Consultant Psychiatrist in Older Adults
Consultant in Older Adult Psychiatry – responsible for leading and delivering high‑quality psychiatric care for older adults across the inpatient, emergency, and liaison services at Watford General Hospital.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Consultant in Older Adult Psychiatry experienced in complex geriatric presentations. The incumbent will provide clinical leadership, support multidisciplinary care, and develop specialist services within the Trust.
Main duties of the job
* Provide clinical leadership and supervision to team members and multidisciplinary colleagues, including cross cover for the General Adult Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist.
* Deliver expert clinical assessment for complex presentations in A&E, wards, and outpatient follow‑up clinics, including joint geriatrics reviews under the delirium pathway.
* Regularly review patients on the mental health admission pathway, ensuring timely reassessment and implementing least restrictive treatment options.
* Lead daily referrals meetings and board rounds, attending multidisciplinary and multi‑agency meetings to integrate physical and mental healthcare. Opportunity to develop specialist clinics (e.g., High‑Intensity User Support Teams).
* Supervise junior medical staff, appraise competencies, and ensure compliance with the New Deal and Working Time Directive.
* Maintain accurate clinical records, submit activity to the Information Department, and participate in service and business planning.
* Engage in the Trust’s academic programme, including lectures, seminars, and CPD activities.
* Maintain registration with the General Medical Council and comply with professional codes of conduct.
About Us
The Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist services across Hertfordshire and surrounding counties, with a strong focus on community mental health integration.
Details
* Reference number: 367-HPFT-MEDICAL-519-B
* Location: Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom
* Posted: 05 June 2026
* Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 per annum
* Grade: Consultant
* Contract: Permanent, Full‑time
Qualifications
Essential
* MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
* MRCPsych OR MRCPsych equivalent approved by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Desirable
* Higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management.
* MD, PhD, MSc or other additional clinical qualifications.
Eligibility
Essential
* Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practice at the time of appointment.
* CCT in Old Age Psychiatry, or inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register in psychiatry, or within six months of achieving CCT/CESR at interview.
Desirable
* In good standing with GMC regarding warnings and conditions.
* Section 12 / Approved clinician approval.
* Liaison endorsement.
Clinical skills, knowledge & experience
Essential
* Full range of clinical responsibilities expected of a consultant in Older Adults Liaison Psychiatry.
* Close collaborative working with social care and other agencies.
* Experience in managing patients with complex needs in liaison and older adult psychiatry.
* Excellent clinical skills with a bio‑psycho‑social perspective and broad medical knowledge.
* Excellent oral and written communication; ability to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty.
* Evidence‑based decision‑making and inclusive practice.
Desirable
* Specialist and sub‑specialist experience relevant to the NHS or comparable service.
* Extensive medical knowledge specific to older adult populations.
Academic skills – Lifelong learning
Essential
* Deliver undergraduate or postgraduate teaching and training.
* Engage in continuous professional development, research, or service evaluation.
* Use and appraise clinical evidence; participate in clinical audits.
Desirable
* Plan and deliver relevant teaching programmes.
* Reflect on the purpose of CPD undertaken.
* Experience in clinical research or evaluation.
* Evidence of achievement (awards, publications, presentations).
* Lead clinical audits resulting in service change.
* Organise psychotherapy training for psychiatry trainees.
* Full valid driving licence and access to a car (unless a disability qualifies).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure must be made to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship will be considered alongside all other candidates. Further details are available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer details
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust – Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom.
Contact for the job
Consultant Psychiatrist & Clinical Director
Dr Champa Balalle
champa.balalle1@nhs.net
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