Job summary
We are seeking to appoint a Consultant Rheumatologist to join the Dorset-wide Rheumatology service. This post will be primarily based at Christchurch Hospital, working in close partnership with the substantive consultant teams across Dorset.
The Dorset Rheumatology service delivers a comprehensive secondary care rheumatology service for the population of Dorset. Services are centred on our two major hub sites at Christchurch Hospital and Dorset County Hospital, with additional outpatient activity delivered through a hub-and-spoke model across Dorset. Inpatient rheumatology consultations are provided via Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the east of the county and Dorset County Hospital in the west.
This appointment comes at an exciting period of development following the merger of Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals and Poole Hospital to form University Hospitals Dorset, and the subsequent extension of collaborative working across Dorset County Hospital. The successful candidate will join a supportive, forward-looking consultant body and will have opportunities to contribute to service development as the Dorset Rheumatology service continues to evolve.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will contribute to the delivery of high-quality consultant-led rheumatology care across Dorset. The role includes consultant outpatient clinics based at Christchurch Hospital, with inpatient rheumatology input delivered via Royal Bournemouth Hospital. There may also be scope for limited satellite outpatient activity within the east of Dorset, subject to service need and job planning.
The post holder will work closely with consultant colleagues across the county and within the wider multidisciplinary team, contributing to urgent and routine rheumatology pathways, clinical governance, teaching, and continuous service improvement.
There is flexibility to shape aspects of the role in line with the appointee's experience and interests. Ideally, applicants should have experience or a strong interest in connective tissue disease and giant cell arteritis, and the service particularly welcomes candidates with an interest in contributing to GCA assessment pathways, including vascular ultrasound, with support for further development available where required.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.
As part of our commitment to delivering high-quality care across seven days, this post may involve participation in an out-of-hours rota, including evenings, weekends, and/or bank holidays, in accordance with service needs. Any work undertaken outside standard hours/PA's will attract remuneration in line with the respective NHS Medical and Dental Terms and Conditions of Service.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Details
Date posted
12 February 2026
Pay scheme
Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade
Consultant
Salary
£109,725 to £145,478 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
153-M3805
Job locations
Christchurch
Christchurch
BH23 2JX
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full description of the role, responsibilities, and person specification, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full description of the role, responsibilities, and person specification, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* MRCP (UK) or an equivalent qualification
* Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register for Rheumatology
Experience
Essential
* Satisfactory training in Rheumatology
* Involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Ability & Knowledge
Essential
* Wide knowledge of Rheumatology
Motivation
Essential
* Hard working and positive outlook
* Committed to service development in Rheumatology
Personality
Essential
* Able to work in a team
* Friendly and supportive to staff and patients
Audit
Essential
* Experience in hospital clinical audit
Research
Essential
* An understanding of the Research process
Management ability
Essential
* Management ability
Other requirements
Essential
* Innovative, committed, hard working.
* Proficient in both written and verbal communication skills in English
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* MRCP (UK) or an equivalent qualification
* Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register for Rheumatology
Experience
Essential
* Satisfactory training in Rheumatology
* Involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Ability & Knowledge
Essential
* Wide knowledge of Rheumatology
Motivation
Essential
* Hard working and positive outlook
* Committed to service development in Rheumatology
Personality
Essential
* Able to work in a team
* Friendly and supportive to staff and patients
Audit
Essential
* Experience in hospital clinical audit
Research
Essential
* An understanding of the Research process
Management ability
Essential
* Management ability
Other requirements
Essential
* Innovative, committed, hard working.
* Proficient in both written and verbal communication skills in English
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Christchurch
Christchurch
BH23 2JX
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Christchurch
Christchurch
BH23 2JX
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)