Rheumatology Consultant

Job overview

The Rheumatology department at Lewisham & Greenwich is a busy cohesive unit on two sites, offering a comprehensive rheumatology and musculoskeletal service to the local community. The disease spectrum at Lewisham and Greenwich is wide and interesting, in part related to the diverse ethnic background of the local population. The service aims to offer a one-stop service and is continually looking at new ways of delivering care.

There are close links with the GRID (Genetics, Rheumatology, Infection and Dermatology) CAG (Clinical Academic Group) at Kings Health Partners. There are close relationships with the rheumatology clinical services at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (including shared CPD sessions and shared guidelines)

Main duties of the job

General rheumatology outpatient clinics run daily within QEH outpatient’s department.

Early Inflammatory Arthritis Clinics run weekly and are overseen by Dr Aicha Bouraoui at QEH, and there will be opportunities for the new post holder to contribute to this service.

Connective Tissue/Vasculitis clinics run fortnightly at both sites, supported by the specialist trainees and there will be opportunities to lead on these clinics within the service. There is a monthly virtual Nephrology / Rheumatology MDT at QEH.

Paediatric Rheumatology Clinics are held fortnightly in Paediatric Outpatients at UHL in network with the Evelina Children’s Hospital, supported by the Paediatrician Dr Alistair Yim, Dr Catherine Mathews, a Paediatric Physiotherapist and, where required for biologics management, the rheumatology specialist nurse.

The Trust provides a dedicated osteoporosis service with weekly clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). These clinics manage two patient cohorts, comprising patients aged over 70 years and those under 70 years. The service supports the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of osteoporosis and related metabolic bone disorders.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the osteoporosis service and undertake osteoporosis clinics on a weekly basis as part of their clinical responsibilities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post offers 10 core Programmed Activities (PAs) comprising 8.5 Direct Clinical Care PAs and 1.5 Supporting Professional Activities (SPAs). The timetable is indicative of the expected responsibilities. On successful appointment, a detailed timetable will be developed which may differ from this example but the balance of DCC and SPA will remain the same.

The new appointee will work in a team with two existing rheumatology consultants at QEH, with internal cover for annual, study and professional leave. Clinical profiles vary by type, but allow 30 minutes for a new patient and 15 or 20 minutes for a typical follow up depending on the condition.

The job plan will be reviewed annually with the Clinical Lead providing an opportunity for discussion before agreeing the individual’s personal development plan.

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.