Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist – Acute Hospital Liaison Service(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs, Health and Care
Uk
April 27, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity is available for a Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist to join the well-established Durham and Darlington Liaison Psychiatry Service. This is one of the largest liaison services in the North East, delivering a 24/7 mental health service across acute hospital settings.

The service supports patients of all ages; however, this role focuses primarily on older adults, particularly those experiencing cognitive impairment, frailty, or complex mental health conditions. The position plays a key part in delivering timely assessments, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring seamless integration between physical and mental healthcare.

For candidates requiring sponsorship, this post may be eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route (subject to eligibility)

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Consultant Psychiatrist, you will provide senior clinical leadership within the liaison team and contribute to high-quality patient care across emergency and inpatient settings.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Delivering specialist psychiatric assessments for older adults in acute hospital settings
    Supporting Emergency Department (ED) and ward teams with timely mental health input
    Providing follow-up care and contributing to discharge planning
    Advising on complex issues such as mental capacity and risk management
    Participating in Mental Health Act assessments and acting as Responsible Clinician where required
    Supporting short-term follow-up of patients with delirium after discharge
    Teaching and training acute hospital staff
    Working collaboratively with community and inpatient mental health services
    Contributing to service development aligned with Trust priorities and national standards

About the Service

The liaison service operates to national standards, including:

  • Emergency Department referrals: seen within 1 hour
    Ward referrals: seen within 24 hours

The team provides a single, integrated pathway for patients, ensuring equitable access to mental health care within the acute hospital.

About the Organisation

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest mental health and learning disability trusts, serving around 2 million people.

The Trust is recognised nationally for its commitment to staff wellbeing, service innovation, and professional development. It is also featured in the Health Service Journal’s Best Places to Work.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications & Registration

  • MBBS (or equivalent medical qualification)
    Full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) with a licence to practise
    Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register for Old Age Psychiatry (or within 6 months)
    Approved Clinician status (or ability to achieve within 3 months)
    Section 12 approval under the Mental Health Act (or ability to obtain)

Clinical Skills & Experience

  • Strong expertise in old age psychiatry
    Ability to manage complex clinical cases using a bio-psycho-social approach
    Experience working within multidisciplinary teams
    Excellent communication and decision-making skills
    Knowledge of relevant legislation

Academic & Professional Development

Leadership

  • Ability to lead within multidisciplinary teams
    Experience contributing to service improvement and quality initiatives
    Understanding of NHS systems and service delivery

Additional Information

Equality and workplace rights

Employer Details

Why Join This Role?

This is a unique opportunity to:

  • Work within a high-performing, 24/7 liaison psychiatry service
    Shape care for older adults in acute hospital settings
    Contribute to integrated physical and mental healthcare (“Treat as One” approach)
    Develop leadership, teaching, and service innovation skills

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