Make a difference with us
At the Northern Care Alliance, our mission is simple: to save and improve lives. Every day we’re making a difference, with around 11,000 patient contacts, over 800 pathology requests, 780 surgeries, 100 births, and 40 cancer screenings every week.
We deliver high-quality health and social care across a range of acute and community settings, and we’re proud of the impact we make.
But we know that the real change happens when our clinicians and clinical leaders take a central role. That's why we’re embracing a structure that will enable you to shape services, policies, strategies, and patient care pathways. We want clinicians like you to be at the heart of decision-making, advocating for best practice, and helping improve both the quality and efficiency of patient care.
As part of our team, you’ll have the resources and support to develop your career and enhance your clinical practice. We’re introducing exciting changes to make your work easier and more efficient, as we embark on a digital journey to transform the way we work and the care we give.
If you’re a consultant who leads with compassion and integrity and you want to care, appreciate and inspire - come join us.
- Dr Rafik Bedair, Chief Medical Officer
Our reach and impact
As one of the UK’s largest NHS providers, we serve communities across Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, and Salford while delivering specialist care throughout Greater Manchester and beyond. Our people drive collaboration, innovation, and quality, keeping us among the NHS’s top-rated Trusts.
Living here
With excellent motorway connections, including the M62 and M60, a lot of our consultants' commute from different areas of the north west.
Whether you prefer the vibrant communities of Greater Manchester, the scenic landscapes of Lancashire, the charming towns of West Yorkshire, or the peaceful countryside of Cheshire, our well-connected network offers flexibility in where you call home while staying close to work.
If you are looking to relocate to join us, we can provide a relocation package of up to £8,000 (subject to conditions).
Team up with us
We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, where consultants work alongside their peers to drive improvements in patient outcomes and care quality. This culture of innovation encourages our consultants to contribute to new care models and treatments, leading to a greater sense of fulfillment and professional growth.
Dr. Amr Shaaban
Since joining the NCA as a consultant anaesthetist, I’ve been impressed by the strong sense of teamwork that permeates every aspect of the Trust. Colleagues across different specialties work closely together, supporting one another both professionally and personally. This collaborative approach not only fosters a positive and inclusive work culture but also ensures that we provide the highest standard of care to our patients. It's a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and supportive team.
We employ 939 consultants and 871 doctors.
Find the right development
We offer opportunities for ongoing professional development, with access to leadership training that enhances both clinical and management skills. Clear pathways for career progression into senior leadership roles are available, alongside a strong emphasis on work-life balance, which helps reduce burnout and promote overall wellbeing. Through these initiatives, we aim to ensure that our consultants have the support and opportunities they need to thrive while making a meaningful impact on patient care.
Dr. Anton Sinniah
The NCA is a supportive organisation that encourages individual and team development, despite the current difficulties within the NHS. There are no hierarchies where individuals have to ‘wait their turn’ to develop into roles, on the contrary, this is encouraged from day 1. This has enabled our Acute Medical Team to be top quartile performers in some areas of our Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) assessment over 2024. I would strongly recommend the NCA as an organisation for anyone, from any discipline, who wants to work in and has ambitions to develop services and develop as a consultant. I know that the range of experience I have gained here would not have been matched in any other organisation, nor the support I have received.
Progress your academic and research interests
We take pride in nurturing consultants into leaders on regional, national, and international platforms, fostering growth in research, education, service innovation, and management. Whether your passion lies in training, mentoring, or pioneering change, you’ll thrive in our culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
We are renowned for ‘excellence in learning’ with dedicated education centres at each general hospital, featuring libraries, IT suites, and state-of-the-art lecture facilities.
With strong links to local universities, we can support your personal and professional development, offering leadership frameworks, fellowships, PhDs, and opportunities to engage in quality improvement and service development.
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Our commitment to discovery science, experimental medicine, and rapid research translation has established a globally recognised Research and Innovation Department, facilitating over 500 projects annually across diverse specialties, including cancer, cardiology, paediatrics, and more.
Take time for what matters most
Our flexible working policy offers you the opportunity to work flexibly and to achieve a better balance between your work and home life.
We provide options such as self-rostering, part-time roles, and adaptable hours, allowing you to tailor your schedule to your commitments. This flexibility ensures you can perform at your best while maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance.
Flexible working and Personal Wellness Action Plans (PWAP) are available to colleagues across the organisation. Dr Ruth Martin, locum consultant microbiologist, has benefited from flexible working patterns and reasonable adjustments to help manage her disability. This includes flexibility around attending hospital appointments and later start and finish times to make working life easier.
The average length of service for our consultants is 9 years
Prioritise your health and wellbeing
We want you to feel your best while working with us. We believe that caring for each other is a fundamental part of our culture and helps us all contribute more effectively. Our health and wellbeing services are designed to give you the resources to thrive from day one.
I unfortunately suffered a major trauma in February 2024 and was off work for 5 months. I wanted to return to work when I could, but I still had significant mobility issues and ongoing symptoms of fatigue.
I was supported by the service to work an adjusted and flexible job plan which meant I was able to undertake the majority of my work remotely, supporting with the follow up clinics for the Urgent Care Team and Emergency Assessment Unit.
As I transitioned back to face-to-face clinical work, I was then able to fit my schedule around my intensive physiotherapy rehab sessions.
I am now nearly back to working full time. Being able to balance my ongoing care needs whilst supporting a desire for me to return to work and feel part of the team has undoubtedly helped my wellbeing during this difficult period.
Save time in your recruitment
We prioritise the experience of our candidates and are proud to consistently rank among the fastest in the NHS at completing pre-employment checks - two weeks quicker than the national average!
Our efficiency and attention to detail have impressed many of our new hires, with 89% rating their recruitment experience as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in 2024.
New starter - Post CCT Fellow in Epilepsy
Thank you for all your help and diligence so far. As well as being so patient. It’s the best HR experience I’ve had in my 10+ years in the NHS. Painless and seamless, you and your department are doing truly stellar work.
Apply now
We look forward to the possibility of working together to deliver exceptional care and advancements across all fields and specialties.
