Physician Associate in Emergency Medicine and Psychological Medicine in Reading

Physician Associate in Emergency Medicine and Psychological Medicine

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust – Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading

Contract: 12 months fixed term, 37.5 hours per week (full‑time, part‑time or job share options)

Salary: £47,810 – £54,710 pro‑rate per year (Band 7)

Job Ref: 193-MS2159UCG

Job Overview
SESPA is delighted to support this innovative Physician Associate (PA) role that combines work across Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry. The position offers the opportunity to develop a broad clinical skill set and to contribute to truly integrated patient care in both acute and mental health settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Emergency Medicine (50%) – Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments of patients presenting to the ED, including history‑taking, physical examination, ordering and interpreting investigations; develop differential diagnoses and initial treatment plans; assist with resuscitation and management of acutely unwell patients; participate in departmental teaching, audits, clinical governance and service improvement; maintain accurate documentation and liaise with other specialties to ensure safe, coordinated care.
• Psychiatric Medicine (50%) – Perform mental health assessments in both ED and ward settings under the supervision of Psychiatric Consultants or Specialty Doctors; support early identification, diagnosis and initial management of mental health conditions including acute psychosis, mood disorders and substance misuse; assist with risk assessments and Mental Health Act considerations in collaboration with liaison psychiatry and crisis teams; contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions and discharge planning; help develop and improve pathways for integrated mental and physical health care.

Essential Qualifications

• PG Dip/MSc/MPAS in Physician Associate Studies from a UK training programme, or current and valid certification with the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) if US trained.

Desirable Qualifications

• BLS/ALS or similar life support courses.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 2 years of clinical experience (required for any mental health role as a PA).

Desirable Experience

• Experience in an acute care setting.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Good basic and wide‑range knowledge of clinical medicine.
• Ability to produce accurate clinical notes.
• Effective communication skills.
• Computer literacy.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to teach and enthuse other medical staff.
• Ability to undertake audit.

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate in thoughts, words and actions.
• Ambitious and dynamic, with a desire to innovate.
• Resourceful and responsible in the way they work and live.
• Excellent in development, fairness and sharing best practice.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

Contact
Dimitri Kontogeorgis, Consultant Emergency Medicine
Telephone: 0118 322 8304

Application Deadline – 10/12/2025 23:59

Additional Information
Please review the downloadable PDFs for further details: PA JD, ED PA, Staff Benefits, Probation Policy & Procedure, Relocation Policy, Leadership Behaviours Framework, Behaviours Framework 2022.

Applications from Tier 2 visa holders are welcome, but may not be appointed if sufficient UK residents apply. The Trust operates a smoke‑free policy.

Note: The Trust is not able to conduct telephone interviews; applicants must be prepared to travel for an interview. All new appointments (excluding executive positions) are subject to a probationary period.