Consultant in Perinatal Psychiatry

There is an exciting opportunity for an additional consultant psychiatrist to work in Bedfordshire and Luton to support the development of a countywide perinatal service. There is a well established multidisciplinary team who work collaboratively with colleagues in other mental health services, maternity services and health visiting services. There are networks with other East London perinatal services in addition to perinatal services across East of England.
In addition to direct clinical care, the service is active in quality improvement. There are training and development opportunities in quality improvement in the Trust and there are strong collaborative working relationships with people participation.
There are many service development opportunities and the service is working towards achieving accreditation with the Perinatal Quality Standards Network as part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists College Centre for Quality Improvement.
In addition, there are opportunities for teaching and training in addition to research. There are close links with Queen Mary University and research related to perinatal psychiatry could be supported.

Closing date: 1st of June 2025

AAC Panel date: Tuesday 17th June 2025

Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will provide strong consultant leadership and will support continued development of the service. The team base is in Bedford, but the service is countywide.
The service offers advice, assessment and treatment for all perinatal patients with severe and complex mental health condition in the Bedfordshire and Luton area. The service receives over 1,200 referrals a year and offers support throughout pregnancy until up to 24 months post partum. The post holder will hold regular clinics in addition to visiting patients at home where required. There are monthly joint obstetric liaison clinics. Collaborative working with maternity colleagues, health visitors, primary care and other mental health services is essential.
The consultant will also foster good relationships with the local mother and baby units. There are many opportunities for teaching and training, and for resident doctors to be based within the service.
About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people\’s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This post is being advertised as a full time position, however, we would welcome a conversation about individual requirements including part time, job share and flexible working. If you are successful at interview, we can offer relocation expenses in line with the Trust relocation policy.
We would welcome interested candidates getting in touch for more information and we can arrange for candidates to visit the team.
Please kindly refer to the job description and person specification attached to this vacancy. For further information please contact Elena Baker-Glenn, Clinical Director for Crisis Pathway and Perinatal services or 07734455685
Person Specification
Teaching
Essential

• Experience of teaching medical undergraduates and postgraduates
• Good teaching and communication skills
• Experience of teaching non-medical professionals

Desirable

• Medical education qualification

Research and audit/ QI
Essential

• Experience of research
• Audit or quality improvement experience

Desirable

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals in relevant academic fields Experience of grant funded research work

Qualifications
Essential

• Fully registered with the General Medical Council
• On the GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCT, on approved higher training scheme at the time of interview
• Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists or equivalent qualification (in accordance with Royal College of Psychiatrists guidelines)
• Approval under Section 12(2) of Mental Health Act 1983 and Approved Clinician status

Desirable

• A higher degree such as MD or PhD

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Experience of clinical work in adult psychiatry at higher trainee, SASG or consultant level within the last 3 years
• Knowledge and experience of the application of the Mental Health Act
• Robust experience of working with severe and enduring mental illness, and risk assessment and management

Desirable

• Experience of working in perinatal mental health services
• Experience of service development and introducing new services in mental health

Clinical skills and Supervision
Essential

• Ability to work in multidisciplinary team and provide leadership for the team
• Expertise in risk assessment
• Commitment to clinical governance

Desirable

• Experience in supervising trainee doctors and SAS doctors

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