Full job description
We are seeking to appoint a substantive Consultant Vascular Surgeon to join our expanding team. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate competence across a comprehensive range of traditional open and endovascular procedures. Proficiency in endovascular techniques will be particularly valued.
The appointee will join an established vascular network comprising Bedford, Luton, and Milton Keynes hospitals, serving a combined population of just over one million. The network operates a hub-and-spoke model, with Luton and Dunstable Hospital designated as the central hub for all planned and emergency arterial activity from 3 December 2025. We are a recognised centre for complex arterial surgery within the East of England.
The successful candidate will join a senior core vascular team of ten consultants committed to delivering a high-quality, timely, and modern service for patients with vascular disease. The team’s core mission is to improve care quality and patient experience while fostering innovation in addressing common clinical challenges.
The post holder will be expected to undertake the full spectrum of traditional open vascular procedures, including aortic and peripheral arterial surgery, across both elective and emergency settings. Proficiency in endovascular techniques—particularly deep venous interventions—will be highly valued. They will be expected to work in alignment with the established practices of the vascular unit, adhering to agreed care pathways and collaborating effectively with colleagues to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The appointee will be accountable for the quality of their clinical work, professional behaviour, and conduct, and will operate in accordance with the Trust’s values and the Standard Operating Procedures of the vascular team. The consultant will retain responsibility for patient care even when not on call, contributing to both formal and informal clinical discussions and ensuring comprehensive written handovers where appropriate. They will be expected to provide timely advice or support when requested by colleagues, whether within the vascular service or from other specialties.
Further details can be found in the job description.
The hospital has approximately 400 bed, serving a population of approximately 320,000 across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas (with a 900,000 catchment for vascular services). Its core local authority populations are Bedford Borough (170,000) and Central Bedfordshire (300,000). The hospital has over 2500 members of staff (making it the largest local employer in Bedford). The hospital enjoys strong community support with over 200 volunteers at the hospital and over £6 million being raised by the independent Bedford Hospitals Charity over the past 10 years. The support from the charity has enabled the hospital, for example, to build a dedicated cancer centre, the Primrose unit. It is has recently funded a new MRI scanner, operational since early 2018.
A recent merger between Luton and Dunstable, and Bedford Hospitals has created opportunities for consolidation of resources and exciting developments in infrastructure and personnel.
The post holder will be expected to undertake the full spectrum of traditional open vascular procedures, including aortic and peripheral arterial surgery, across both elective and emergency settings. Proficiency in endovascular techniques—particularly deep venous interventions—will be highly valued.
They will be expected to work in alignment with the established practices of the vascular unit, adhering to agreed care pathways and collaborating effectively with colleagues to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The appointee will be accountable for the quality of their clinical work, professional behaviour, and conduct, and will operate in accordance with the Trust’s values and the Standard Operating Procedures of the vascular team.
The consultant will retain responsibility for patient care even when not on call, contributing to both formal and informal clinical discussions and ensuring comprehensive written handovers where appropriate. They will be expected to provide timely advice or support when requested by colleagues, whether within the vascular service or from other specialties.
The post holder will be expected to embody and promote the Trust’s core values— Teamwork, Honesty and Openness, Respect, Inclusivity, Valuing People, and Excellence —in all aspects of their communication and professional conduct.
As part of the vascular network’s hub-and-spoke model, the appointed consultants will be expected to undertake regular clinical activity at one of the spoke hospitals in line with service requirements.
They will be required to attend the weekly Vascular Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting and the Vascular Grand Round, where all major cases are reviewed and discussed.
The appointees will participate in the vascular emergency on-call rota at the hub site (currently on a 1:8 basis). With the planned expansion of the consultant workforce, it is anticipated that the frequency of on-call duties may further reduce over time. The Trust is committed to delivering a 7-day vascular service, and daily consultant-led review of inpatients, including weekends, is a mandatory component of the on-call responsibilities.
All consultants are expected to contribute actively to departmental activities and take on additional roles and responsibilities as required. This includes regular attendance at team meetings, quality improvement forums, and participation in the Trust’s annual appraisal programme as part of the GMC revalidation process.
The post holder will have a formal responsibility for the teaching, training, and supervision of junior medical and nursing staff. The Trust is committed to developing new roles within the clinical workforce, and active involvement in the education of undergraduate students, nurses, and allied health professionals is strongly encouraged.
Consultants will be expected to undertake roles as both clinical and educational supervisors for trainees, and to engage with appropriate continuing professional development programmes to maintain the skills and knowledge required for these responsibilities.
The appointee will be accountable through the Trust’s governance framework and will be expected to contribute to departmental audit activities and quality improvement initiatives.
The Trust supports Continuing Medical Education (CME) as part of the revalidation process. Mentoring and coaching opportunities will be available, tailored to the needs and aspirations of the appointee
Closing Date: 11.01.2026
Assessment Date: Week Commencing 28.01.2026
Interview Date: 09.02.2026
