Consultant ENT – DMH with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. Applicants must verify their visa/work permit eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The UK has specific requirements for international medical professionals, including GMC registration and English language proficiency.
Job Overview
The Department of ENT at Darlington Memorial Hospital is seeking a substantive full-time Consultant to join an enthusiastic and forward-thinking team. This is an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals specializing in thyroid surgery to advance their career in the UK’s National Health Service.
Key Details
Company: County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham DL3 6HX
Position: Consultant ENT – DMH
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum (YC72 Pay Scale pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Reference Number: C9439-2526-1331
Closing Date: 24 February 2026
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing general ENT conditions with a special interest in thyroid surgery. Key responsibilities include:
- Attending regional Thyroid MDT and complying with guidance
- Providing ENT emergencies managed in a DGH setting
- Conducting four clinics and two theatre sessions per week
- Participating in on-call duty (1:6 rotation)
- Training specialist registrars, foundation doctors, and GP trainees
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- Full Registration with the General Medical Council (GMC)
- FRCS (ORL-HNS) qualification
- Completion of higher training (CCT or within 6 months of obtaining)
- Special interest in thyroid surgery
Desirable Qualifications
Thyroid fellowship qualification and postgraduate degrees (MD, PhD) are considered advantageous.
Essential Experience
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Ability to offer sound clinical opinions on acute medical conditions
- Experience managing and leading medical/surgical teams
- Experience supervising junior medical staff
- Commitment to teaching medical staff and students
- Participation in clinical audit and research
Special Requirements
The successful candidate will need:
- Ability to work flexibly in a changing healthcare environment
- Excellent patient communication skills with sensitivity to patient needs
- Effective communication with colleagues and multidisciplinary teams
- Willingness to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional, and national levels
About the Employer
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. The trust operates from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield, and Weardale, with over 80 community-based settings.
The trust is committed to diversity and particularly welcomes applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented.
Visa and Relocation Support
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for skilled worker visa applications. The trust provides comprehensive support throughout the visa application process and offers assistance with relocation to the UK. Healthcare assistants seeking sponsorship must have been employed for a minimum of two years within the NHS.
Benefits Package
The trust offers an attractive benefits package including:
- Competitive salary with YC72 pay scale
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Access to the NHS Occupational Health Service
- Continuing professional development opportunities
- Support for family relocation (where applicable)
- Assistance with finding accommodation in the local area
Professional Development
The trust is committed to the professional development of its staff. The successful candidate will have access to numerous training opportunities, including clinical courses, research opportunities, and academic support. The library and knowledge learning centre services provide excellent resources for continued medical education.
Work Environment
Darlington Memorial Hospital offers a modern, well-equipped working environment with state-of-the-art facilities. The ENT department is a dynamic and supportive team that values professional development and work-life balance. The hospital is easily accessible with good transport links.
Living in Darlington
Darlington is a vibrant market town in County Durham with excellent transport links to major cities including Newcastle, Leeds, and York. The area offers affordable housing, good schools, and a range of leisure facilities. The North East of England provides a high quality of life with beautiful countryside and strong community spirit.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Verify your eligibility for UK work with the employer (contact Vivek Shanker)
- Prepare your GMC registration and FRCS (ORL-HNS) documentation
- Gather evidence of your thyroid surgery experience and qualifications
- Prepare your curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience
- Apply through the NHS Jobs website using reference number C9439-2526-1331
- Submit all required documentation including certificates and references
Required Documents for International Applicants
International applicants should ensure they have the following documents ready:
- Proof of GMC registration
- FRCSEng or equivalent qualification certificates
- Certificate of completion of training
- English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- Passport and visa documentation
- Professional references
- Proof of thyroid surgery experience and qualifications
Contact Information
For questions about this position or to verify your eligibility for sponsorship, please contact:
Name: Vivek Shanker
Title: Clinical Lead ENT
Email: v.shanker@nhs.net
Phone: 07766747019
Additional Information
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment checks and provide all required certificates. The trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Application Process Timeline
The selection process will involve review of applications, shortlisting, and interviews. Candidates selected for interview must accept an interview slot in the system to continue with their application, even if arranged with the manager. All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Equal Opportunities
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background. The trust values diversity and believes that employing people from different backgrounds enriches the workplace and improves patient care.