OOH Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an out-of-hours ECC veterinary surgeon position working a 7 nights on, 14 nights off rota (8am to 8pm shifts). You'll be joining an established, family-run 24/7 hospital that combines OOH emergency cover with referral services, giving you both the case variety of general practice and the depth of advanced, specialist-level care. The practice is modern, purpose-built, and genuinely well-equipped to support complex cases.

You'll work within a dedicated night team comprising one senior RVN, two VCAs, and reception support until 10pm, with additional twilight nurses available until midnight. This means real backup on every shift, not the sole-charge chaos that plagues many emergency hospitals. The day team includes 15 vets with surgical, medical, dental, and endosurgery expertise, all available for support on tricky cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver emergency and critical care to a complex, high-acuity caseload referred from 16 surrounding practices
• Perform advanced procedures including oesophageal tube placements, chest drain placements, TFAST/AFAST, endoscopy, and negative pressure wound therapy
• Lead routine surgical work including caesareans, pyometras, exploratory laparotomies with enterotomy and enterectomy
• Manage complex medical cases including Addisonian crisis, ketoacidotic diabetes, and severe pancreatitis
• Conduct half-hour OOH consultations (allowing proper time for patient assessment and client communication)
• Work collaboratively with the night nursing team and liaise with day colleagues for ongoing case support
• Contribute to a culture of continuous clinical development and mentoring

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon
• Essential experience in emergency and critical care
• Solid medical and surgical skills with proven ability to manage complex cases independently
• Dynamic, proactive approach with strong team-working ethos
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients during high-stress situations
• Willingness to embrace continuous professional development and clinical interest areas

Benefits

• Competitive salary: GBP 55,000 to GBP 60,000 depending on experience
• GBP 1,500 annual CPD allowance with certificate sponsorship encouraged
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS, BVA, BSAVA, VDS)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Exclusive company discounts and rewards
• Flexibility to locum elsewhere on your days off if desired
• Supportive, collaborative working environment with access to specialist colleagues

About the Practice

Leeds Birstall is a modern, purpose-built RCVS-accredited hospital and emergency service clinic established in 2012 by Keith and Julie Leonard. The practice operates as a family-run, 24/7 operation providing OOH and referral support to 16 surrounding practices, while also maintaining a thriving first-opinion client base. This hybrid model delivers the best of both worlds: busy general practice caseload variety combined with continuity for advanced, in-house referral-level care.

The facility is purpose-built to industry-leading standards with state-of-the-art equipment including IDEXX laboratory, digital X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, IM3 dental machine and dental X-ray, orthopaedic surgical kit, endoscopy, tonopen, CT scanner, and laparoscopy equipment. The team comprises 70 staff members including 15 vets, dedicated day and night nursing teams, and supporting VCAs. The practice is known for gold-standard clinical work, strong internal communication, and excellent management support.