Consultant Psychiatrist, South Somerset CMHT Yeovil(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs, Health and Care
Uk
May 11, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

Overview of the role

This is a full-time, permanent Consultant Psychiatrist post within the South Somerset Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), based at Yeovil West. You will join a collaborative group of three community consultants, supported by an established Associate Specialist, delivering senior psychiatric care across a defined population aligned with five GP practices in the Yeovil area.

The service follows a functional model with a clear community–inpatient interface, supporting continuity and specialist input across pathways. The catchment population for Yeovil West CMHT is approximately 45,000, which sits comfortably within Royal College of Psychiatrists guidance for consultant workload.

You will be based primarily at Magnolia House, Summerlands Hospital site in Yeovil, with working hours Monday to Friday (09:00–17:00). Participation in the out-of-hours consultant rota (1:11) is optional.

Clinical responsibilities

Your caseload will include a broad spectrum of adult community mental health presentations, with a focus on complex and high-need patients. This includes:

  • Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and complex diagnostic presentations
    Patients with significant physical and psychiatric comorbidities
    Medication-refractory or specialist prescribing cases
    ADHD with comorbidity and diagnostic complexity
    Joint assessments with multidisciplinary team members
    Occasional direct outpatient consultations and reviews

Referrals are coordinated through a single point of access and reviewed via structured triage meetings and multidisciplinary decision forums.

The service receives approximately 3,600+ new referrals annually across South Somerset CMHTs, ensuring a varied and clinically rich workload.

Service model and team environment

You will work within a highly integrated multidisciplinary system including:

  • Psychiatrists and Associate Specialists
    Mental health nurses, social workers, occupational therapists
    Clinical psychologists and therapists (CBT, CAT, DBT, EMDR, MBT, Family Therapy, Art Therapy)
    Dual diagnosis and forensic-linked staff
    Voluntary sector partners via the Open Mental Health (OMH) model

The CMHT works closely with specialised services such as:

  • Assertive Outreach Team (AOT)
    Early Psychosis (STEP) service
    Transition service for young adults (Connect 18)
    Home Treatment Team

This integrated model promotes shared decision-making, risk management, and holistic care planning across services.

On-call and inpatient interface

Although this post is primarily community-based, you may choose to join the senior on-call rota (1:11), covering:

Inpatient wards across the Trust (General Adult, Old Age, Rehabilitation, Learning Disability)
Section 136/Place of Safety assessments
Responsible Clinician duties where appropriately approved

Inpatient beds are located at Rowan Ward (18 beds), Summerlands Hospital site.

Service innovation and working culture

The South Somerset service is part of the wider Somerset mental health transformation programme, including the Open Mental Health model, which integrates NHS, primary care, and voluntary sector support. This approach has improved access, reduced duplication of assessments, and strengthened community-based recovery pathways.

You will also benefit from:

  • Structured referral and caseload management systems
    Dedicated clinical governance support
    MDT-led care planning and complex case forums
    Physical health monitoring clinics (including clozapine and depot services)

Working pattern and flexibility

  • Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00
    No mandatory inpatient responsibilities
    Optional participation in on-call rota
    Flexible working supported where possible

Person specification (summary)

Essential requirements

  • MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
    GMC Specialist Register (or eligibility within 6 months of CCT/CESR)
    MRCPsych qualification
    Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician status
    Experience at Consultant level or equivalent senior training (ST4–ST6)
    Experience in adult community psychiatry
    Competence in ADHD assessment and management
    Ability to work independently and lead clinical decision-making
    Strong multidisciplinary leadership and communication skills

Professional standards and governance

You are expected to demonstrate:

  • Understanding of clinical governance and risk management
    Commitment to NHS modernisation and service improvement
    Evidence-based practice and awareness of research principles
    Ability to contribute to service development and leadership
    Benefits of working in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
    NHS pension scheme and long-term financial security
    Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible working arrangements

  • Career development and training opportunities
    Access to Blue Light Card discounts

NHS Careers – Psychiatry Consultant Roles

Regulatory and eligibility requirements
GMC registration

UK visa sponsorship (if applicable)

DBS clearance

Mental health system context

Working in Somerset

Somerset offers a balance of rural and coastal living with strong transport links to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London. The area combines affordability, good schooling options, and high-quality natural surroundings—supporting both lifestyle and long-term career development.

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