Specialty Doctor in DOPMH – Inpatient: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Join Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a Specialty Doctor in Older Adult and Frailty Psychiatry based on Cove Ward, Longreach House, Redruth. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dedicated inpatient multidisciplinary team providing high-quality assessment, treatment and care for older adults and people with frailty experiencing acute mental health difficulties.

You will work closely with the Consultant Psychiatrist, nursing colleagues, psychologists, occupational therapists and resident doctors to deliver patient-centred care for a 15-bed specialist inpatient unit. The role includes assessment and management of complex mental and physical health needs, participation in ward rounds, MDT meetings, clinical reviews, tribunals and service development activities.

The post is supported by dedicated medical secretarial assistance, excellent clinical leadership, regular supervision, weekly academic sessions and a strong commitment to continuing professional development. You will have opportunities to teach medical students and other healthcare professionals, participate in research and quality improvement initiatives, and develop leadership and educational interests.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated doctor looking to develop expertise in older adult mental health within a supportive and innovative service while enjoying the exceptional lifestyle benefits that Cornwall has to offer

Main duties of the job

As a Specialty Doctor on Cove Ward, you will:

• provide high-quality psychiatric care for older adults and people with frailty admitted with acute mental health needs.
• Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will undertake assessments, develop and review treatment plans, manage complex cases, participate in ward rounds and Mental Health Act processes, and contribute to discharge planning.
• You will support teaching, clinical governance, audit and quality improvement activities, while helping to deliver safe, effective and person-centred inpatient care.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development, leadership and service development are actively encouraged.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Recognised basic Medical Degree
• Eligible to be appointed to the Specialty Doctor Grade

Desirable

• Relevant higher degree e.g. MD, PhD, MSc or other additional clinical qualifications MRCPsych
• Section 12 Approval

Eligibility

Essential

• Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment.
• Evidence of achievement of Foundation competencies by time of appointment in line with GMC standards in Good Medical Practice
• Evidence of achievement of ST1/CT1 competences in a relevant specialty at time of application and likelihood of achieving ST2/CT2 competences in a relevant specialty by the start date of the post. Eligibility to work in the UK.

Fitness To Practise

Essential

• Applicant’s knowledge is up to date and fit to practise safely.

Language Skills

Essential

• All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues

Health

Essential

• Meets professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards in Good Medical Practice).

Clinical skills

Essential

• Relevant specialty clinical knowledge: capacity to apply sound clinical knowledge relevant to the job.
• Clinical judgement: experience in making clinical decisions and managing risk. Knows when to seek help, able to prioritise clinical need. Practical skills: shows aptitude for practical skills, required in the job. Proven ability to work effectively in different clinical settings required in the job.
• Risk Management: knowledge of risk management.

Specialty specific skills related to the post.

Essential

• Experience of assessing and treating patients in acute and psychiatric settings

Desirable

• Experience of working in the Home Treatment Team
• Other relevant experience, e.g., specific psychological therapies

Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care.

Essential

• Clinical governance: Capacity to be alert to dangers or problems. Demonstrates awareness of good decision making. Aware of own limitations. Track record of engaging in clinical governance: reporting errors, learning from errors.
• Teaching: Understanding the principles of teaching, and evidence of interest and experience in teaching where required in the job
• Research: Ability to critically appraise published research.
• Audit: Experience of carrying out an audit project

Desirable

• Organisation of further teaching programmes in medical education or multi professional education. Commitment to and experience of undergraduate and post graduate learning and teaching
• Experience of involvement in a research project and/or publication.
• Interest in Research. Published audit project.

Communication skills

Essential

• Effective communication skills: demonstrates clarity in written/spoken communication and capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation.
• Empathy and sensitivity: capacity to listen and take in others’ perspectives.
• Works in partnership with patients: always considers patients preferences when discussing treatment options.

Closing Date: 2 November 2026