Consultant in Rheumatology

The appointee will join the well-established department of eight existing consultants in rheumatology. The successful candidate will augment and complement the consultant capacity, to help drive forwards the department's vision of a comprehensive rheumatology service. Sub-specialty interest in any area appropriate for a DGH (such as vasculitis, bone health or axial spondyloarthritis) is welcomed, as is an enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research.

Main duties of the job

The post holders will work with the other Consultants to provide specialty rheumatology advice and support to patients within the Trust. They will attend the weekly multi-disciplinary departmental meetings and weekly X-ray meetings, and will be expected to help support and train the registrars and other junior medical staff in rheumatology/general medicine, and the Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Where possible, the post-holder will be encouraged to develop a research interest, compatible with the background of the department and its facilities. Audit will be a mandatory part of the role.

The Rheumatology Directorate has close links with local General Practitioners and there is an active teaching program for them, and also for all grades of doctors within the Trust. The post holder will be encouraged to continue teaching and training at all levels.

Clinical Governance and Audit projects are undertaken as an ongoing programme within the department of Rheumatology - examining local practice compared to National Standards of care (for example use of biologic therapy, DAS scoring, early arthritis pathways and comparison to BSR Standards) - and Trust-wide. It is expected that the appointee will be actively involved in this.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.

Our Values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Indicative Timetable

The job plan will consist of 10 PA's of routine work. The plan below is indicative only.

Morning

Mid-day

Afternoon

Monday

Rheumatology Clinic

(1.0 PA)

Medical Meeting with Lunch

12.30-13.30

Admin (0.5 PAs)

(0.5 PAs)

Tuesday

SPA

(1.0 PA)

Rheumatology Clinic

(1.0 PA)

Rheumatology Clinic

(1.0 PA)

See note

Admin

(1.0 PA)

Thursday

Rheumatology Clinic

(1.0 PA)

Rheumatology Dept./ X-ray Meeting (0.25 PA)

(0.5 SPA) (0.25 PA)

Friday

Rheumatology Clinic

(1.0 PA)

Admin

(1.0 PA)

Assesment Date: TBC

Interview Date: 28/09/2026

Qualifications

• Medical Degree
• MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research

Registration

• Full GMC Registration (GMC Licence to Practice is mandatory before employment commences)
• Entry onto the GMC Specialist Register: CCT (or within 6 months of receipt of CCT at time of interview) CESR - portfolio pathway (must be on Specialist Register at time of applying)

Personal Circumstances

• Residence within 10 miles by road or up to thirty minutes travelling time of the hospital for purposes of on-call emergencies.
• Fit to undertake the role with satisfactory Occupational Health clearance
• Satisfactory DBS clearance

Clinical Experience

• Excellent all round experience of DGH work
• Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Rheumatology
• Able to take full and independent responsibility for clinical work and delivering service without direct supervision.
• Specialist interest in axSpA

Clinical Effectiveness

• Understanding of clinical governance and ability to demonstrate ongoing CPD
• Experience of guideline appraisal
• Participation in relevant local audits
• Ability to interpret and apply clinical research
• Participation in relevant national audits

Teaching

• Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students
• Has attended Teaching the Teachers or similar course

Personal Skills

• Ability to co-operate in a democratic team environment
• Flexible attitude, team player with good management skills
• Leadership Skills

Clinical Governance

• Able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles and elements of clinical governance.

It is an exciting time to join Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.