Job Description
Role Overview
This is a substantive Consultant Psychiatrist post within older adult mental health services, primarily focused on community-based care. The role involves working with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to deliver assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing management for older adults experiencing complex functional mental health conditions and dementia-related cognitive disorders.
The postholder will also support a small number of patients under 65 years where clinically appropriate, particularly those with early-onset dementia or long-term physical and cognitive impairment.
The role forms part of a wider NHS transformation programme aimed at integrating mental, physical, and community healthcare services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Patient Care
Deliver consultant-level psychiatric assessment and management for older adults in community settings
Lead care planning for patients with dementia and complex functional mental disorders
Contribute to the development and delivery of integrated clinical pathways for older adult mental health services
Work collaboratively with MDT colleagues to ensure holistic, person-centred care
Service Development
Support and shape clinical pathways for older adults with functional mental illness
Contribute to service redesign and integration across community and mental health services
Work alongside the Lead Consultant Psychiatrist for Older Adults to improve continuity and quality of care
Education & Supervision
- Act as Clinical and/or Educational Supervisor for trainees and junior doctors
Participate in weekly academic teaching programmes
Engage in peer support and reflective practice groups
Professional Benefits & Development
- £30,000 Golden Hello incentive (for eligible candidates joining the Trust)
Minimum of 2.5 Supporting Professional Activities (SPAs) pro rata
Access to structured peer support and academic teaching sessions
Opportunities for leadership in service development and education
Flexible and part-time working arrangements available
About the Organisation
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a newly integrated healthcare organisation bringing together mental health, learning disability, community, and physical health services across the region.
The Trust delivers care across more than 300 sites and supports a workforce of over 12,000 staff. Its mission is to create joined-up, patient-centred services that improve accessibility, continuity, and outcomes for local communities.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Eligibility for entry to the GMC Specialist Register in Psychiatry or within 6 months of CCT
Current GMC registration with licence to practise
Experience in older adult mental health, dementia care, or community psychiatry
Ability to work within multidisciplinary and integrated care systems
Strong clinical judgement and decision-making skills
Desirable
- Experience in service development or pathway design
Teaching, supervision, or academic involvement
Leadership experience within NHS mental health services
Familiarity with integrated care systems and community-based psychiatry models
Legal & Compliance
Appointment subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available for eligible applicants
Overseas applicants must meet UK professional registration requirements
- DBS information
- UK Skilled Worker visa guidance
- UK healthcare regulation and standards
Working Environment
The role is based within a community mental health framework, supporting integrated care delivery across urban, coastal, and rural populations. The postholder will work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure coordinated, timely, and recovery-focused care for older adults.
Summary
This Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist post offers a senior leadership opportunity within a modernised NHS community mental health service. The role combines clinical responsibility, service development, teaching, and multidisciplinary collaboration, with strong support for career development and flexible working.