Job overview

The Junior Clinical Fellow (JCF) role in Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O) at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) provides a unique opportunity for early-career doctors to gain extensive clinical experience in a busy district general hospital environment while being supported by a collaborative and well-structured team. This post is particularly suited to doctors who have completed foundation training or equivalent and are keen to develop surgical skills, enhance their understanding of orthopaedic trauma management, and contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of patient care.

Main duties of the job

JCFs are integral to the day-to-day functioning of the orthopaedic service. Their primary responsibilities include clerking and assessing patients admitted with fractures or orthopaedic conditions, initiating management plans under senior supervision, and ensuring timely documentation of care. On ward rounds, they review inpatients with the registrars and consultants, follow up on investigations, and escalate concerns when necessary. JCFs are also actively involved in preparing patients for theatre, completing consent (once trained and deemed competent), and supporting postoperative care. They are expected to liaise closely with nursing staff, physiotherapists, and the multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic patient care.

Participation in the on-call rota is a core part of the role. During on-calls, JCFs may be the first point of contact for trauma referrals from the Emergency Department, assessing and prioritising cases before discussion with the registrar or consultant. This provides invaluable frontline experience in trauma assessment, fracture management, and acute orthopaedic decision-making.

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.