Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Consultant in Rheumatology
The closing date is 04 August 2026
The appointee will join the well-established department of eight existing consultants in rheumatology. The successful candidate will augment and complement the consultant capacity, to help drive forwards the department's vision of a comprehensive rheumatology service. Sub-specialty interest in any area appropriate for a DGH (such as vasculitis, bone health or axial spondyloarthritis) is welcomed, as is an enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research.
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 programme 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.
Job responsibilities
Indicative Timetable
The job plan will consist of 10 PAs of routine work. The plan below is indicative only.
Morning | Mid-day | Afternoon
Monday
Rheumatology Clinic (1.0 PA)
Medical Meeting with Lunch 12:30-13:30
Admin (0.5 PA)
Tuesday
SPA (1.0 PA)
Rheumatology Clinic (1.0 PA)
Rheumatology Clinic (1.0 PA)
Admin (1.0 PA)
Thursday
Rheumatology Clinic (1.0 PA)
Rheumatology Dept./ X-ray Meeting (0.25 PA)
Friday
Rheumatology Clinic (1.0 PA)
Admin (1.0 PA)
Assessment Date: TBC
Interview Date: 28/09/2026
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Medical Degree
- MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research
Registration
- Full GMC Registration (GMC Licence to Practice is mandatory before employment commences)
- Entry onto the GMC Specialist Register: CCT (or within 6 months of receipt of CCT at time of interview) or CESR – portfolio pathway (must be on Specialist Register at time of applying)
Personal Circumstances
- 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
Clinical Experience
- 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.
- Specialist interest in axSpA
Clinical Effectiveness
- Understanding of clinical governance and ability to demonstrate ongoing CPD
- Experience of guideline appraisalParticipation in relevant local audits
- Ability to interpret and apply clinical research
- Participation in relevant national audits
Teaching
- Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students
- Has attended Teaching the Teachers or similar course
Personal Skills
- Ability to co-operate in a democratic team environment
- Flexible attitude, team player with good management skills
- Leadership Skills
Clinical Governance
- Able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles and elements of clinical governance.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Consultant in Rheumatology in Luton employer: Work Learn Live Blmk
At Work Learn Live Blmk, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. As a Stoma Care Nurse at Luton & Dunstable Hospital, you will not only have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care but also benefit from ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with a culture that values compassion and teamwork, makes us an ideal place for healthcare professionals looking to thrive in their careers.
