Consultant in Rheumatology and General Medicine

Consultant in Rheumatology and General Medicine

This is a substantive 6PA post for a consultant in Rheumatology and is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic and enthusiastic team who believe in leading from the frontline with the aim of providing outstanding care to our community and investing in the well-being and development of our people.

The post holder will share clinical and managerial leadership within the Rheumatology service with the present consultants. An office base with secretarial and administrative support will be provided.

Please note the simulation date is 11th April 2025 and the interview date is 25th April 2025.

Main duties of the job

The departments provide an outpatient service based upon shared-care protocols and consultations provided directly by consultants or clinical assistants and junior medical staff under direct supervision. The clinics are held at the Royal Berkshire Hospital or in the spoke sites (Bracknell, West Berkshire Community Hospital or Townlands Hospital, Henley-on-Thames).

It is the policy of the Trust and the local CCGs to discharge patients from regular hospital follow up whenever this does not compromise patient safety or health. This policy is facilitated by the longstanding policy of close liaison between the RBFT and GPs in the Trust's catchment area. The appointee will be encouraged to develop a specialist clinic (if necessary with the assistance of a nurse specialist or of colleagues in other specialities).

In relation to inpatient responsibilities the post holder will supervise assessment, investigation and treatment of specialty inpatients on the specialty or outliers wards together with the other departmental consultants. The Rheumatology/Diabetes & Endocrinology cover Castle ward (base ward) and Hunter/Lister wards (outlier wards). Provide support to Rheumatology patients receiving day case treatment on the Battle Day Unit. Weekend cover for Castle Ward is provided by Rheumatology/Diabetes & Endocrinology Consultants on a 1 in 8 rota.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Supervise assessment, investigation and treatment of specialty inpatients on the specialty or outliers wards together with the other departmental consultants.
• Provide support to Rheumatology patients receiving day case treatment on the Battle Day Unit.
• Maintain and develop existing and new team-working practices involving medical staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, clinical psychologists and other Allied Health Professionals who form multidisciplinary team (MDT).
• Provide specialist opinions and support to the in-patients of the other medical and surgical specialities across the Trust.
• Provide prospective cover for the other consultants for all their clinical activities other than outpatient clinics.
• Provide at least 8 weeks advance notice to the Trust of any curtailment or cancellation of outpatient clinics due to annual, study or professional leave.

The departments have developed particularly good links with local GPs over recent years; the postholder (along with the other consultant(s will:

• Offer telephone and email advice to GPs whenever s/he can reasonably be expected to do so.
• Contribute to the regular seminars hosted two or three times yearly for local general practitioners through seminars such as RheumACAN.
• Provide advice on Advice and Guidance in a timely manner.
• Participate in discussions with CCGs about service provision and development.

Person Specification Education and Qualification

• Full registration with the GMC/eligible for registration within 6 months of CCT in Rheumatology and General Medicine or successful completion of CESR at interview date.
• Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom or equivalent.
• Specialty Exit Examination (SCE) in Rheumatology.
• Higher degree e.g. PhD/ MD submitted/awarded.

Clinical Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Fully trained in Rheumatology and General Medicine.
• Previous responsibility for clinical governance and GMC Good Medical Practice.
• All aspects of general Rheumatology and patient care.

Audit Management & IT

• Ability to work within clinical governance guidelines.
• Undertake audits and present data as required.
• Good IT skills, use of patient and hospital database.
• Evidence of clinical leadership role demonstrating accountability for quality of care, financial controls and efficient management of workforce.

Research, Teaching Skill & Experience

• Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Evidence of providing good teaching and supervision to trainees.
• Contributes to improving patients experience.
• Ability to work in partnership to deliver a patient centred service.

Personal Qualities

• Able to abide by the Trust CARE Values; Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful and Excellence.
• Ability to communicate with clarity and intelligence in both written and spoken English.
• Willingness to take responsibility, and exert appropriate authority.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary team, understanding each others unique role.

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.