Job overview
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 or bone health) 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 Luton
(1.0 PA)
Medical Meeting with Lunch
12.30-13.30
Admin (0.5 PAs)
In-patient referrals
(0.5 PAs)
Tuesday
Rheumatology Clinic
Luton
(1.0 PA)
Hospital Grand Round
12.30-13.30
SPA
(1.0 SPA)
Wednesday
Rheumatology Clinic virtual
(1.0 PA)
**See note
Admin
(1.0 PA)
Thursday
Rheumatology Clinic
Bedford
(1.0 PA)
Rheumatology Dept./ X-ray Meeting (0.25 PA)
SPA/Departmental meeting
(0.5 SPA) (0.25 PA)
Friday
Admin
(1.0 PA)
Rheumatology Clinic
Bedford
(1.0 PA)
End date of post - May 2027
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Medical Degree
2. Relevant postgraduate qualification MRCP or equivalent
Desirable criteria
3. MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research
Registration
Essential criteria
4. Full GMC Registration (GMC Licence to Practice is mandatory before employment commences)
5. 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
Essential criteria
6. Residence within 10 miles by road or up to thirty minutes travelling time of the hospital for purposes of on-call emergencies.
7. Fit to undertake the role with satisfactory Occupational Health clearance
8. Satisfactory DBS clearance
Clinical Experience
Essential criteria
9. Excellent all round experience of DGH work
10. Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Rheumatology
11. Able to take full and independent responsibility for clinical work and delivering service without direct supervision.
Clinical Effectiveness
Essential criteria
12. Understanding of clinical governance and ability to demonstrate ongoing CPD
13. Experience of guideline appraisal
14. Participation in relevant local audits
15. Ability to interpret and apply clinical research
Desirable criteria
16. Participation in relevant national audits
Teaching
Essential criteria
17. Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students
Desirable criteria
18. Has attended Teaching the Teachers or similar course
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
19. Ability to co-operate in a democratic team environment
20. Flexible attitude, team player with good management skills
21. Leadership Skills
Clinical Governance
Essential criteria
22. Able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles and elements of clinical governance.
Applicant requirements
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.