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 such as vasculitis or bone health are welcomed, alongside enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research.
Job Plan Weekly commitments will align with Royal College guidance and the consultant contract. 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, 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. Working patterns may evolve to meet changing local needs, with annual review in line with the consultant contract, appraisal and job‑planning arrangements.
Responsibilities
Provide specialty rheumatology advice and support to patients within the Trust.
Attend the weekly multi‑disciplinary departmental meetings and weekly X‑ray meetings.
Support and train registrars, other junior medical staff in rheumatology/general medicine and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Develop a research interest compatible with the department’s background and facilities; audit is a mandatory part of the role.
Participate in clinical governance and audit projects, examining local practice compared to national standards (e.g., biologic therapy use, DAS scoring, early arthritis pathways, BSR standards). The appointee will be actively involved.
Qualifications & Preferences
Consultant‑level rheumatology qualification.
Sub‑specialty interests relevant to a district general hospital such as vasculitis or bone health.
Enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research.
Values & Inclusion
Recruitment practices are inclusive for everyone.
Commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
Culture that values differences.
Other Information Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides services to a growing population of around 700,000 people across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton, offering key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. New staff will undergo a six‑month probationary period. Travel between hospital sites may be required. The Trust is committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when a sufficient number of applications have been received.
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