Job Summary
We are seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist (0.8 WTE, 14month fixed term) to join our Perinatal Mental Health Service in Somerset Foundation Trust. This is a countywide role, based in Bridgwater, working alongside a fulltime specialty doctor and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. You will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing severe perinatal mental illness, delivering care through outpatient clinics, home visits and joint working with maternity and community services. Strong links exist with the regional Mother and Baby Unit in Exeter, ensuring seamless care across settings.
This post offers the chance to provide visible clinical leadership, act as Named Consultant for women under the Perinatal Team, and contribute to MDT meetings, safeguarding discussions and joint clinics. You will also have opportunities to engage in teaching, postgraduate education, audit, research and service development, with full support for CPD and study leave.
Somerset is a beautiful and affordable place to live, with excellent schools, vibrant towns and easy access to countryside, coast and cities. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to families while enjoying a high quality of life in a forward‑thinking, high‑performing trust.
Main Duties of the Job
* Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing perinatal mental illness through 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.
* Work collaboratively 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.
About Us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* 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
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath and Exeter just a short drive away – and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all – the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Details
* Date posted: 30 December 2025
* Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
* Grade: Consultant
* Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 a year
* Contract: Fixed term
* Duration: 14 months
* Working pattern: Part‑time
* Reference number: 184‑OL‑GR‑3870
* Job locations: Glanville House, Church Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5AT
Person Specification
Qualifications – Essential
* Medical degree: MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
* Registration: Full GMC registration with licence to practise; entry on GMC Specialist Register, or eligibility within 6 months of CCT/CESR at time of interview.
* Approvals: Mental Health Act Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval.
* Postgraduate training: MRCPsych passed, with evidence of competencies to fulfil the role of a consultant in community psychiatry.
* Experience: Minimum of 3 years supervised training in an appropriate ST4–6 equivalent programme.
* Teaching accreditation: Accredited for the training and supervision of junior doctors.
* Clinical skills: Competent to work without direct supervision, with clear logical thinking and ability to lead and develop services.
* Other requirements: Driving licence or ability to travel between sites; meets professional health requirements.
Qualifications – Desirable
* 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 areas such as recruitment, leadership, planning, change management and appraisal.
* Demonstrated ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust.
Experience – Essential
* Minimum of 3 years supervised training in an appropriate ST4–6 equivalent programme.
* 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.
Experience – Desirable
* Evidence of involvement in research projects within the last two years.
* Experience of teaching medical students, doctors in training and multidisciplinary teams.
* Evidence of management training and self‑development in leadership, recruitment, planning, change management and appraisal.
* Ability to contribute to the strategic direction of services.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer Details
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Glanville House, Church Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5AT
Employer's Website
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/
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