Clinical Fellow in Rheumatology

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Bristol is seeking an experienced clinician to join their Rheumatology team. This role offers strong professional development opportunities and the chance to work within a flexible environment prioritizing patient care. Responsibilities include inpatient support, outpatient clinics, and participation in educational activities. Candidates must be registered with the GMC, with an interest in Rheumatology and relevant qualifications. The position involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and provides ample opportunities for research and service development.

Benefits

Strong professional development opportunities

Research collaboration access

Qualifications

• Able to assess, initially resuscitate and stabilise acutely sick patients.
• Good clinical judgement is essential.
• Previous experience in NHS is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support rheumatology inpatient care and review day-case patients.
• Deliver consultant-supervised outpatient clinics.
• Participate in clinical governance and service improvements.

Skills

Ability to organise and prioritise workload

Good communication skills

Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team

Honesty and reliability

Flexibility

Education

Registered with General Medical Council (UK)

MRCP qualified or equivalent

Evidence of interest in Rheumatology

Job description

Job summary

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the UK, with 11 hospitals, over 13,000 staff and more than 100 clinical services. Our Rheumatology department is a recognised regional centre of excellence, delivering both secondary and tertiary care from a purpose-built facility that includes outpatient and day-case areas, DXA and ultrasound, therapy services and an onsite research unit.

The team is at the forefront of digital innovation, using paper-light pathways, remote and patient-initiated consultations, multidisciplinary clinics and one-stop ultrasound assessments within the inflammatory arthritis service. We run specialist clinics covering early inflammatory arthritis (EIA), CTD/Vasculitis, transitional care, osteoporosis and rare bone disease, and deliver regular joint clinics with paediatrics, dermatology, orthopaedics and respiratory medicine.

Nationally recognised for quality, the department provides rheumatology expertise to the South West ECMO service and has received multiple BSR Best Practice Awards. Fellows have access to a wide range of research opportunities through our partnerships with the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol, supported by the Trust’s strong R&D infrastructure. This post provides excellent opportunities to develop subspecialty interests, contribute to service design and teaching, and progress towards CESR where relevant.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic clinician (ST3 level or above) to join our dynamic Rheumatology team at UHBW. This post offers excellent flexibility and strong professional development opportunities, with previous fellows successfully progressing through CESR and into specialty training roles. The role includes inpatient and outpatient care, participation in the HOT week rota, day-case reviews and consultant-supported teaching clinics. Fellows run their own clinic lists and play an active role in delivering urgent care.

Educational responsibilities include contributing to departmental teaching, audit and QI activity, and taking part in weekly postgraduate meetings involving regional Rheumatology teams. There are extensive research opportunities through clinical trials, registry studies and academic projects, delivered in close collaboration with UWE and the University of Bristol, and supported by the Trust’s R&D Office.

The post also includes active participation in clinical governance, encouraging innovation, service improvement and a strong focus on patient safety. While not a formal managerial role, fellows have the opportunity to lead service development work, support junior colleagues and shape pathways of care providing valuable preparation for future senior and leadership positions.

About us

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, with more than 13,000 staff and over 100 clinical services across 10 hospital sites. We serve a core population of over 500,000 people across the South West and are rated ‘Good’ overall by the CQC. Our teams are proud to deliver high-quality care to patients in Bristol, Weston and beyond.

As a forward-thinking, multi-award-winning Trust and recognised digital exemplar, we are committed to continual improvement in patient care. Our research, innovation and global collaborations help shape future models of healthcare, with real impact both locally and internationally.

With hospitals across Bristol and Weston, staff enjoy the best of both worlds – vibrant city life with easy access to countryside, coastline and everything the South West has to offer.

UHBW is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are an equal-opportunities employer, actively working towards a workforce that reflects the diversity of our local communities. Anonymous data from your application may be used to ensure we are meeting these commitments.

Job responsibilities

The post-holder will support rheumatology inpatient care, review day-case patients and deliver consultant-supervised outpatient clinics. Registrars run their own clinic lists and rotate weekly to cover ward reviews and urgent care as part of the Rheumatology HOT week rota (approximately 1 in 45 weeks). During HOT weeks, outpatient commitments are reduced to allow focus on urgent referrals and GP advice calls, which are usually managed by the resident team. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to join the teaching clinic with one of our consultants, providing protected time for development and supervised learning.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience (Essential)

• Able to assess, initially resuscitate and stabilise acutely sick patients
• Understands audit and governance processes
• Demonstrates good clinical judgement

Knowledge & Experience (Desirable)

• Designed and / or completed audits
• Training /experience in Rheumatology and the management of patients

Skills & Abilities (Essential)

• Ability to organise and prioritise workload
• Honesty and reliability
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Flexibility
• Good communication skills
• Inquiring and critical approach to work

Skills & Abilities (Desirable)

• Demonstrates initiative

Aptitudes (Essential)

• Evidence of entitlement to live and work in the UK

Qualifications & Training (Essential)

• Registered with General Medical Council (UK)
• Evidence of interest in Rheumatology
• MRCP qualified or equivalent

Qualifications & Training (Desirable)

• Previous experience of working in the NHS
• Advanced life support provider
• Speciality Certificate in Rheumatology

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)

Address: Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin St, Bristol, BS2 8HW

Website: https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/