Important Visa Information for International Applicants
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for qualified international candidates wishing to work in the UK. However, all applicants must verify their eligibility requirements directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship is a crucial component for obtaining a UK work visa, but it does not guarantee visa approval.
About the Position
We are seeking a dedicated Consultant in Palliative Medicine to join our team at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales. This substantive NHS Consultant post offers the flexibility of full-time or part-time hours based at Central Glan Clwyd Hospital. The North Wales Specialist Palliative Care Service is continually evolving, and this position will strengthen our Palliative Medicine Consultant team within the Department of Palliative Care.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will serve as the lead clinician supporting St Kentigern Hospice, including conducting weekly ward rounds and overseeing the weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT). Additional responsibilities include supporting their Advance Nurse Practitioner team and contributing to hospice service development. You will hold a weekly outpatient clinic at the Cancer Centre for patients with both malignant and non-malignant diseases.
Community and Team Leadership
You will support the community team with domiciliary visits where clinic attendance is not possible or appropriate. The position involves providing medical leadership of the Central Specialist Palliative Care (SPC) team alongside the named Band 7 Hospital Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) Nurse Lead, coordinating team cover and assisting with workload prioritization.
On-Call Commitments
The post holder will contribute to the 24/7 SPC (Medical) Advice Line for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) in North Wales. Current on-call commitments include 1 in 8 participation for Saturdays (9am to 9am) and Sundays (9am to 9am), as well as 1 in 8 participation for weekday evenings (5pm to 9am). This is primarily a telephone advice line, with face-to-face patient assessments rarely required outside of exceptional circumstances.
About Our Organisation
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is Wales’s largest health organisation, with a budget exceeding £2.4 billion and a workforce of over 20,000 dedicated staff. We provide primary, community, mental health, and acute hospital services for the population of North Wales. Our integrated health system strives for excellent, compassionate care delivered in partnership with the public sector and other statutory and third sector organisations.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services
BCUHB delivers a full spectrum of healthcare services across 3 acute hospitals and a network of community hospitals, health centres, clinics, and mental health units. We coordinate and deliver services through GP practices and NHS services provided by dentists, opticians, and pharmacists across the region, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access for all.
Essential Qualifications
To be considered for this position, applicants must hold GMC Specialist Registration or be within 6 months of obtaining their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) from the date of interview. Additionally, candidates must possess MRCP or equivalent qualifications and an MBChB or equivalent medical degree.
Desirable Qualifications
While not mandatory, candidates with a higher degree or teaching qualification may be at an advantage. Experience and interest in research are also desirable attributes that will strengthen your application for this Consultant position.
Essential Experience
Appropriate experience in training grade posts or equivalent training accepted by the Royal College/GMC for Specialist Registration is essential. This experience demonstrates your readiness to take on the responsibilities of a Consultant in Palliative Medicine within our healthcare system.
Desirable Experience
Experience and interest in research, along with experience in teaching and evaluation, will be viewed favorably. These skills contribute to the academic environment of our healthcare institution and enhance patient care through evidence-based practice.
Key Skills and Abilities
Appropriate skills and abilities at Consultant level are required, including good working knowledge and experience of up-to-date Medical Oncology. You should possess strong knowledge of the role of Palliative Care in life-limiting non-cancer conditions, along with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Communication and Networking
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role, as you will interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals at all levels. The ability to network with other directorates, clinicians, and junior staff is also important for collaborative working and service development.
Additional Requirements
Adaptability to the changing needs of our service is crucial, as healthcare continually evolves. The ability to educate and train junior medical and nursing staff is also essential for maintaining high standards of care and professional development within our teams.
Welsh Language
While not essential, being a Welsh speaker or demonstrating a willingness to learn Welsh is desirable. This aligns with our commitment to providing services in both English and Welsh to meet the needs of our diverse population.
Travel Requirements
The ability to travel between sites for peripheral clinics may be necessary depending on service requirements. This flexibility ensures we can deliver care across our network of facilities effectively.
Application Information
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 6 January 2026. For questions about the role, you may contact Dr Andrew Shuler, Clinical Director/Consultant Palliative Medicine, at ANDREW.SHULER@wales.nhs.uk.
Certificate of Sponsorship Details
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. The certificate is essential for obtaining a UK work visa, particularly for those requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship. All international applicants must verify their eligibility requirements directly with the employer before applying.
UK Visa Requirements
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country where 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. For detailed guidance, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Professional Registration
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration to be eligible for this position. For further information about UK professional registration requirements, please refer to the NHS Careers website dedicated to overseas health professionals.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is standard procedure for all NHS appointments.
How to Apply for International Candidates
1. Verify your eligibility for a UK work visa with the employer
2. Prepare your professional registration documentation
3. Obtain required criminal record certificates from countries of residence
4. Prepare your CV and cover letter highlighting relevant experience
5. Apply through the NHS Jobs website before the deadline
6. Contact Dr Andrew Shuler for any preliminary questions about the role or sponsorship process
Why Join Our Team
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board offers a supportive professional environment, competitive salary, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on palliative care services in North Wales. With a certificate of sponsorship available, we welcome qualified international professionals who share our commitment to providing excellent, compassionate care to our communities.
Further Information
For more information about Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and our services, please visit https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/train-work-live/. Additional documents including the full Job Description & Person Specification in both English and Welsh are available for download on our careers portal.