Overview
In this role you will provide senior assessment and treatment expertise for older adults with psychiatric or behavioural concerns within Sunderland’s Community Mental Health Team. You will work closely with primary and secondary care colleagues, teaching and supervising junior medical staff, and contributing to audits and research. The post offers leadership in service development and strong multidisciplinary collaboration to improve community care for older adults. A meaningful opportunity to shape care pathways and training within a high‑quality NHS trust.
Pay / Benefits
- Up to £8k relocation package
- 30 days study leave with generous allowance
- Flexible working opportunities
- Remote working available
- Dedicated SPA time
- Teaching and research opportunities
Responsibilities
- Provide medical assessment, diagnosis and formulation for older adults with functional or cognitive illness referred to the Elderly Care Community Mental Health Team
- Assess and make recommendations under the Mental Health Act and fulfil duties of Responsible Clinician as appropriate
- Deliver evidence-based interventions or facilitate referrals to appropriate services
- Collaborate with GPs, hospital doctors and primary care clinicians on physical health care for patients
- Provide leadership, consultation and guidance to the Community Mental Health Team
- Lead and contribute to service improvements, development and clinical governance
- Contribute to and supervise training, including potential Educational/Clinical Supervisor role
- Lead, collaborate on research and audit projects within the teams
- Complete administrative tasks essential to the clinical role
- Supervise junior medical staff and supervise the Nurse prescriber in the Diagnostic team
- Engage with multidisciplinary colleagues and other specialist teams to support patient care
- Participate in teaching and CPD activities and utilize SPA time for development
Key requirements
- On the GMC Specialist Register in General Psychiatry or eligible within six months of CCT
- Eligibility for Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician status
- MBBS (or equivalent)
- Desirable MRCPsych or equivalent; postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field; training in educational supervision and appraisal
- Experience in multidisciplinary team working and general adult psychiatry across settings; clinical audit experience
- Excellent clinical and teaching skills; strong communication abilities; able to work efficiently in a time‑pressured environment
- Ability to provide leadership and clinical governance within a MDT setting
- Mobility and flexibility to meet post requirements
- UK professional registration (NHS registration)
- Disclosure and Barring Service checks and sponsorship requirements acknowledged
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent teaching skills
- Team collaboration
- Clinical skills in diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders in older adults
- Knowledge of Mental Health Act and clinical governance
- Ability to lead service development and audits
Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age in Sunderland employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
