Consultant Rheumatology

NHS; Brighton; On-site; GBP 109,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A large healthcare provider in Brighton is seeking a Consultant in Rheumatology to join their team. The role includes providing outpatient care, participating in a daytime rota, and supervising medical training. Candidates must have a medical degree, GMC registration, and experience in managing rheumatological conditions. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Full and specialist GMC registration (or eligible within six months).
• UK-trained: CCT in Rheumatology or within six months of receiving it.
• Non-UK trained: evidence of qualification equivalence to UK CCT.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care of rheumatology outpatients.
• Participate in a 1:5 daytime rota for inpatient ward referrals.
• Conduct 4 clinics per week including specialist clinics.

Skills

Advanced skills in management of general rheumatology

Understanding of clinical risk management

Evidence of commitment to teaching

Education

Basic medical degree

MCRP UK or recognised equivalent

Higher Degree (MSc/PhD in Rheumatology)

Job description

Overview

The successful candidate will provide outpatient clinics at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) and Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH). The rheumatology department at RSCH has relocated to the Louisa Martindale building (LMB). Specialist clinics include Connective Tissue Disease, Vasculitis, Osteoporosis, Early Inflammatory Arthritis, Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis, Adolescent and combined Ophthalmology clinics. The role encourages an interest in Connective Tissue Disease and vasculitis.

Job responsibilities

Day-to-day care of rheumatology outpatients and liaison with associated medical teams regarding rheumatological care of inpatients. Full-time with participation in a 1:5 daytime rota for inpatient ward referrals, advice and guidance emails, and referrals triage. Teaching and training of Resident Doctors from KSS Deanery and medical students from BSMS. Clinical supervision of a rheumatology SpR, nursing staff, and rheumatology pharmacist; teaching of medical students. Involvement in clinical research at CIRU on the RSCH site, with dedicated time for these activities in the job plan. Expectation to conduct 4 clinics per week with standard outpatient templates and dedicated times for CTD clinics. Triaging of referrals, responding to advice and guidance via emails and ERS, homecare drug prescribing, and communication with patients, GPs and other specialists. Attendance at departmental and governance meetings, engagement with audits and service improvement plans within the SPA allocation. Teaching commitments to medical students and potential to participate in further Medical School teaching programs and opportunities for an Honorary Senior Lecturer role. The post holder will engage in clinical governance and managerial responsibilities of the department; possible inclusion in the Trust appraisal program.

About us

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx) values diversity and Inclusion; we aim to put patients first. We offer staff networks, buddy support, and are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We seek to support work-life balance where possible.

We are a university trust committed to learning, teaching and research. We encourage growth and development from the moment you join, with the potential for a long and rewarding career where you feel valued.

Candidate Information and timelines

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Details

Date posted: 03 November 2025

Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade: Consultant

Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 279-MWRSCHCONRHEU-559

Job locations: Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County, and travel to all sites within the Trust. Brighton, BN2 5BE

Job description and responsibilities (cont.)

This is a 10PAs consultant post to support rheumatology services across the department, with a focus on CTD/vasculitis and development of a specialist interest. Responsibilities include supervision of SpRs, nursing staff, and pharmacists; teaching; participation in clinical trials at CIRU; and development of service provision. A 1:5 consultant rota for daytime on‑call/ward referrals is in place. Time for research, audits, governance, and teaching is allocated in the job plan. There is a strong link with the medical school and opportunities for teaching and research; potential for an Honorary Senior Lecturer role. There are currently no designated inpatient beds for Rheumatology; admissions come under the acute admitting physician with input from rheumatology staff.

Clinical governance, audit participation, and engagement in departmental planning are expected within the SPA allocation. Attendance at governance meetings and involvement in student education and research projects are encouraged.

Post‑holder development

• Maintaining a high level of specialist knowledge in Rheumatology and expanding management skills
• Continuing medical education
• Active participation in clinical audit
• Encouraging research within the specialty
• Opportunity to develop a subspecialty interest

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Basic medical degree
• MCRP UK or recognised equivalent
• Full and specialist GMC registration (or eligible for registration within six months of interview). UK-trained: CCT in Rheumatology or within six months of receiving it by interview date. Non-UK trained: evidence of qualification equivalence to UK CCT (equivalence confirmed by GMC by AAC date).

Desirable

• Higher Degree (MSc/PhD in Rheumatology)

Clinical skills and experience

Essentials

• Advanced skills in management of general rheumatology and rare autoimmune rheumatic conditions
• Understanding of clinical risk management

Desirable

• Accredited Clinical & Educational supervision

Teaching, organisation and research

Essentials

• Evidence of commitment to teaching

Desirable

• Recognised teaching qualification

Other requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975; submission for Disclosure to the DBS is required.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications. See UK Visas and Immigration information. Guidance on overseas criminal record checks is available.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers website for more information.

Employer details

Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address: Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County; travel to all sites within the Trust; Brighton, BN2 5BE

Employer's website: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/