Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Consultant Psychiatrist to join Beech Ward at Bowmere Hospital, Chester — part of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP).
Beech Ward is a purpose-built acute adult inpatient unit caring for people aged 18 and over with a range of mental health presentations, including psychosis, affective disorders, and personality disorders. The ward provides care for both informal and detained patients under the Mental Health Act.
Bowmere Hospital is currently undergoing a comprehensive remodelling programme aimed at creating safer, more therapeutic and recovery-focused environments. This is a unique opportunity to join at a transformative time and help shape the next generation of inpatient care in Cheshire.
Shortlisting for this vacancy is due to commence on 14th January and the proposed interview date is 22nd January 2026
Main duties of the job
Provide comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients admitted to Beech Ward.
Act as the Responsible Clinician (RC) for detained patients under the Mental Health Act.
Lead the multidisciplinary team (MDT) including junior doctors, psychologists, OTs, nurses, and pharmacists to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.
Work collaboratively with the Ward Manager to ensure safe and effective clinical practice, robust risk management, and delivery of key performance and quality targets.
Participate in ward rounds, Mental Health Act work, and clinical reviews, ensuring effective communication with community and Home Treatment teams to maintain continuity of care.
Provide clinical leadership for governance and quality improvement initiatives, learning from incidents, patient feedback, and audits.
Support medical trainees and multidisciplinary colleagues through teaching, supervision, and mentorship.
Participate in the West Cheshire consultant on-call rota (1:13, low frequency) and contribute to wider service development across acute inpatient care.
Working for our organisation
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) provides a broad range of mental health, learning disability, community, and physical health services across Cheshire and the Northwest.
We are proud of our strong clinical leadership culture, emphasis on wellbeing, and our reputation for being a supportive, forward-thinking employer. Consultants are encouraged to develop special interests, engage in quality improvement, research, and teaching, with structured SPA time and mentoring provided.
CWP is actively investing in the remodelling of Bowmere Hospital, ensuring safer ward environments and improved clinician facilities. We value innovation, teamwork, and compassionate leadership — creating a workplace where staff can truly thrive.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please download a copy of the job description (see ‘documents to download’ section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.
At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.
CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trust’s Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trust’s Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trust’s Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.
An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or by calling 01244 393100.
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the ‘essential’ criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer ‘YES’ to the question: ‘Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?’
Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.
The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon!
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
Desirable criteria
* Qualification or higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management.
* MRCPsych
* Additional clinical qualifications.
ELIGIBILITY
Essential criteria
* Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment.
* Included on the GMC Specialist Register OR within six months.
* Approved clinician status OR able to achieve within 3 months of appointment
* Approved under S12 OR able to achieve with 3 months of appointment
Desirable criteria
* In good standing with GMC with respect to warning and conditions on practice
CLINICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential criteria
* Excellent knowledge in specialty
* Excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge
* Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
* Able to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty
* Makes decisions based on evidence and experience including the contribution of others
* Able to meet duties under MHA and MCA
Desirable criteria
* Wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to post within NHS or comparable service