Visa Note
Even though this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship, all applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. Sponsorship is subject to meeting all UK visa requirements.
Job Summary
Applications are invited for the position of Locum Consultant Physician in Endocrinology and Diabetes at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This is a fixed-term position (7 months) covering maternity leave until 6th July 2026, working full-time at 10 sessions per week (plus 1.5 PA’s available). This is an exciting opportunity to join our busy and visionary department and participate in the continuing development and success of the service.
About the Department
The candidate will be expected to integrate within a team of seven other existing full-time consultants to provide a complete and high-quality Diabetes, Endocrine and General Medicine service. We have a strong tradition for team working with a multidisciplinary approach utilising the skills of specialist nurses, dietitians and podiatrists. There are close links between the hospital and community diabetes services.
Specialist Services
There is a full range of specialist diabetes clinics including Antenatal, Foot, Renal, Type 1, Complication and Young Persons clinics, as well as Endocrine and bariatric clinics with regular MDT meetings. The department has a very active and expanding research portfolio involving both multinational commercial clinical trial work and investigator initiated trials in various aspects of diabetes and endocrinology.
Key Responsibilities
The principal duties and responsibilities include:
- Care of general medical emergencies referred by General Practitioners and ED, including on call and post take ward rounds as directed by the Clinical Director
- Ward rounds for inpatients
- Review and advise on the management of inpatients referred by other specialists within the hospital
- Specialist and General Medical Outpatient clinics
- Close liaison with primary care to further develop diabetes care in the community
- Teaching of medical students and doctors in training
- Audit, CPD, Clinical Governance and Annual Appraisal
- Development and promotion of evidence based practice and guidelines
- Multidisciplinary team working and leadership
- Relevant participation in management
- Research activity
- Other appropriate duties and responsibilities
About the Employer
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and to Welsh patients covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Its services are provided from three locations:
- The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 438 general and acute beds
- Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility
- Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population
The Trust employs over 5916 staff (headcount) which includes temporary bank staff and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 411,000.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must have entry on the GMC Specialist Register for General Internal Medicine and Diabetes and Endocrinology, or be within 6 months at the time of interview. A CCT (with proposed CCT date within 6 months of interview) or qualification via CESR Route is also essential.
Essential Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Wide clinical experience in Endocrinology & Diabetes and also General Internal Medicine
- Experience and/or interest in teaching
- Demonstrate the use of Clinical Audit within the Service
- MRCP and ALS qualifications
- SCE in Diabetes and Endocrinology
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, a recognized teaching skill course or qualification, or an MD/MSc/PhD would be advantageous for this position.
Employment Terms
This is a fixed-term position for 7 months, with a salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum. The position is full-time, working 10 sessions per week plus 1.5 PA’s available. New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Certificate of Sponsorship
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is willing to provide a 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.
UK Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). Overseas healthcare professionals can find more information about UK registration requirements on the NHS Careers website.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check, with costs deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website. Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, the Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised closing date of 11 November 2025.
How to Apply for International Candidates
International candidates should verify their eligibility to work in the UK with the employer before applying. The application process requires:
- Completing the application form on the NHS Jobs website
- Providing evidence of GMC registration or eligibility
- Submitting documentation for any required visa sponsorship
- Providing details of any criminal record checks required for your country of residence
Required Documents
When applying, international candidates should ensure they have the following documents ready:
- Current passport or identification document
- Proof of GMC registration or eligibility
- Academic qualifications and certifications
- Proof of English language proficiency if required
- Criminal record certificates from any countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
Visa and Work Permit Information
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to 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. Guidance can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Dr Sunil Nair (Consultant/CD Diabetes and Endocrinology) at sunilnair1@nhs.net or by phone at 01244366451. For more information about working at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, visit their website at https://www.coch.nhs.uk/working-with-us.aspx.
Privacy Notice
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust values your privacy and handles all personal information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information, please review their privacy notice at https://www.coch.nhs.uk/privacy-notice.aspx.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents are available for download:
- Job Description and Person Specification.pdf (PDF, 528 KB)
- Risk ID.pdf (PDF, 353 KB)
- Guidance Notes for Applicants (PDF, 228 KB)
- How to travel to work (PDF, 669 KB)
Employment Details
Company: Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 1UL
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum
Schedule: Full-time
Employment Type: Fixed term
Contract Duration: 7 months
Application Deadline: 11 November 2025
Language: English
Education: Registration required
Experience: Qualifications required
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available