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Role Name: Consultant Psychiatrist

Title: HEALTHCARE DOCTORS

Wages: £120,000 – £180,000

Job Description: Consultant Psychiatrist (UK)

1. Service Overview

This role is for a Consultant Psychiatrist in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit, focused on assessment and treatment of individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges. The service provides expert care in a therapeutic, safe environment for high-risk patients requiring hospitalization.

2. Clinical Model

2.1 Referrals

For working-age adults and older individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions or first-episode mental illness.

2.2 Referral Process

Referrals are managed through national bed management teams. A senior nurse and on-call doctor review documentation, risks, and clinical records. Admission decisions are made within one hour.

2.3 Conditions Treated

  • Comorbid addiction disorders
    • Anxiety disorders
    • ADD assessments
    • Autism spectrum assessments
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Depression
    • Eating disorders (secondary)
    • Personality disorders
    • Psychosis & schizophrenia
    • Self-harm & suicide risk cases

3. Local Working Arrangements

Positions available in Maidenhead, Norwich, Lincoln.
Work with a multidisciplinary team: consultants, psychologists, OTs, social workers, nurses & support staff.

4. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Five days study leave annually, plus funding for relevant training.
Must maintain good standing with Royal College of Psychiatrists.

5. Clinical Leadership & Management

  • Promote clear roles within the team
    • Support effective communication
    • Oversee risk management & patient care
    • Support quality improvement
    • Encourage reflective practice & learning

6. Appraisal & Job Planning

Annual appraisal with a trained appraiser.
Job plan reviewed regularly with the Chief Medical Officer.

7. Induction & Research

Full induction provided.
Research participation encouraged, although no dedicated research sessions.

8. Clinical Governance

Ensure adherence to evidence-based practice, patient involvement and effective risk management.

9. Clinical Duties

  • Inpatient psychiatric reviews
    • Risk assessment & management
    • Physical health checks (ECG, bloods)
    • Liaison with general hospital medics
    • Advice to MDT
    • Compliance with NICE and prescribing policies
    • Pre-admission assessments
    • MHA tribunal reports

10. General Duties

  • Maintain accurate records
    • Participate in appraisals
    • Comply with hospital policies
    • Maintain GMC registration

11. Mental Health Act Approval

Encouraged to apply for Section 12(2) MHA training.
Approved Clinician (AC) status not required.

12. Office & Support

Personal workstation, secretarial support, email & internet access provided.

13. Work Schedule

Monday–Friday
09:00–17:30 (30-minute break)
10 programmed activities per week.

14. On-Call & Leave Cover

  • Off-site on-call ~4 days/week
    • Weekends: twice per month
    • Leave approval required for adequate cover

15. Person Specification

Essential:

  • Recognized medical degree
    • Full GMC registration
    • 8+ years hospital experience (Psychiatry/Pediatrics/Medicine)
    • Experience in acute & community psychiatry
    • Risk management knowledge
    • Strong communication skills
    • Ability to work independently & in MDT
    • Enhanced DBS clearance

Desirable:

  • Section 12(2) approval
    • Forensic psychiatry experience
    • Knowledge of UK hospital systems

16. Leave Entitlements

  • 28 days annual leave (incl. Bank Holidays)
    • 5 days study leave annually
    • Leaves over 10 days require CEO approval

17. Supervision

  • Clinical supervision by consultant
    • Educational supervision every two weeks

18. Cross-Cover

  • Arranged during staff absence
    • Locum coverage for long-term leave

19. On-Call & Salary

  • 1:4 on-call
    • Sleeping/residential on-call duties
    • Rest periods after busy shifts
    • Base salary: £120K–£160K, with performance review
    • No additional on-call payments

20. Training & Development

  • One day per week for Master’s/postgraduate study
    • One week study leave
    • Mandatory online training + Intermediate Life Support