Locum Consultant in Rheumatology

Main area Rheumatology Grade Locum Consultant Contract 9 months (Fixed term) Hours

• Full time
• Part time

10 sessions per week (Part time would also be considered) Job ref 339-NMSK4155-AR Site Southmead Hospital Town Bristol Salary £113,565 - £150,569 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 05/08/:00

As part of the transition to a Group Clinical Services structure within Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, there is an increased expectation of cross-site working.

Although roles will have a designated base, post holders are likely to be required to work across multiple Trust sites in line with service needs. Where this is not included in the initial job plan, any future requirement arising from the departmental restructures will be addressed through the job planning process. Travel time will be taken into consideration in line with contractual expectations.

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1 st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under represented within the Trust.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Job overview Applications are invited for a full time (10 PA) Consultant to join our senior Rheumatology team for 9 months. Part-time applicants are welcome.

Main duties of the job The appointment is based within the Rheumatology Service at Southmead Hospital, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. We provide a patient centred multidisciplinary service. Our Rheumatology department is diverse and ambitious with a shared vision to strive for excellence. We treat patients with all aspects of rheumatology and provide comprehensive services for inflammatory arthritis, ultrasound, transition care, metabolic bone disease osteoporosis, GCA and CTD vasculitis. In addition, we have a successful and highly productive academic rheumatology team linked with the University of Bristol.

This is a pure rheumatology post with no GIM commitment. The post holder would be required to deliver a clinical service including clinics at base hospital Southmead and satellite hospital Cossham.

The post holder will contribute to the general rheumatology service and autoimmune CTD (connective tissue disease and vasculitis) service through running outpatient clinics. As well as providing an advisory service to inpatients admitted under other specialties at Southmead, in conjunction with other members of the rheumatology team.

Working for our organisation Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.

Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:

• Better outcomes for ourPatients
• More opportunities for ourPeople
• Fairer more consistent care for ourPopulation
• Best Value forPublic Purse

Our vision for five years from now:

• Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.
• We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.
• More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.
• Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.
• Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.
• We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.
• Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.
• We will contribute to system financial balance

Detailed job description and main responsibilities For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification Qualifications

• Full and specialist registration in either AIM or GIM with the General Medical Council (GMC)
• or within 6 months of obtaining expected CCT date at time of interview Locum candidates will be considered without CCT or CESR
• Higher academic qualification e.g. MD, PhD or equivalent

Experience

• Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Rheumatology
• Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision
• Evidence of a special interest and expertise that complements those of other consultants in the department and is consistent with the Trust's service strategy
• Proficient in ultrasound of hands and feet

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

• Up to date knowledge and experience of relevant specialty
• Knowledge of NHS priorities with reference to specialty
• Broad range of IT skills

Clinical Governance and Audit

• Understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical audit and evidence of participation
• Positive approach to evidence based practice
• Evidence of recent and regular engagement with icontinuing professional development (CPD) scheme

Research

• Knowledge of the principles involved in research
• Evidence of involvement in research
• Additional academic experience and qualifications e.g. PhD
• Evidence of publication of peer reviewed academic papers

Teaching and Training

• Experience of teaching medical students and AHP's
• Experience of supervising trainees.
• Knowledge of teaching to a multidisciplinary team
• Educational Supervisor training completed
• Evidence of management training and evidence of learning from it
• Ability to organise efficient and smooth running of a specialist service
• Ability to cope with and effectively organise the workload of a consultant
• Ability to practice independently as a consultant
• Ability to take on responsibility and show evidence of leadership
• Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks
• Evidence of management/leadership experience and/or qualifications and courses

Interpersonal, communication and team working skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, clinical colleagues, support staff and other colleagues.
• Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English.
• Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods, and to respond to questions and queries
• Ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi professional basis with all levels of staff both within and across divisions
• Ability to be a flexible team member

Any other Personal Abilities and Aptitudes

• Ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances
• Awareness of personal limitations
• Additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels
• Trained as a Consultant Appraiser

Other

• Meets professional health requirements
• Agreement to travel to and work in other Bristol NHS Foundation Trust sites necessitated by the role

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.

BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.

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