Locum Consultant in Rheumatology; Maternity Cover

Locum Consultant in Rheumatology (Maternity Cover)

The closing date is 20 March 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 or bone health) is welcomed, as is an enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research.

The post holders will work with the other Consultants to provide specialist 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.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff.

As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.

Our Values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience – we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust's core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

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 Luton (1.0 PA)

Medical Meeting with Lunch 12.30‑13.30

Admin (0.5 PAs)

Tuesday

Rheumatology Clinic Luton (1.0 PA)

Hospital Grand Round 12.30‑13.30

SPA (1.0 SPA)

Rheumatology Clinic virtual (1.0 PA)

See note

Admin (1.0 PA)

Thursday

Rheumatology Clinic Bedford (1.0 PA)

Rheumatology Dept./ X‑ray Meeting (0.25 PA)

(0.5 SPA) (0.25 PA)

Friday

Admin (1.0 PA)

Rheumatology Clinic Bedford (1.0 PA)

End date of post - May 2027

• Medical Degree
• MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research

• 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) CESR –…