Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Job summary
Specialty
Doctor in Liaison Psychiatry
This is a new fixed term post to provide medical support to the
Liaison Psychiatry team in Exeter. The doctor will support the medical
assessment and management of the team for patients attending Royal Devon and
Exeter Hospital (Wonford).
The postholders responsibilities will
be to provide psychiatric services to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).
The work is multidisciplinary both within the Liaison Team and with external
colleagues.
The work is under support and supervision
of Dr Merryn Anderson, Dr Gabrielle Churchhouse and Dr Tom Smith Consultant
Psychiatrists.
The role involves work alongside the
Foundation doctors, Core Trainees and Speciality Trainee Doctors who provide
support for the service though also need clinical supervision at times.
The post holder
will have a commitment to collaborative working and actively supporting and
liaising with other health and social professionals and agencies as well as
have good relationships with mental health services.
The post is
an 12 month fixed term appointment.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Specialty Doctor who is keen to shape their career and the future provision of services. The post holder will help promote mental health throughout the general hospital, offering a patientcentred approach that supports joint care with hospital teams.
The ability to liaise with clinicians, managers, psychiatric teams and relatives is essential. Assessing acutely psychiatrically unwell patients who also require physical health treatment provides a challenging, varied and rewarding environment. We see adults over 18, including older adults.
Our patients present with a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, emotionally unstable personality disorder, crisis presentations of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We work closely with Learning Disability, Perinatal and Eating Disorder services, and support patients with hospitalspecific difficulties or those needing reasonable adjustments, such as people with autism. The team offers extensive knowledge and strong support, and the variety reflects the breadth of clinical interest.
Section 12 approval is desirable to assist with acute presentations in the Emergency Department and on the wards.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Has completed at least four years full-time postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part-time or flexible basis)
- at least two of these years need to be in a specialty training programme in a relevant specialty or as a fixed term specialty trainee in a relevant specialty; or
- the doctor has equivalent experience and competencies.
Desirable
- Experience at SHO level or above of working in the field of Liaison Psychiatry
Research
Essential
- Interest in maintaining up to date clinical knowledge base.
Desirable
- Enthusiasm to contribute to research on site.
- Publications in peer reviewed journals.
- IT skills.
Motivation, Practical Arrangements and Physical
Essential
- Ability to organise own learning/CPD
- Meets professional health requirements
- Ability to be mobile across a geographical area in a timely manner and in accordance to service need
Desirable
- Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the post.
Qualifications
Essential
- MB BS or equivalent
- GMC registration.
Desirable
- Membership or Affiliates of the Royal College of Psychiatrists or equivalent.
- Approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Clinical Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent clinical skills in interviewing and physical and psychological assessment of patients.
- Writing comprehensive, clear medical notes.
- Ability to manage crises and act independently.
- Ability to manage potentially violent and disturbed patients.
- Confidence in assessing and managing physical health problems and emergencies.
- Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983
Desirable
- Up to date CPR training.
- Ability to apply psychological
- models to practical situations.
- Evidence based knowledge of psychiatry.
- Knowledge of clinical risk management.
- Knowledge of relevant Mental Health legislation.
Clinical Governance
Essential
- Commitment to involvement in on site programme of clinical governance
Desirable
- Knowledge of evidence based practice, clinical audit and involvement of users and carers in service provision
Personal Skills, Continuing Professional Development
Essential
- Ability to communicate with clarity in spoken and written form.
- Flexible approach, keen to accept new challenges.
- Punctuality/good time management.
- Honesty and integrity.
- Well organised.
- Commitment to process of CPD
Desirable
- Ability to critically examine practice.
- Registered with Royal College of Psychiatrists for CPD
Closing Date: 30 August 2026
To apply for this job please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk.