Bariatric Surgery
Obesity is a chronic, complex disease associated with morbidity, premature mortality, and rising demand on health services. Almost one in three adults are living with obesity in England and prevalence is predicted to continue rising, including among younger populations.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is one of the most effective and cost-effective treatments for severe obesity, but access to bariatric surgery in England is limited; around 30,000 people had bariatric surgery between 2017 and 2023, while the number of people who could clinically benefit is estimated at around one million.
GIRFT’s workstream will provide a consistent national framework to support systems to reduce unwarranted variation, improve access and equity, and strengthen the delivery of bariatric and metabolic services across England – in turn helping to ease pressure on elective, urgent, and emergency care.
This workstream complements and builds on existing GIRFT programmes, including general surgery and endocrinology, while providing the depth of focus required to address the complexity of obesity pathways and bariatric service delivery.
Could you be our GIRFT bariatric surgery clinical lead?
GIRFT is seeking expressions of interest in a new role as national clinical lead for bariatric surgery, to establish and lead this new dedicated clinical workstream.
The post-holder will have the opportunity to shape the direction and priorities of the workstream from the outset, working alongside a multidisciplinary clinical advisory team. A core element of the role will be leading the development of a new national end-to-end obesity management pathway, along with GIRFT guidance on day case and short-stay bariatric surgery.
We welcome applications from senior clinicians with a background in bariatric or metabolic surgery, or in the medical management of obesity, with national standing in the field. Formal endorsement from a relevant specialty body (such as BOMSS) is required.
The role will be appointed via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the post-holder’s substantive NHS trust at two programmed activities (PAs) per week, for an initial period of one year.
Expressions of interest should be submitted as a short CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Email: benjamin.collins12@nhs.net
Read the job description and personal specification >
Application deadline: 5pm on 31 August 2026
Interviews 15 September 2026
- Bariatric Surgery Clinical Lead
Find out more about GIRFT’s data-led approach and best practice resources:
- Bariatric Surgery News