The successful appointee will join a well‑established rheumatology department comprising eight consultants and will enhance existing consultant capacity to support the delivery of a comprehensive rheumatology service. Sub‑specialty interests relevant to a district general hospital, such as vasculitis or bone health, are welcomed, alongside enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research. Weekly commitments will align with Royal College of Physicians guidance, the consultant contract and the agreed Job Plan. Senior rheumatologists will provide mentorship, supported by a collaborative departmental culture in which clinical matters are discussed openly in both formal and informal settings. The job plan will include 8.5 programmed activities for direct clinical care and 1.5 for supporting professional activities. It will be developed in consultation with the Clinical Director and departmental consultants, and approved by the Medical Director and Chief Executive or representative. As a prospective annual agreement, the job plan will define duties, responsibilities and objectives across all aspects of practice, including clinical work, teaching, research, education and management. It will outline scheduled commitments, personal objectives linked to wider service goals, and the support required to meet these aims. Working patterns may evolve to meet changing local needs, with annual review in line with consultant contract, appraisal and job‑planning arrangements. 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 programme 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. 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.
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