Overview
We are seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join the Acute and Urgent Care Division in Hertfordshire. The post holder will work with the multi-disciplinary team (including SAS & Trainee doctors allocated to SWCRHTT). Services provided by crisis & home treatment are for those experiencing mental health crisis or stepping down from inpatient care, and active involvement of the consultant psychiatrist in assessment and care programming is vital. The post holder will work independently on a day-to-day basis and provide Clinical/Medical Leadership to SWCRHTT.
The post is based at Colne House, Watford, with regular home visits across the catchment area. The successful candidate will support the multidisciplinary team in diagnostic assessments and treatment for patients with severe, complex, and high-risk psychiatric conditions.
The Consultant is expected to undertake/support detailed risk assessments and liaise closely with community and acute care pathway colleagues, GPs and carers. Regular supervision of Junior staff (Trainees/SAS/Associate specialists) is expected.
Responsibilities
* Provide Clinical Leadership to the multi-disciplinary team
* Offer expert clinical input (including clinical assessment) for patients with complex presentations
* Oversee initiation of clinical treatment plans for service users waiting MH admission
* Regularly review service users waiting for admission to adjust management plans toward least restrictive options
* Support multi-agency management of frequent attenders to the acute pathway
* Collaborate with Mental Health Liaison teams, Mental Health Urgent Care Centre, Adult Community Mental Health teams in Watford and Borehamwood, PATH first-episode Psychosis teams and inpatient wards to ensure smooth transitions
* Engage with partner organisations to enhance joined-up working, policy, safe practice development and service improvements (including CGL, housing, police, probation, primary care, ambulance services and voluntary sector providers as needed)
* Joint managerial oversight of performance, quality and safety with Team Leaders and Service Manager
* Attend regular patient flow meetings within HPFT and relevant Acute Trusts as needed
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is a leading provider of mental health and specialist learning disabilities services. The Trust employs over 4,300 staff and has an annual income of around £330 million, delivering services across Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Norfolk. HPFT is a University NHS Foundation Trust with strong links to the University of Hertfordshire, offering learning and development opportunities and fostering clinical research capability.
HPFT has recently completed a period of transformation and is pursuing the “Great Together” strategy for 2023–2028, developed with service users, carers, staff, partners and local communities to improve care, outcomes and equity, and to support workforce development and robust partnerships.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Location: Colne House, 21 Upton Rd, Watford, WD18 0JP
Job responsibilities
* Oversight of clinical development and training of the team with team leaders
* Clinical supervision of junior medical staff
* Close collaboration with Enhanced Patient Flow, inpatient and crisis/community teams for smooth handover of treatment plans
* Contribute to workforce development and teaching of MH issues to the general hospital workforce
* Lead local team meetings and practice governance
* Engage with Trust-wide teaching programs and research initiatives
* Carry out administrative duties related to patient care
* Record clinical activity accurately and promptly
* Participate in annual consultant appraisal
* Attend and participate in the Trust’s academic programme and internal CPD programme
* Maintain GMC registration and Section 12(2) approval; comply with professional codes of conduct
* Participate in job plan reviews and work with local managers to ensure efficient service delivery
* Comply with Trust policies, procedures, standing orders and financial instructions and support financial planning
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* MB BS or equivalent medical qualification
* MRCPsych or equivalent approved by the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Desirable Qualifications
* Qualification or higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management
* Higher degree (MD, PhD, MSc or equivalent)
Eligibility
* Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise
* CCT in Psychiatry or inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register in psychiatry; or within six months of achieving CCT/CESR at interview
* Section 12 approval
Desirable Eligibility
* In good standing with GMC regarding warnings/conditions
* Approved clinician status
Clinical skills, knowledge and experience
* Experience of the full range of consultant-level responsibilities in general adult psychiatry
* Experience of close collaboration with social care and other agencies
* Experience working with service users with complex needs in adults psychiatry
* Excellent clinical skills with a bio-psycho-social approach and broad medical knowledge
* Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
* Ability to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty
* Ability to make evidence-based decisions including team input
Academic skills and lifelong learning
* Ability to deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and training
* Participation in continuing professional development and research or service evaluation
* Ability to appraise clinical evidence and participate in clinical audits
* Hold a full driving licence and access to a car
End of description
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