Consultant Psychiatrist – Adult Community Service(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry to join the Bridgwater Community Mental Health Service, based at Glanville House in the heart of Bridgwater.

This role has become available following service expansion and the relocation of a previous consultant, presenting an excellent opportunity to join a growing and forward-looking community psychiatry service. While the post is advertised as full-time, applications from candidates seeking less than full-time working are warmly welcomed, and flexible working arrangements can be discussed.

The post-holder will provide senior psychiatric leadership and clinical care to adults registered with three GP practices in the Bridgwater and Burnham area, working as part of the established Adult Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). Some remote working may be supported where clinically appropriate.

We also encourage applications from Specialty Doctors or Specialist Grade clinicians who wish to step into, or work towards, a Consultant-level role prior to achieving specialist registration.

On-Call Commitment

The role includes participation in a 1:10 senior out-of-hours rota, providing consultant-level cover:

• Weekdays: 5:00 pm – 9:00 am
• Weekends: 9:00 am Saturday – 9:00 am Monday
• On-call responsibilities are currently under review, and flexible participation options can be discussed at interview.

Key Clinical Responsibilities

As a Consultant Psychiatrist, you will:

• Deliver high-quality assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for adults with mental health needs through outpatient clinics at Glanville House and domiciliary visits when required
• Act as Responsible Clinician (RC) for patients subject to Community Treatment Orders and, by agreement, some patients on extended Section 17 leave
• Prepare reports and attend Mental Health Act Tribunals and reviews
• Undertake Mental Health Act assessments as a Section 12-approved doctor, including assessments in police custody and under Section 136
• Provide expert clinical leadership, advice, and consultation to multidisciplinary community mental health teams
• Work closely with inpatient consultants and teams at Rydon Ward, ensuring safe, timely admissions and smooth discharge pathways
• Participate in weekly local leadership meetings and contribute to service planning and improvement
• Support clinical governance, audit activity, and service performance monitoring
• There are no routine inpatient responsibilities attached to this post, as inpatient care is provided by dedicated inpatient consultants, although collaborative working is central to the role.

Professional Development & Governance

• The Trust is committed to your continued development. You will be supported to:
• Maintain CPD standards in line with Royal College of Psychiatrists requirements
• Access up to 30 days of study leave every three years, with expenses supported
• Participate in peer supervision, appraisal, and job planning
• Attend postgraduate teaching, medical audit meetings, and senior medical staff forums
• Contribute to the development of community mental health services aligned with national best practice

About Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we believe that caring for our staff is essential to delivering excellent care to our patients. We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements
• NHS Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Strong leadership and career development support
• Access to the Blue Light Card, providing discounts across retail, travel, and leisure
• We are proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Living and Working in Somerset

Somerset offers an outstanding quality of life, combining beautiful countryside, stunning coastline, and excellent transport links. Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and Cardiff are all within easy reach, with London approximately two hours away.

With affordable housing, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, Somerset is an ideal place to grow both your career and personal life.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• GMC registration with licence to practise
• Entry on the GMC Specialist Register, or eligibility within 6 months of CCT/CESR
• Approved Clinician / Section 12 approval (or commitment to obtain promptly)

Desirable

• MRCPsych
• Experience supervising junior doctors
• Academic or research experience

Experience (Essential)

• Broad clinical experience in general adult community psychiatry
• Ability to provide expert, patient-centred psychiatric care
• Experience working within multidisciplinary mental health teams