Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is the main provider of mental health and learning disability services in Leeds.
Consultant Psychiatrist Acute Female Ward
The closing date is 02 March 2026
Following a review of workload and processes across the inpatient pathway, three additional posts have been created across the whole acute IP service in LYPFT. Each ward will be staffed by a full‑time Consultant Psychiatrist and either a Multi‑Professional Approved Clinician MPAC (eg Nurse Consultant) or a less than full‑time Consultant Psychiatrist. The successful applicant will provide medical and clinical leadership to the acute inpatient service across the Becklin and the Newsam centres.
The bed base will be shared proportionally between the two Consultants so that the full‑time post holder does not hold responsibility for more than 16 beds at any one time (except for short periods when providing cover). Ward 5 (a female acute ward) already works within a similar model where there are two Approved Clinicians – a full‑time Consultant Psychiatrist and an MPAC.
Main duties of the job
Each acute ward accepts admissions from all over Leeds. Bed occupancy will be above 90% at all times and most will be detained. Co‑morbidity of substance misuse is common in the inpatient group, as is personality disorder. The primary reason for admission is relapse of psychotic illness or mood disorder. The Consultant Psychiatrist will be responsible for their bed base, providing clinical expertise into the assessment and management of this acutely unwell group.
Each working day starts with the PIPA report out meeting at 9am. This is a rapid, structured, responsive and MDT review of all the patients to establish tasks for the day.
The model aims to reduce workload and share risk and complexity by using each other's expertise and opinion in the most complex scenarios.
An important clinical and financial priority of the acute inpatient service line is to minimise out of area admissions, and to ensure that the population of Leeds is able to access acute mental healthcare locally. Sound and timely clinical decision making within the MDT setting is expected of the Consultant Psychiatrist, and effective liaison is an important part of the role.
About us
The Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is the main provider of mental health and learning disability services in Leeds. We also provide specialist inpatient services in York and some highly specialised services across the country. As a teaching trust with strong links to local universities, we are a centre of excellence for teaching, research and development.
Benefits include fantastic employee wellbeing support, 27–33 days annual leave, flexible working and remote working arrangements, the NHS Pension Scheme, coaching, support and opportunities for career development and training and education support alongside a range of exclusive discounts and payment schemes including for cars, extra leave days and more NHS discount offers.
Applicants should be aware that individuals requiring a visa to work in the UK, the Trust only provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles (this does not include Healthcare Support Workers). This is an essential requirement, and the Trust is unable to offer you a role if you do not meet Trust requirements for sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.
Job responsibilities
Resident doctor support ensures the postholder has adequate time to review notes, attend key clinical meetings, complete MHA work and liaise with other professionals. Protected SPA time is encouraged via the use of reciprocal cover from Consultant colleagues. Time is set aside in the job plan to join the local clinical governance meeting for the ward (Clinical Improvement Forum) and for the Acute Senior Leadership Meeting and Unified Clinical Governance.
We recruit people based on their values and qualifications (where required) and believe that their lived experience is an advantage. When we employ caring people who act with integrity and have the right skills, we can give those with mental health challenges, learning disabilities and neurodiversity high‑quality care and support to live fulfilling lives, and make our staff feel purposeful, happy and valued.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* MBChB; MRCPsych, CCT in WAA psychiatry (or within 6 months), AC and s12 approved (or within 3 months)
Skills
* Evidence of being able to work well in MDT; leadership skills required
Experience
* Experience in acute WAA psychiatry work essential
* Desirable in acute female inpatients or a special interest in working with women
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.
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
£119,490 to £145,478 a year per annum pro rata
#J-18808-Ljbffr