Job Description: Consultant Psychiatrist
1. Service Overview
This role is for a Consultant Psychiatrist in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit, dedicated to the assessment and treatment of individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges. Our service provides expert care in a therapeutic and safe environment for patients assessed as high-risk to themselves or others, requiring hospital admission for effective recovery from acute mental illness.
2. Clinical Model
2.1 Referrals
We accept referrals for working-age adults and older individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions or those experiencing their first episode of mental illness.
2.2 Referral Process
Referrals are managed by bed management teams across the country. Upon receiving referral documentation, including risk assessments and clinical records, a senior nurse and on-call doctor review the case. Admission decisions are made within one hour.
2.3 Conditions Treated
- Comorbid addiction disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention deficit disorder assessment
- Autism spectrum conditions assessment
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders (as a secondary diagnosis)
- Personality disorders
- Psychosis and schizophrenia
- Self-harm and suicide prevention
3. Local Working Arrangements
The Consultant Psychiatrist position is required for Maidenhead, Norwich and Lincoln, working within an established multidisciplinary team comprising consultants, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, nurses, and healthcare support staff.
4. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD is actively supported, with study leave entitlement of five days annually, including funding for relevant training. The post-holder is expected to remain in good standing with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and comply with CPD guidelines.
5. Clinical Leadership & Medical Management
The role requires active participation in clinical governance, service planning, and training. Responsibilities include:
- Promoting clear roles and responsibilities within the team
- Ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members
- Overseeing patient care coordination and risk management
- Supporting continuous service improvement and quality assurance
- Encouraging open discussions and learning from incidents
6. Appraisal & Job Planning
Annual appraisals will be conducted with a trained medical appraiser, contributing to General Medical Council revalidation. The job plan will be reviewed regularly in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer.
7. Induction & Research Opportunities
A comprehensive local induction will be provided. While there are no dedicated research sessions, participation in research activities is encouraged and supported.
8. Clinical Governance
All senior staff are expected to contribute to clinical governance, ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices, risk management, and patient involvement in care planning.
9. Clinical Duties
- Conducting regular psychiatric reviews of inpatients
- Contributing to risk assessment and management
- Providing medical management, including physical examinations, blood tests, and ECGs
- Collaborating with general hospital medics as needed
- Offering psychiatric advice and support to the multidisciplinary team
- Ensuring compliance with NICE guidelines and hospital prescribing policies
- Preparing pre-admission assessments and reports under consultant supervision
- Completing reports for Mental Health Act review tribunals and managers’ hearings
10. General Duties
- Maintaining accurate patient records
- Participating in annual appraisals and adhering to hospital policies
- Supporting service efficiency in collaboration with hospital leadership
- Maintaining GMC registration and compliance with professional standards
11. Mental Health Act Approval
The post-holder will be encouraged to apply for Section 12(2) MHA training as part of professional development. Approved Clinician (AC) status is not required.
12. Secretarial Support & Office Facilities
The post-holder will have access to a personal workstation, secretarial support, email, and internet services.
13. Work Schedule
The role includes 10 programmed activities over five days (Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:30, with a 30-minute lunch break).
14. On-Call & Cover Arrangements
- Off-site on-call cover for approximately four days per week
- Weekend cover approximately twice per month
- Leave requests require prior approval and coordination for adequate coverage
15. Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- Recognized Basic Medical Degree
- Full GMC Registration with a license to practice
- Minimum of eight years’ full-time hospital experience in Psychiatry, Paediatrics, or General Medicine (CT3 or higher)
- Experience in acute and community psychiatric settings
- Strong knowledge of risk management and psychiatric disorders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure
Desirable:
- Section 12(2) MHA Approval
- Experience in forensic psychiatry
- Familiarity with UK hospital systems
16. Leave Entitlements
- 28 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Five days study leave annually
- Longer leaves (>10 days) require CEO approval
17. Clinical & Educational Supervision
- Clinical supervision provided by the consultant
- Fortnightly educational supervision available
18. Cross-Covering Arrangements
- Coverage planned during staff leave/sickness
- Locum doctors arranged for extended absences (subject to approval)
19. On-Call & Remuneration
- 1:4 on-call schedule, including residential/sleeping on-call duties
- Rest periods provided after busy on-call shifts
- No additional remuneration for on-call; base salary of £120K-£160K, with performance-based review after one year
20. Training & Development
- One day per week allocated for Master’s degree or postgraduate studies
- One week of study leave for professional development
- Access to online mandatory training and Intermediate Life Support training on-site
This role presents an excellent opportunity for a motivated Consultant Psychiatrist to contribute to high-quality patient care in an established inpatient setting while advancing their professional development.