ECC Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of emergency and critical care at Pride Veterinary Referrals, a leading multidisciplinary small animal referral hospital in Derby. You'll be instrumental in launching a new specialist-led ECC service from late summer 2026, working closely with the hospital's existing referral services, primary care partners, and the dedicated night team. You'll develop protocols, oversee case management, and mentor clinicians and nurses across the hospital—building something meaningful from day one.

Pride is part of IVC Evidensia and serves as the referral centre for Scarsdale Veterinary Group's 10 East Midlands practices. The hospital is fully equipped with 5 operating theatres, advanced imaging (X-Ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound), on-site laboratory, and 24/7 veterinary care. Located at the edge of Derby city centre with excellent transport links, you'll enjoy easy access to major cities, airports, and the Peak District on your doorstep.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of emergency and critical care protocols and case-handling procedures
• Collaborate with colleagues across the hospital—anaesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, imaging, and nursing teams—to deliver integrated emergency care
• Oversee case transfers and manage complex patient presentations
• Provide training, mentoring, and continuing professional development to ECC team members and wider hospital staff
• Deliver clinical advice and CPD sessions to referring veterinarians
• Work alongside the dedicated night team to ensure seamless 24/7 emergency cover

Requirements

• RCVS Recognised Specialist or Diplomate qualification in Emergency and Critical Care
• Proven experience leading or establishing specialist services
• Enthusiasm for mentoring, training, and developing clinical teams
• Strong collaborative approach and commitment to evidence-based practice
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with referral partners and primary care vets

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: 7.6 weeks annual leave plus additional holiday for your birthday
• Professional Development: £3,000 CPD allowance and 10 days paid training, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon, research funding opportunities, and £1,000 annual Care Fund
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, surrogacy pay), cycle-to-work scheme, non-accidental injury support
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees paid
• Additional Perks: Pension scheme, Pawsome Benefits reward gateway (discounts and cashback with 100+ retailers), discounted staff pet care

About the Practice

Pride Veterinary Referrals is a modern, multidisciplinary small animal referral hospital serving Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and parts of Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, and Cheshire. Part of IVC Evidensia, it provides 24/7 emergency and specialist-led referral services in anaesthesia and analgesia, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy. The hospital employs 100+ veterinary professionals across a friendly, collaborative team culture.

The team works closely with the University of Nottingham, hosting veterinary students on rotation. Pride is well-positioned geographically, offering easy access to major UK cities via road and rail, nearby airports, and the Peak District for recreation.