Job overview

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is inviting applications for a Consultant Stroke Physician to join our expanding, innovative stroke team. We welcome candidates from a range of training backgrounds, including Geriatrics, Neurology, or Acute Medicine. The successful applicant will be based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and will have the opportunity to tailor part of their job plan to include non-stroke clinical interests, depending on experience and preference.

This is an exciting time to join our service, which has some of the best stroke imaging metrics in the South West and consistently high thrombectomy referral rates. The post includes delivering expert input for in-hours reperfusion decisions and contributing to a forthcoming 24/7 regional thrombectomy telemedicine rota in collaboration with Derriford Hospital, the regional thrombectomy centre.

The Stroke Service

Stroke care is a strategic priority for the Trust, and this role supports a broad stroke pathway that includes:

• Early specialist input at the front door
• Acute stroke care (Hyperacute and Acute Stroke Units)
• Inpatient stroke rehabilitation across two dedicated units
• Outpatient follow-up and community stroke services

Main duties of the job

The appointee will work alongside a supportive and experienced team of consultants, nurses, therapists, and stroke specialists across the pathway. There are strong MDT ties with Emergency Medicine, Radiology, Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, and Community Stroke Teams. We also collaborate closely with Derriford Hospital and the Bristol Structural Heart Disease Service on advanced interventions such as PFO closure.

Opportunities for Development

• Subspecialist Interests: Develop niche areas within stroke such as complex thrombophilia, supported by access to regional neurovascular and haematology MDTs.
• Research: Our department is research active and regularly participates in high-quality national and international stroke trials.
• Teaching & Innovation: Opportunities are available for involvement in medical education, quality improvement, and service redesign.

This post is based within the Eldercare department—a proactive, compassionate and forward-thinking team, offering a positive and collaborative working environment. Flexible working and job-sharing options are available. For newly appointed consultants, job plans include 2.5 SPAs in the first year to support professional development.

Working for our organisation

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the biggest provider of healthcare services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our three main sites are Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro, St Michael’s Hospital Hayle and West Cornwall Hospital Penzance, our staff and services are available across the region.

The Trust employs 5,000+ staff, has a budget of around £380 million and 750 beds

We work with health and social care organisations including ¬NHS ICB and NHS England ¬to ensure local healthcare needs are met. We provide acute medical, surgical and specialist services to around 500,000 ¬ which can increase significantly during busy holiday periods.

The Trust has teaching hospitals status as part of the University of Exeter Medical School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we continually developing clinical services and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally.

We can offer you a rewarding career in a supportive working environment. We have extensive educational links to help you realise your full potential and develop skills to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community.

Enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a place that offers surfing beaches and fishing harbours to beautiful countryside and historic towns. With clean air, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and excellent schools, colleges and universities (including adult education) it is the ideal place for families and for you to develop your own career