Visa Note
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. Applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship is essential for obtaining a UK work visa, but final approval is subject to UK Visas and Immigration regulations. International candidates requiring sponsorship should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
Job Details
Company: The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3NN
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum (plus £2,162 HCA)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Reference Number: 394-078MS25
Closing Date: 21 December 2025
About the Role
The Hillingdon Hospital is seeking a Consultant Rheumatologist to join their established team. This is an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals to advance their careers within the NHS while contributing to patient care in a supportive environment. The department provides comprehensive rheumatology services to the local community.
Candidates will work within a multidisciplinary team comprising rheumatology specialist nurses, musculoskeletal radiologists, and administrative support staff. The position offers a balanced clinical and academic workload with opportunities for research and teaching.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work closely with existing rheumatologists, with ten programmed activities over the typical working week. Eight PAs per week will be dedicated to direct clinical care, and two PAs to supporting professional activities such as audit, teaching, appraisal, clinical governance, and service development.
The Hillingdon Hospital provides a general Rheumatology service for the people of Hillingdon. The department, established in April 2002, works with two rheumatology specialist nurses who run clinics alongside those of the existing rheumatologist. Candidates will manage a diverse caseload including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory arthritis, and connective tissue disorders.
Additional responsibilities include participation in weekly radiology meetings with musculoskeletal radiologists and collaboration with the two patient pathway coordinators who provide secretarial and clerical/administrative support.
Support and Professional Development
The Hospital is committed to providing time and financial support for continuing professional development activities as laid down by the Royal College of Physicians. An active mentoring programme for newly appointed consultants is available and receives positive feedback from participants.
Professional development opportunities include access to conferences, workshops, and funded courses. The Trust encourages research participation and provides protected time for academic activities. Regular appraisal sessions support career progression and maintain professional standards.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians)
- Entry on the Specialist Register via CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of interview) or CESR or European Community Rights
- Experience and interest in research and teaching
- Good knowledge of the spectrum of rheumatic disease
Desirable Criteria
- Higher degree MD, PhD or equivalent
- Involvement in Undergraduate, postgraduate, GP and Paramedical Education
- Experience in acute general medicine
Certificate of Sponsorship
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. The certificate of sponsorship is essential for international applicants who require a UK work visa. 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.
Please note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must 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.
International candidates must demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English and provide evidence of English language proficiency as required by the General Medical Council. The Trust will verify all qualifications and professional registrations.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit your application through the NHS Jobs website. All applications must include evidence of qualifications, professional registration, and relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview which may include a clinical assessment.
International applicants should ensure they have current UK professional registration. For further information on UK registration requirements, please visit the NHS Careers website. The Trust provides assistance with the visa application process for successful candidates who require sponsorship.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and 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.
All candidates must complete a self-declaration form and undergo a criminal records check. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
About The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital in the London Borough of Hillingdon and offers a wide range of services including accident and emergency, inpatient care, day surgery, outpatient clinics, and maternity services. The Trust’s services at Mount Vernon Hospital include routine day surgery, delivered at a modern treatment center, a minor injuries unit, and outpatient clinics.
We have over 3,500 members of staff that are proud to care for nearly half a million people, with a vision to be an outstanding provider of healthcare through leading health and academic partnerships, transforming services, to provide the best care where needed. The Trust holds NHS Foundation Trust status, granting it greater operational freedom and financial autonomy.
The Trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and actively promotes a culture where all staff feel valued and respected. We offer flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment for international staff relocating to the UK.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact:
Name: Dr Ajay Bhatia
Title: Consultant Rheumatologist
Email: Ajay.Bhatia@nhs.net
Phone: 01895238282
How to Apply
Apply via the NHS Jobs website. International applicants should ensure they:
- Verify their eligibility for a certificate of sponsorship with the employer
- Obtain necessary criminal record certificates from countries where they have resided
- Ensure they have current UK professional registration
- Prepare all required documentation including qualifications, professional certificates, and evidence of experience
All applications must be submitted by the closing date. Late applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be notified within two weeks of the closing date. Interview arrangements will be made promptly for shortlisted candidates.
Privacy Notice
The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to protecting your personal data. For information on how we handle your data, please refer to our privacy notice available at http://jobs.thh.nhs.uk/about/privacy. Your data will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will be retained in accordance with data protection regulations.
Further Information
For more information about The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, please visit our website at https://www.thh.nhs.uk/index.php. Supporting documents, including the full job description and person specification, are available for download from the NHS Jobs website.