Locum Consultant in Rheumatology and General Medicine

Royal Berkshire Nhs Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Reading is looking for a Consultant in Rheumatology. The role involves clinical and managerial leadership, supervision of inpatient assessments, and supporting outpatient services. The ideal candidate will have full GMC registration and experience in general Rheumatology. A commitment to patient-centered care and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be GMC registered; eligible for registration within 6 months of CCT.
• Experience in all aspects of general Rheumatology and patient care is essential.

Responsibilities

• Share clinical and managerial leadership within the Rheumatology service.
• Supervise assessment, investigation, and treatment of inpatients.
• Support rheumatology patients in the day case treatment.

Skills

Fully trained in Rheumatology and General Medicine

GMC registration status

Good IT skills

Experience in clinical governance

Strong communication skills

Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team

Education

Membership of the Royal College of Physicians or equivalent

Specialty Exit Examination (SCE) in Rheumatology

Higher degree (PhD/MD)

Job description

Overview

At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision: "Working together to provide outstanding care for our community."

Royal Berkshire Hospital announces that following our CQC inspection we have been rated 'Good' with inspectors reporting significant improvements. Our overall rating has also improved to 'Good'.

We value candidates who bring their unique personalities, skills, and experiences to the Trust. Please highlight your achievements and strengths and show how they align with the requirements in the job description and person specification. AI-generated content is discouraged by the Trust as it may lack personal detail and relevance.

This is a 10PA post for a consultant in Rheumatology and is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic and enthusiastic team. 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.

Main duties of the job

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

It is the policy of the Trust and local CCGs to discharge patients from regular hospital follow up when this does not compromise safety or health. The appointee will be encouraged to develop a specialty clinic (with support from a nurse specialist or colleagues in other specialties).

In relation to inpatient responsibilities, the post holder will supervise assessment, investigation and treatment of inpatients on the specialty or outliers wards with other departmental consultants. Ward coverage includes Castle ward (base ward) and Hunter/Lister wards (outliers). Support for rheumatology patients receiving day case treatment on the Battle Day Unit. Weekend cover for Castle Ward is provided on a 1 in 8 rota.

Working for our organisation

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team who aim to deliver excellent local and specialist services, improve health and wellbeing, and provide a vibrant place for staff development, innovation and career growth. The department provides outpatient services and works with GPs to maintain patient safety and health.

The appointee will be encouraged to develop a specialist clinic as above.

Inpatients and clinical governance

The post holder will:

• Supervise assessment, investigation and treatment of inpatients on the specialty or outliers wards with other departmental consultants.
• Be involved in Rheumatology/Diabetes & Endocrinology ward coverage and day-case unit duties.
• Provide at least 8 weeks' advance notice to the Trust of any curtailment or cancellation of outpatient clinics due to leave.

Support for General Practitioners

• Offer telephone and email advice to GPs where appropriate.
• Contribute to regular seminars for local GPs (e.g. RheumACAN).
• Provide timely advice on Advice and Guidance and participate in discussions with CCGs about service provision and development.

Management and Education

The post holder will participate in clinical governance meetings and share in the general management of the department. They may take on a departmental management role (e.g. audit, register, research, clinical governance) and will act as an educational or clinical supervisor to trainees. A mentoring/coaching programme is available for new Consultant appointments, and office space and secretarial support are provided.

Training and supervision of junior medical staff

The department has an active educational programme with rotation of junior staff. The post holder will provide clinical supervision to junior staff and participate in teaching and training sessions, including a journal club.

Essential criteria

• Fully trained in Rheumatology and General Medicine
• GMC registration status: Full registration; eligible for registration within 6 months of CCT or successful CESR
• Membership of the Royal College of Physicians or equivalent
• Experience in clinical governance and GMC Good Medical Practice
• All aspects of general Rheumatology and patient care
• Good IT skills and ability to use patient and hospital databases

Desirable criteria

• Specialty Exit Examination (SCE) in Rheumatology
• Higher degree (PhD/MD)

Audit and educational leadership

• Ability to undertake audits and present data
• Evidence of teaching and supervision to trainees
• Evidence of clinical leadership and involvement in improving patient care

Personal attributes

• Ability to communicate clearly in English
• Willingness to take responsibility and exercise appropriate authority
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to patient-centered care and user involvement
• Willingness to uphold CARE values: Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful and Excellent

Note: We are NOT able to carry out telephone interviews; applicants must be prepared to travel for an interview. All new appointments are subject to a probationary period. No unsolicited recruitment agency calls or emails. Applicants must be able to speak fluent English, which will be assessed at interview. This is to comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016. You must have appropriate UK professional registration.