Locum General Surgery SHO

Job Overview

The Locum General Surgery SHO supports the surgical team in the assessment, investigation, and management of patients admitted under general surgery, including emergency and elective cases. The role involves working closely with consultants, registrars, nursing staff, and theatre teams to ensure safe, timely, and patient-centred surgical care. This position is ideal for doctors seeking flexible locum work while gaining experience in a busy surgical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and clerk patients admitted to the general surgery service, including abdominal emergencies, trauma, and day‑case surgery.
• Assist with pre‑operative assessment, post‑operative review, and monitoring of inpatients.
• Support consultants and registrars in ward rounds, discharge planning, and follow‑up.
• Assist in theatre for elective and emergency general surgery procedures under supervision.
• Participate in outpatient clinics, surgical displays, and procedural lists where required.
• Order and review basic investigations (blood tests, imaging, etc.) and escalate abnormalities appropriately.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including admission notes, post‑operative charts, and discharge summaries.
• Respond to ward emergencies and escalating surgical complications.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including anaesthesia, ED, ICU, and allied health.
• Uphold surgical safety, infection control, and HSE governance standards.

Requirements

• Medical degree recognised by the Irish Medical Council.
• IMC registration as an NCHD/SHO or eligibility to register.
• Previous experience at SHO level in surgery or general medicine in an acute hospital setting.
• Basic understanding of common general surgical conditions (appendicitis, cholecystitis, hernias, trauma, GI bleeding, etc.).
• Ability to work effectively in a busy surgical department with rotating shifts.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland (e.g., Irish/UK/EU passport or appropriate visa/permit).

Skills and Competencies

• Good clinical assessment and prioritisation skills.
• Comfort with basic surgical ward and theatre work.
• Ability to manage multiple patients and unexpected emergencies.
• Professionalism, adaptability, and reliability in a locum setting.
• Commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and continuous learning.

Working Conditions

• Shift‑based rota including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and on‑call duties.
• Fast‑paced surgical environment with exposure to emergency and elective general surgery.
• May involve short‑notice or ad‑hoc cover depending on departmental needs.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive locum hourly rates (typically in the mid‑€40s–€70s per hour, depending on experience and hospital).
• Flexible scheduling to suit availability.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience across Irish general surgery services.