Main area Rheumatology Grade Consultant Contract Fixed term: 8 months (Maternity Cover ( July 26-Febuary 27 )) Hours Full time - 40 hours per week (Cross-Site) Job ref 416-GM-Rheum-278
Site Cross-Site (Based at Bedford) Town Bedford/Luton Salary £113,565 - £150,595 10 PA Salary period Yearly Closing 19/06/2026 08:00
Job overview 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.
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 provides teaching programmes for them and 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. The appointee will be actively involved in this.
Person specification Qualifications
Medical Degree
MRCP
MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research
Registration
Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
Entry onto the GMC Specialist Register: CCT (or within 6 months of receipt of CCT at time of interview) // CESR (must be on Specialist Register at time of applying)
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.
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.
Personnel 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
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.
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