We are seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist (0.8 WTE, 14‑month fixed term) to join our Perinatal Mental Health Service in Somerset Foundation Trust. This county‑wide role is based in Bridgwater and involves working alongside a full‑time specialty doctor and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, providing specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing severe perinatal mental illness through outpatient clinics, home visits and joint working with maternity and community services. Strong links with the regional Mother and Baby Unit in Exeter ensure seamless care across settings. The post offers visible clinical leadership, named consultant responsibilities, MDT meetings, safeguarding discussions, joint clinics, teaching, audit, research and service development with full support for CPD and study leave.
Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.Responsibilities
- Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing severe perinatal mental illness via outpatient clinics and home visits.
- Act as Named Consultant for women under the Perinatal Mental Health Team and as Responsible Clinician for patients subject to Community Treatment Orders or extended Section 17 leave.
- Undertake Mental Health Act assessments as a Section 12 approved doctor.
- Attend and contribute to weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, complex case discussions and safeguarding meetings.
- Collaborate with maternity, obstetric, health visiting and community mental health colleagues to deliver integrated care.
- Offer consultation, case discussion and advice to team members and partner agencies.
- Provide visible clinical leadership within the Perinatal Service and across the Trust.
- Support smooth transitions for patients admitted to and discharged from the regional Mother and Baby Unit.
- Participate in audit, clinical governance, service development and quality improvement initiatives.
- Engage in teaching, supervision of junior doctors, postgraduate education and CPD activities.
- Contribute to research opportunities and maintain professional standards in line with GMC and Royal College requirements.
Qualifications
- Medical degree: MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
- Full GMC registration with licence to practise; entry on GMC Specialist Register, or eligibility within 6 months of CCT/CESR at interview.
- Mental Health Act Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval.
- MRCPsych passed, with evidence of competencies to fulfil the role of a consultant in community psychiatry.
- Minimum of 3 years supervised training in an appropriate ST4–6 programme.
- Accreditation for the training and supervision of junior doctors.
- Competent to work without direct supervision, with clear logical thinking and ability to lead and develop services.
- Driving licence or ability to travel between sites; meets professional health requirements.
- Higher academic qualification such as MD, PhD or equivalent.
- Evidence of involvement in a research project within the last two years.
- Experience of teaching medical students, doctors in training and multidisciplinary teams, with ability to present effectively using varied methods.
- Evidence of general management training and self‑development in leadership, recruitment, planning, change management and appraisal.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust.
- Previous consultant level experience or acting up in consultant posts.
- Frontline psychiatry experience in adult mental health services, ideally including community settings.
- Experience in the assessment and management of ADHD.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and across agencies.
Benefits
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life.
- NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security.
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax.
- Strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential.
- Access to a Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining and leisure activities, plus NHS‑specific perks.
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits that enhance both professional and personal life. Somerset offers a perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding natural beauty and vibrant cities such as Bristol, Bath and Exeter within easy drive. xwzovoh The region boasts excellent educational facilities and affordable housing, making it an ideal place to build your career and future while enjoying peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life.
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