This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, cohesive service providing lifelong support from diagnosis onwards for people with dementia. We are recruiting a Substantive Specialty Doctor (6 sessions per week) to work within the North Bristol community team of the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service.
You will be supported to develop expertise in dementia diagnosis and management, with senior supervision available throughout the week. The role includes clinic assessments, home visits, liaison with service users and primary care, and Mental Health Act assessments where appropriate. The service focuses on admission avoidance and smooth transitions of care, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team.
You will provide senior clinical input to the North Bristol MDT, working closely with Dementia Practitioners and Dementia Navigators linked to GP practices. The wider MDT includes nursing, OT, social work, psychology and psychiatry colleagues. You will have access to neuropsychology, functional OT assessments, Cognitive Neurology and monthly neuroradiology meetings.
Referrals include diagnostic assessments and ongoing support, with medical input for more complex cases. You will participate in weekly MDT and diagnostic formulation meetings covering diagnosis, BPSD, risk and psychosocial needs. Full administrative support is provided, and prescribing is via recommendation to primary care, with community prescriptions available when appropriate.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide senior clinical input within the North Bristol community team, undertaking clinic assessments, home visits and contributing to diagnostic and management plans for people with dementia. They will work closely with Dementia Practitioners, Dementia Navigators and the wider MDT, offering medical support for more complex cases and participating in weekly MDT and diagnostic formulation meetings.
Duties include liaising with primary care, supporting risk management, contributing to the management of BPSD and helping to avoid unnecessary admissions while ensuring smooth transitions of care when needed. The role involves Mental Health Act assessments where appropriate and close collaboration with colleagues across nursing, OT, psychology and social work.
The post holder will have access to neuropsychology, functional OT assessments and Cognitive Neurology, with opportunities to present cases at monthly neuroradiology meetings. They will undertake joint and independent visits, provide telephone liaison for clinical queries and work with the team manager to support safe, effective community care. Full administrative support and senior medical supervision are available throughout the week.
About us
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people’s recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience – we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.
Person Specification
Motivation Practical Arrangements Physical
- 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, primarily for patient visits
- Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the post.
Experience
- 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.
- OR qualified GP with minimum 6 months experience of community or Old Age psychiatry.
- Experience at SHO level or above of working in the field of Older Adult Psychiatry and Dementia or neuropsychiatry.
Clinical Governance
- Commitment to involvement in on site programme of clinical governance
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice, clinical audit and involvement of users and carers in service provision
Personal Skills, Continuing Professional Development
- 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
- Ability to critically examine practice.
- Experience of chairing MDT meetings.
- Experience in providing clinical supervision to allied healthcare professionals.
- Registered with Royal College of Psychiatrists for CPD
Qualifications
- MB BS or equivalent
- GMC registration.
- 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
- Excellent clinical skills in interviewing and physical and psychological assessment of patients.
- 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 and the Mental Capacity Act
- Knowledge of clinical risk management.
- Ability to apply psychological
- models to practical situations.
- Evidence based knowledge of forensic psychiatry.
- Experience in using the MHA and MCA including formal capacity assessments
Research
- Enthusiasm to support, initiate and coordinate research activity within the service.
- Experience in delivering clinically relevant research projects.
- Publications in peer reviewed journals.
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.
£63,696 to £102,689 a yearPro rata for part time hours
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