Introduction
When people hear the word “consultant”, they often think of private business advisors. But in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), a consultant is a senior hospital doctor who has completed full medical training in a chosen speciality. Consultants play a vital role in patient care, clinical decision-making, and leading medical teams across NHS hospitals.
In this article, we’ll explain what an NHS consultant is, their responsibilities, the career pathway, salaries, and the key differences from other doctors in the UK.
What is an NHS Consultant?
An NHS consultant is a fully qualified, senior doctor who has completed their medical degree, foundation training, specialty training, and advanced exams. Consultants usually work in hospital settings rather than GP practices, and they are experts in a specific medical field, such as:
- Cardiology
- Surgery
- Oncology
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Orthopaedics
Consultants are not “trainee doctors” – they are the most senior doctors in hospitals, often leading entire departments or specialist services.
NHS Consultant Roles and Responsibilities
NHS consultants carry a high level of responsibility, including:
- Diagnosing complex conditions and managing patient treatment plans.
- Performing operations and procedures (for surgical consultants).
- Supervising junior doctors, registrars, and medical students.
- Leading multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals.
- Research and teaching, contributing to the development of medical knowledge.
- Advising the NHS Trust on service improvements and clinical governance.
In short, consultants combine patient care with leadership, making them the backbone of the NHS hospital system.
NHS Consultant vs GP – What’s the Difference?
- General Practitioners (GPs) work in local community practices, focusing on a wide range of health conditions.
- Consultants are specialists based in hospitals, dealing with more advanced or complex medical issues referred by GPs.
In simple terms: GPs are generalists, consultants are specialists.
How to Become an NHS Consultant in the UK
The journey to becoming a consultant is long and highly competitive. Here’s the step-by-step pathway:
- Medical School (5–6 years) – Undergraduate medical degree (MBBS/MBChB).
- Foundation Training (2 years) – Rotations in various medical fields as a junior doctor.
- Speciality Training (6–8 years) – Focused training in a chosen field such as cardiology, psychiatry, or surgery.
- Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) – Official qualification to become a consultant.
On average, it takes 12–15 years after finishing secondary school to become a consultant in the NHS.
NHS Consultant Salary UK
According to NHS pay scales (2025):
- Newly qualified consultants start at around £93,000 per year.
- With experience, salaries can rise to £140,000+ per year.
- Many consultants also take on private practice work, which can significantly increase their income.
NHS Consultant Specialities
There are over 60 medical specialities and sub-specialities where consultants can work, including:
- Medical specialities: cardiology, dermatology, oncology.
- Surgical specialities: neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology.
- Mental health specialities: psychiatry, child & adolescent mental health.
Patients are often referred to consultants by their GP when advanced expertise is needed.
Why NHS Consultants Are Important
Consultants are essential to the functioning of the NHS. They:
- Provide expert care for the most serious and complex cases.
- Train the next generation of doctors.
- Drive innovation and research in medicine.
- Ensure the NHS maintains high standards of clinical governance.
FAQs About NHS Consultants
Q1: What does “consultant” mean in the NHS?
It means the most senior doctor in a speciality who leads patient care in hospitals.
Q2: How long does it take to become an NHS consultant?
Around 12–15 years after medical school.
Q3: Do consultants only work in hospitals?
Mostly yes, but some also work in private clinics or academic institutions.
Q4: Do NHS consultants earn more than GPs?
Yes, consultants usually have higher salaries than GPs due to their advanced training and responsibilities.
Conclusion
An NHS consultant is not just another doctor – they are the leaders of hospital medicine in the UK. From diagnosing critical conditions to supervising junior doctors, their role is central to the NHS’s success. Becoming a consultant requires over a decade of training, but it is one of the most respected careers in British healthcare.
If you’re considering a career in medicine or simply want to understand who you’re seeing at the hospital, now you know exactly what an NHS consultant does. Explore Social Platforms Facebook & LinkedIn.