Job summaryApplications are invited for the above full time post for this acute hospital serving a local population of approximately 400,000. The appointment will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of service for the 2003 consultant contract (England).
This is an exciting opportunity to apply for this newly created post to support the increased workload, expansion and development of the Respiratory Department. The successful candidate will compliment an innovative and committed multi-disciplinary respiratory team in providing a high quality, clinically effective respiratory service across inpatient and elective pathways.
The Department provides a wide range of services including Pulmonary Physiology, bronchoscopy and EBUS, Tuberculosis, Lung Cancer, Interstitial Lung Disease, Severe Asthama,Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Pleural, Full Sleep Medicine and Non-invasive ventilation. The appointee will join the existing consultants in providing a comprehensive respiratory medicine service and participate in an on-call rota for Respiratory Medicine non-invasive ventilation cover.
Applicants with a sub-specialty interest applicable to a DGH Hospital are encouraged to apply.
Main duties of the jobKey tasks;
- Maintenance of the highest clinical standards in the management of all patients presenting to the Hospital. This includes optimising safe and timely discharge of patients and supporting patient flow.
- To share, with colleagues in the Respiratory department the management of all adult patients with Respiratory disorders referred to the Trust. This is a pure Respiratory Medicine post but applicants will have the opportunity to discuss during the interview if they wish to contribute to the general medical rota.
- To actively participate in both departmental and Trust matters concerning Clinical Governance and audit.
- To have responsibility for and actively participate in continuing professional development (CPD).
About usOur Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
DetailsDate posted: 05 August 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Salary: £113,565 to £150,569 a year (per annum)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 416-GM-Resp-286
Job locations: Bedford Hospital South Wing, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesThe appointee will join the well-established Respiratory Department. The successful candidates will complement the consultant capacity to enable an effective and seamless respiratory service, in both in-patient and outpatient settings.
There may also be opportunities for the successful candidate to take part in activities at the Trusts Bedford Hospital site, depending upon their clinical interests.
A sub-speciality interest of relevance to a Respiratory Department will be considered, as is an enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research. The precise sub-specialty responsibilities for this post will be open to negotiation among the consultant team following the appointments. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss during the interview if they want to contribute to the general medical rotas or to do pure respiratory medicine. The Applicant will participate in the seven day service rota and respiratory on call/respiratory HDU rota _._
Consultants joining the organisation are given dedicated time in their job plans for new service development and to pursue their sub specialty interest. We encourage applications from new Consultants, or those more experience who are keen to have a fresh challenge, to join our team at this exciting time.
The post-holder and other consultant colleagues will be expected to cover each others absences on annual or study leave.
Weekly work commitments will be within the European directives on working hours and will also be influenced by the Royal College of Physicians recommendations, the new consultant contract and specified in the Job Plan. The senior Respiratory Consultants in the department will act as mentors for new consultants, along with the other consultants in their absence. All clinical issues are openly discussed at formal and informal meetings.
The allocation of programmed activities will be based on 8.5 for direct clinical care and 1.5 for supporting professional activities. The detailed job plans will be agreed in consultation with the Clinical Director and the Consultants in the Department, with the approval of the Medical Director and Chief Executive or his/ her representative.
The job plans will be a prospective agreement that sets out a consultants duties, responsibilities and objectives for the coming year. It will cover all aspects of a consultants professional practice including clinical work, teaching, research, education and managerial responsibilities. It will provide a clear schedule of commitments, both internal and external. In addition, it will provide personal objectives, including details of links to wider service objectives, and details of the support required by the consultant to fulfil the job plan and the objectives.
The pattern of work may change in the future to meet local changing needs and annual review meetings will take place in line with the new Consultant Contract, job planning and appraisal arrangements.
Bedford Hospital has always been renowned for its friendly atmosphere and good working relationships.
In addition to postgraduate training, we welcome medical students from the Cambridge Medical School throughout the year and by arrangement with the medical school provide a programme of clinical placements to support their education. We have an excellent reputation for junior staff training. Within the Centre of Multi-Professional Educational & Training (COMET) is the Medical Education Department, the library including an IT suite, and the Training & Development Department. The main aim of the Medical Education Department is to promote postgraduate and continuing medical education and training for all doctors and dentists. The Hospital actively promotes career development and progression for all staff.
The Hospital has excellent access to the surrounding areas. The rural areas include many attractive villages and towns within easy reach of the Hospital. Excellent schools are found nearby.
Applicants must be fully registered on the UK General Medical Councils Specialist Register and have MRCP. Specialist Registrars may apply if within 6 months of CCT.
Residence is required within ten miles by road or thirty minutes travelling time of the Hospital.
Candidates unable for personal reasons to work full-time are also invited to apply.
The appointment will be subject to full Occupational Health Clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for the successful candidates prior to commencement.
Please note that all shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a virtual pre-interview assessment process.
Closing Date: 23.08.26
Assessment Date: Week Commencing 14.09.26
Interview Date: 28.09.26
Person SpecificationGMC RegistrationEssential- Full GMC Registration and licensed to practice
- Entry on the GMC Specialist Register via CCT (or within six months of receipt of CCT at time of interview) or CESR (must be on Specialist Register at time of applying)
QualificationsEssential- MB BS, MRCP or equivalent
Desirable- MD, PhD or other higher degree
Knowledge and Clinical skillsEssential- Excellent all round experience of DGH work
Management/AuditEssential- Management and audit relevant to Respiratory Medicine
Teaching Research/PublicationsEssential- Teaching of medicine to trainees and other medical students
DesirablePersonal skillsEssential- Ability to communicate effectively and co-operate well with all staff and patients
- Flexible attitude, team player with good time management
- Leadership skills
Personal circumstancesEssential- Reside within 10 miles of hospital or a 30 minute drive from the hospital
- Fit to undertake the role
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to 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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Bedford Hospital South Wing, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Clinical Director for Respiratory Medicine
Tim Chapman
Timothy.Chapman@bedsft.nhs.uk
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.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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
