Consultant in Rheumatology

This consultant post adds capacity to an eight-strong rheumatology department at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The core work is specialty rheumatology advice to patients across the Trust, with teaching of junior doctors and nurse specialists, and mandatory audit. Sub-specialty interest suited to a district general hospital, such as vasculitis or bone health, is welcomed, as are teaching and research. Entry to the GMC Specialist Register is required, and on-call work means living within 30 minutes of the hospital.

• Provide specialty rheumatology advice and support to patients across the Trust
• Work with the consultant team to build a comprehensive rheumatology service
• Attend weekly departmental multidisciplinary and X-ray meetings
• Support and train registrars, junior medical staff and Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Carry out mandatory clinical audit, including departmental and Trust-wide projects against national standards
• Teach GPs and doctors at all grades
• Develop a research interest where possible, compatible with departmental facilities
• Take part in the department's ongoing clinical governance programme
• Deliver routine clinic, admin and in-patient referral work within a 10 PA job plan
• Travel between hospital sites when required

• Medical degree
• MRCP or equivalent postgraduate qualification

• Full GMC registration and licence to practise before employment
• Entry on the GMC Specialist Register (CCT, within 6 months of CCT, or CESR portfolio route, and on the register when applying)

• Excellent all-round district general hospital experience
• Thorough and broad training and experience in rheumatology
• Able to take full, independent clinical responsibility without direct supervision
• Experience of guideline appraisal and participation in local audit

• Understanding of clinical governance principles and evidence of ongoing CPD
• Ability to interpret and apply clinical research
• Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students
• Ability to co-operate in a democratic team environment
• Flexible, with good management and leadership skills

• Satisfactory DBS clearance

• Occupational Health clearance confirming fitness for the role
• Residence within 10 miles or 30 minutes' travel of the hospital for on-call emergencies

• MD or equivalent higher degree, or evidence of relevant research
• Specialist interest in axial spondyloarthritis
• Sub-specialty interest in a DGH area, such as vasculitis or bone health
• Participation in relevant national audits
• Attendance at Teaching the Teachers or a similar course
• Enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research

• Access to a programme of high-quality training and development
• Trust commitment to staff health and wellbeing