Job Description
About the Role
Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke is seeking an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist to take on a dual leadership role as Deputy Medical Director, combining high-quality clinical practice with senior medical leadership.
This position is based on Sandford Ward, a 16-bed female acute service, where you will act as the Responsible Clinician, holding overall responsibility for patient care, clinical standards, and medical governance. You will be supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including a Specialty Doctor, psychologists, occupational therapists, and experienced nursing staff.
Alongside your clinical responsibilities, this role offers a clear pathway to Medical Director level, making it ideal for consultants who wish to expand into senior leadership while continuing hands-on clinical work.
About Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke
Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke provides acute and emergency mental health services for men and women, as well as specialist pathways for women requiring rehabilitation, including a dedicated personality disorder service. The hospital supports up to 71 patients and holds an overall “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Cygnet Health Care has delivered specialist mental health services across the UK for over 30 years, with the majority of services rated Good or Outstanding.
Key Responsibilities
As Consultant Psychiatrist & Deputy Medical Director, you will:
- Hold overall medical responsibility for patients admitted to Sandford Ward
- Act as Responsible Clinician, overseeing assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and discharge
- Lead and contribute to ward rounds, clinical reviews, and audits
- Ensure care delivery aligns with GMC standards of good medical practice
- Embed clinical governance, risk assessment, and quality improvement within the service
- Supervise Mental Health Act reports and attend tribunals and managers’ hearings
- Work closely with the multidisciplinary team, families, and external agencies
- Liaise with the Ministry of Justice where required for patient transfers and leave approvals
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional medical documentation
- Contribute to leadership discussions with the Site Medical Director and Hospital Manager
- Participate in a 1:8 telephone on-call rota
- Support teaching, research, and service development initiatives
Leadership & Development Opportunities
- This role offers structured development into senior medical leadership, including:
- Progression toward Medical Director roles through Cygnet’s leadership pathways
- Participation in quality improvement (QI) and clinical audit programmes
- Teaching opportunities for medical students and trainees
- Involvement in research, including publication through The Cygnet Journal
Essential Requirements
You must have:
- Full GMC registration with a licence to practise
- CCT or CESR and inclusion on the Specialist Register
- Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician (AC) status
- Extensive experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- Strong working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Excellent communication, leadership, and clinical decision-making skills
- Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) or equivalent
- Commitment to continuous professional development (CPD)
Salary & Benefits
- Salary up to £165,000 per annum
- £5,000 welcome bonus
- Up to £4,000 relocation package
- Visa sponsorship available (subject to Home Office eligibility)
- Generous annual leave (increasing with service)
- 5 days study leave plus CPD budget and peer groups
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance (3x salary)
- Company-funded health cash plan (up to £1,000 per year)
- Free meals and on-site parking
- Gym discounts, wellbeing programmes, and EAP support
- Electric car scheme
- Enhanced DBS check required
Equality, Safety & Compliance
Cygnet Health Care is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Appointment to this role is subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and compliance with statutory regulations.
How to Apply
If you are motivated by making a meaningful difference and ready to take the next step in senior medical leadership
