Locum Consultant in Critical Care

Locum Consultant in Critical Care

The closing date is 08 February 2026

The critical care unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest general adult critical care unit in the region with 33 commissioned beds (L3: 17 beds, L2: 16 beds with 5 additional L1.5 surgical beds) and more than 1,600 emergency admissions in addition to a large number of elective surgical admissions. It is currently managed by 19 critical care consultants.

The unit serves a wide spectrum of pathology from both within and outside the hospital. Bed occupancy usually exceeds 85%. Haemodialysis and haemofiltration are performed on approximately 15% of our patients, reflecting the patient population. The unit can treat severe respiratory failure with regular proning, and we have access to both transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography for haemodynamic monitoring. Accredited mentors and supervisors are available in FICE, TOE and CUIS.

The unit is part of a tertiary referral centre, managing critically ill patients with infectious diseases, acute pancreatitis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and vasculitis among other conditions.

8.5% of the role is dedicated to direct clinical care (DCC), including on‑call cover. The successful applicant will split their clinical work with another speciality, subject to negotiation at the time of appointment (typically up to 2.5% availability). Additional clinical PA may be available in critical care, subject to review, according to the Department and the applicant's needs.

1.5% of the role is dedicated to supporting professional activities (SPA) and may include additional sessions for lead roles.

The successful applicant will join a team of nineteen consultants. Continuity of care is provided on a consultant‑of‑the‑week basis. Daily, three consultants cover the unit with rotating schedules: 08.00‑18.00, 08.00‑20.00 and 08.00‑21.00. The clinical week is typically 5–6 weeks long, with weekday on‑call frequency of 1 in 13. Additional ad‑hoc clinical days cover theatre sessions for colleagues. On‑call cover runs from 19:30 to 08:00, with resident cover until 02:00.

Weekend frequency is 1 in 4 covering days (2/3) and nights (1/3). Monday to Friday a dedicated outreach consultant works from 08.00‑13.30, supporting the CCOT team, taking referrals and planning elective theatre activity that will need critical care.

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital and Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

We are part of the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust. The Group aims to improve the care we provide to patients.

UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities— from birth and beyond.

For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.

Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services, including an award‑winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women’s Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 births in the UK’s largest single‑site maternity hospital each year.

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital provides inpatient care with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.

Please see the detailed job description and person specification for the main responsibilities of this role.

• MB ChB or equivalent
• FRCA, MCEM, MRCP or equivalent
• Full registration with GMC
• FFICM or equivalent

• On the Specialist Register with the GMC
• CCT in Intensive Care or equivalent, or be expected to attain one within…