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.
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. It will outline scheduled commitments, personal objectives linked to wider service goals, and the support required to meet these aims. Working patterns may evolve to meet changing local needs, with annual review in line with consultant contract, appraisal and job-planning arrangements.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the Job Description for further details.
A 10 PA week consists of 8.5 PAs direct clinical care and 1.5 PAs for Supporting Professional Activity (SPA).
Job planning will be used to reflect the needs of the department, ensuring that contracted work is appropriately remunerated. An initial job plan review will be undertaken by the Clinical Director after 3 months and annually thereafter, or if the work pattern changes. Any additional PAs contracted by the Trust will be agreed as a separate part of the job plan by mutual consent.
The job plan will consist of 10 PA’s of routine work.
Person specification
Teaching
Essential
- Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students
Desirable
- Has attended Teaching the Teachers or similar course
Registration
Essential
- 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)
Qualifications
Essential
- Medical Degree
- MRCP
Desirable
- MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research
Personal Skills
Essential
- Ability to co-operate in a democratic team environment
- Flexible attitude, team player with good management skills
- Leadership Skills
Clinical Experience
Essential
- 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 Governance
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles and elements of clinical governance.
Clinical Effectiveness
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- Participation in relevant national audits
Personnel Circumstances
Essential
- 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
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Locum Consultant Rheumatologist with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Luton, East of England, England. It is listed as a Consultant Medical doctor Rheumatology role. The advertised salary is £113,565 - £150,595 10 PA. The contract type is Fixed term: 8 months (Maternity Cover ( July 26-Febuary 27 )). The application deadline is 21 Jul 2026.
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