Flexible job planning: we will work with you to develop a job plan that reflects your clinical expertise and the needs of the department.
- Generous SPA allocation to support CPD, audit, teaching, and professional development throughout the duration of the contract.
- Defined and manageable on-call commitment as part of a well-supported orthopaedic rota.Dedicated Study Leave budget and support for BOA and subspecialty society CPD requirements.
- Access to staff wellbeing services, an employee assistance programme, and health and fitness facilities.
- Full access to departmental education, simulation, and governance activity from the outset.
- A welcoming and supportive orthopaedic team with a strong collaborative culture.
Location in Detail
This post is based in West Norfolk, a distinctive and rewarding part of England that offers an exceptional quality of life alongside a fulfilling clinical career.
West Norfolk is a largely rural and coastal county, home to dramatic landscapes including the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Broads, and miles of unspoilt beaches. The area is well known for its strong sense of community, low crime rates, and significantly lower cost of living compared to London and the South East.
Local towns offer excellent schools (state and independent), a vibrant arts and culture scene, and outstanding outdoor pursuits including sailing, cycling, horse riding and walking. The region is also renowned for its food and drink – from fresh seafood to award-winning local produce.
Transport links are good, with direct rail connections to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street, making the area accessible for those with ties to the city. Norwich, the county city of Norfolk, is approximately 45 minutes by road and offers further retail, dining, and cultural amenities.
For candidates considering a fixed term relocation, West Norfolk offers an outstanding base – whether for a defined chapter of your career, a return to NHS practice, or a period of professional consolidation – in a region that is genuinely hard to leave.
About Pulse Healthcare Doctors
- Pulse Healthcare Doctors is a leading medical recruitment partner, supporting NHS Trusts and private healthcare
organisations across the UK. We work closely with hospitals to connect talented doctors with outstanding permanent and
fixed-term career opportunities.
- To discuss this opportunity in confidence or to submit your application, please contact Stuart on the email add