East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Consultant in Rheumatology
The closing date is 09 July 2026
Location: Ipswich Hospital. Full‑time position, part‑time applications also considered. Candidates must have completed CCT or an equivalent portfolio pathway and be on the Specialist Register. Locum capacity initially may be considered for new applicants to the area.
Main duties of the job
* Work with colleagues to provide a consultant‑led service with the highest standard of care.
* Collaborate with the multi‑professional team to develop care pathways and clinical guidelines.
* Develop and maintain good working practices within outpatients, wards, and the Emergency Department.
* Collaborate and promote close working links with colleagues in tertiary centres, community services and primary care.
* Offer support and leadership to junior medical colleagues, nursing colleagues and other members of the multi‑disciplinary team.
All consultants in the department have a continuing and individual responsibility for the care of patients in their charge and a general responsibility to provide, in conjunction with their colleagues, an effective Service to meet the needs of the local population, within the resources available.
Job responsibilities
* General responsibilities including participation in Consultant rota, forward referrals, advice and guidance and referral triage during the week within working hours (9am‑5pm). There is no out of hours Rheumatology On‑call Service and no weekend cover.
* Specialist Clinics if desired by applicant
* Supportive care of inpatients under other medical teams
* Clinical and other administration as required by agreement
* Teaching and training of junior staff and undergraduates
* Participation in Clinical Governance/Audit/Quality Improvement
* Participation in relevant MDT meetings
Person Specification
* Specialist accreditation or within 6 months of attaining CCT
* Full GMC Registration with License to practice
* Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCST in Rheumatology
* Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on a wide range of Rheumatology problems
* Ability to take full and independent responsibility for the clinical care of patients
* Ability to perform core and specialised Rheumatology procedures
* Ability to work in a team
* Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies
* Educational/Clinical Supervisor (training will be provided for applicants that have not undertaken these roles previously)
* Research experience
* Recognised fellowship training
* Management training and experience
* Live within a 10‑mile radius of the relevant hospital site
Benefits
* Generous pension scheme
* Unsocial hours payments (where applicable)
* 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata)
* Access to a range of NHS discounts
* Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offering a variety of services
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
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