Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Job summary

At CNTW we strive to provide the BEST CARE, delivered by the BEST PEOPLE, to achieve the BEST OUTCOME.

This is a community post working with an established community older adultmental health team serving the Sunderland area.

The consultant in post will work closely with the community team.

The post holder will provide senior expertise in assessment and treatment of older adults referred with psychiatric, behavioural concerns.

The Sunderland Community Mental health team is based at Monkwearmouth Hospital. The post holder will have good links with the other consultant colleagues within older adult services.

Currently there are 4 consultants, a specialty doctor working within Sunderland community in addition to current vacant post. There is another specialty Doctor working in the team in the short term.

There is access to a comprehensive Multidisciplinary team :

  • community nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Team lead
  • CCM

There will be opportunity for teaching, audit, and SPA activities.

Main duties of the job

  • To provide medical assessment, diagnosis and formulation for patients with functional and cognitive illness referred to the Elderly care Community Mental Health Team in Sunderland patch.
  • To assess and make recommendations under the Mental Health Act & fulfil the duties of Responsible Clinician as appropriate.
  • To provide (or ensure referral to the appropriate service) for the provision of up to date, evidence based interventions for the patients under their care.
  • To collaborate with GP’s, hospital doctors and primary care clinicians regarding the physical health care of the patients under their care.
  • To provide leadership, consultation, advice and guidance to the Community Mental Health Team.
  • To work collaboratively with colleagues in other specialist mental health teams.
  • To take a lead role with the Team Manager, Clinical Leads and other colleagues in service improvements and development.
  • To contribute to the ongoing training and development program within the community teams.
  • To train & supervise junior medical staff if interested and seek approval as Educational/Clinical Supervisor. The post holder will be encouraged to apply to be a Trainer when ready. They would also supervise Medical students on placement in the team and supervise the Nurse prescriber in the Diagnostic team.
  • To lead, collaborate and advise on research and audit projects in the teams, within the clinical governance agenda.
  • To complete administrative tasks necessary for fulfilment of the clinical role.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • MBBS (or equivalent)
  • Included on GMC Specialist Register (General Psychiatry) or eligible for inclusion, or a trainee within six months of CCT
  • Approved under Section12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983
  • Approved Clinician Status

Desirable

  • MRCPsych or equivalent qualification
  • Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field
  • Has undergone training in educational supervision
  • Has undergone training in appraisal

Knowledge

Essential

  • Up to date knowledge in the field of Psychiatry
  • Awareness of current issues and controversies in service provision, mental health policy and legislation

Desirable

  • An area of special interest relevant to the post as demonstrated by publications or presentations to learned societies

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of multidisciplinary team working
  • Wide clinical experience in general adult psychiatry in different clinical settings
  • Experience of Clinical Audit

Desirable

  • Experience in multiagency work especially with service user, carer and voluntary agencies
  • Experience in service management or development

Skills

Essential

  • High level of clinical skills
  • Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Proven competence in diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders in Adult Psychiatry
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent teaching skills
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a time efficient manner

Desirable

  • Established record of clinical leadership
  • Established ability as a clinical teacher
  • Training in specific and relevant treatment skills eg a brief form of psychological therapy

Personal Characteristics

Essential

  • Able to sustain self and support others
  • Trustworthiness
  • Able to meet the mobility requirements of the post
  • Maturity, openness and flexibility

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Closing Date: 18 August 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.