Consultant Rheumatologist

Transformation Unit; Worthing; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a substantive Consultant Rheumatologist to provide comprehensive rheumatology services across West Sussex. The post is based mainly at Worthing and Southlands Hospitals with occasional sessions at other Trust locations as required.

The role offers opportunities for service development, teaching, and involvement in governance, with a Monday to Friday style workflow and 10 clinical sessions per week.

Qualifications

• Evidence of advanced skills in management of general rheumatology and rare autoimmune rheumatic conditions.
• Evidence of interest in CTD/vasculitis and competency injecting joints.
• Understanding of clinical risk management and NHS governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Outpatient clinics: assess new patients and review follow-up patients.
• Ward referrals: inpatient reviews and weekly radiology MDT.
• Administrative duties: clinic letters, reports, GP referrals, and prescriptions.
• Telephone and email advice on rheumatic disease management to GPs and other specialists.
• Clinical audit: conduct local audits, collect data, and report results.
• Supervision of CNSs and clinical assistants.
• Support education of medical students and engagement with BSMS and Deanery partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Teaching ability

Teaching skills

Team collaboration

Education

FRCS/MRCP or equivalent

GMC registration with license to practice

CCT in Rheumatology or near completion

Higher Degree

Job description

Main area rheumatology Grade NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant Contract Permanent: Maternity cover Hours Full time - 10 sessions per week (Current job plan has NWT on thurs PM and all day friday (except for ward weeks)) Job ref 279-MWWTGCONRHEUM-675

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Worthing Hospital Town Worthing Salary £109,725 - £145,478 Per Annum Salary period Yearly Closing 05/11/2026 23:59

NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant

Job overview

We are seeking to appoint a substantive Consultant Rheumatologist. The appointee will work with Consultant colleagues to provide a comprehensive service for residents across West Sussex. The Rheumatology department is part of the MSK Directorate including Trauma and Orthopaedics and Pain Management. The post will be based predominantly at Worthing and Southlands Hospitals. However there will be some sessions at other Trust locations if and when required.

The post offers an excellent opportunity for you to develop as a Consultant and also contribute to service development.

Main duties of the job

• Outpatient clinics: assessment of all new patients at their first appointment; review of follow‑up patients; discussion and review of follow‑up patients seen by Speciality Doctors and clinical nurse specialists (CNS); joint injections and other procedures.
• Ward referrals and other DCC duties: specialist review of inpatients referred by other medical teams with rheumatic complaints; weekly combined radiology MDT.
• Administrative duties directly related to this: out‑patient clinic letter dictation and signing; blood and imaging report signing; result letter dictation; GP referral letter grading; prescription of biologic drugs, parenteral osteoporosis and DMARD medication; medical report writing.
• Telephone and email advice: giving advice on the management of rheumatic diseases to GPs, allied health professionals, other specialists.
• Clinical audit: writing local audit proposals and reports; collecting clinical audit data; presenting results; participation in regional and national clinical audits (data collection).
• Clinical and educational supervision of CNSs and clinical assistants
• Involvement with the Trust Clinical Governance programme. There will be a commitment to supporting the education of medical students from Brighton (BSMS) in their placements, and the potential to develop managerial and research interests. There are strong links to the KSS Deanery and Brighton & Sussex Medical School.
• Rheumatology On-Call Commitment: None

Working for our organisation

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Outpatient clinics: assessment of all new patients at their first appointment; review of follow‑up patients; discussion and review of follow‑up patients seen by Speciality Doctors and clinical nurse specialists (CNS); joint injections and other procedures.
• Ward referrals and other DCC duties: specialist review of inpatients referred by other medical teams with rheumatic complaints; weekly combined radiology MDT.
• Administrative duties directly related to this: out‑patient clinic letter dictation and signing; blood and imaging report signing; result letter dictation; GP referral letter grading; prescription of biologic drugs, parenteral osteoporosis and DMARD medication; medical report writing.
• Telephone and email advice: giving advice on the management of rheumatic diseases to GPs, allied health professionals, other specialists.
• Clinical audit: writing local audit proposals and reports; collecting clinical audit data; presenting results; participation in regional and national clinical audits (data collection).
• Clinical and educational supervision of CNSs and clinical assistants
• Involvement with the Trust Clinical Governance programme. There will be a commitment to supporting the education of medical students from Brighton (BSMS) in their placements, and the potential to develop managerial and research interests. There are strong links to the KSS Deanery and Brighton & Sussex Medical School.

Person specification

• FRC/MRC specialty - e.g. FRCS, MRCP, etc. or its recognised equivalent.
• Full and specialist registration (with a licence to practise) with the GMC or be eligible for registration within six months of the interview. If you trained in the UK, you must also have a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Rheumatology or be within six months of receiving it by the interview date. If you trained outside the UK, you must provide evidence that your qualifications are equivalent to the UK CCT. (Equivalence must be confirmed by GMC by date of AAC)
• Higher Degree

Clinical Skills & Experience

• Evidence of advanced skills in management of general rheumatology and rare autoimmune rheumatic conditions
• Evidence of interest in CTD/ vasculitis
• Evidence of competency injecting joints
• Understanding of clinical risk management

Knowledge

• Breadth of experience in and outside specialty

Organisation & Planning

• Experience and ability to work in multi‑professional teams.
• Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints
• Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended

Teaching Skills

• Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
• Recognised teaching qualification

Academic and Research

• Evidence of participation in audit
• Research experience
• Publications
• Prizes and honours
• Appropriate progression of career to date

Personal Attributes

• Evidence of:- Good communication skills both oral and written

Important information for applicants:

UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.

A Note on AI Use in Applications

UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.

Bank Workers:

Bank workers are welcome to apply for any of our vacancies but please note if you are successful at interview there will be a delay in confirming a start date due to the Trust's current financial controls.

Closing Adverts Early:

In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working:

If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks:

As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa:

Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Dr Alastair Hepburn Job title Consultant Rheumatologist Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01903205111 Additional information Dr Alastair Hepburn, Consultant Rheumatologist or Mr Madhu Rao, Clinical Director