Senior Clinical Fellow in Rheumatology

NHS; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust is seeking a Senior Clinical Fellow in Rheumatology. This position involves supporting the countywide rheumatology service in Gloucestershire, including performing joint injections, participating in audits, and opportunities for teaching. The role requires an MBBS or equivalent and relevant experience in rheumatology.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Competitive bank rates

Discounts at local shops

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in rheumatology or equivalent.
• Must have skills in written and spoken English.
• At least 1 year experience in Rheumatology.

Responsibilities

• Support the provision of a first-class clinical service.
• Provide effective middle grade support to staff in the Rheumatology Department.
• Conduct clinical practice in accordance with Trust policies.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

Core Medical Training (CT2) or equivalent

MRCP

Job description

Go back Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Clinical Fellow in Rheumatology

The closing date is 10 July 2025

This post is a new appointment based in the Department of Rheumatology at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital.

The Rheumatology Department is situated within the Medical Division. Emma Wylie serves as the Chief of Service, alongside her clinical responsibilities as a consultant in Acute Medicine and Renal. The Divisional Director of Operations is Kelly Matthews, and Chantal Baker is the Divisional Nursing Director.

Within Rheumatology, Dr Hilary Johnson holds the position of Clinical Lead, and Alison Eamer is the Lead Specialist Nurse. Catz Matthews is the Matron, and Lisa Docksey is the General Manager.

The department comprises 3 full-time and 2 part-time consultants who are based at either Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (GRH) or Cheltenham General Hospital (CGH). Furthermore, peripheral clinics are conducted at several community hospitals, including The Dilke and Lydney Hospitals in the Forest of Dean, as well as hospitals in Tewkesbury, Stroud, Berkeley (The Vale Hospital), Bourton-on-the-Water, and Moreton-in-Marsh. A weekly Early Arthritis Clinic operates at both GRH and CGH. The department also runs combined clinics with dermatology (focusing on connective tissue disorders), orthopaedics, and paediatric rheumatology.

Main duties of the job

We are looking to appoint a medical physician with suitable experience in Rheumatology to support the countywide rheumatology service in Gloucestershire. The post holder will work with the Consultant Rheumatologists, Specialty Registrars and Specialist Nurses to respond to inpatient Rheumatology referrals with Consultant cover, review patient on SDEC to support Rheumatology outpatient service. There will be an opportunity to learn and perform joint injections and ample opportunities to carry out audits and QIPs. There may be opportunities for teaching medical students, junior doctors and nursing staff.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Job responsibilities

Integral to the responsibilities of the post are the following requirements:

• To support the provision of a first-class clinical service
• To provide effective middle grade support to the staff working in the Rheumatology Department including consultants and specialist nurses, working in the outpatient clinics, on the wards and supporting the rheumatology adviceline.
• To undertake all work in accordance with the Trusts procedures and operating policies
• To conduct clinical practice in accordance with contractual requirements and within the parameters of the Trusts and Divisions services plans

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• 2 years in rheumatology or equivalent service and competencies acceptable
• Applicants must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues, as assessed by the General Medical Council. Demonstrates clarity in written/spoken communication and capacity to adapt language to the situation as appropriate. Able to build rapport, listen, persuade and negotiate.
• Understands, respects and demonstrates the values of the NHS Constitution e.g. everyone counts; improving lives; commitment to quality of care; respect and dignity; working together for patients; compassion. Demonstrates probity. Displays honesty, integrity, aware of ethical dilemmas, respects confidentiality
• At least 1 year experience in Rheumatology
• Completion of Core Medical Training (CT2) or equivalent
• MRCP
• Evidence of involvement in management commensurate with experience. Demonstrates an understanding of NHS management and resources. Evidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and leadership, supported by multisource feedback or other workplace-based assessments. Evidence of effective leadership in and outside medicine.

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.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust