Specialty Doctor in Adult Mental Health – Liaison(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Role
The Durham and Darlington Liaison Service is one of the largest liaison psychiatry services in the North East and Cumbria. Operating across University Hospital of North Durham (533 beds) and Darlington Memorial Hospital (433 beds), the service provides specialist mental health support for adults within acute hospital settings.
This role is primarily based at Darlington Memorial Hospital, with a focus on adult mental health in liaison with acute hospital services, including patients of all ages, with operational management under Adult Mental Health Urgent Care Services.
As a Specialty Doctor, you will provide specialist clinical input for adult patients, particularly in older adult mental health, supporting ward-based teams, emergency departments, and community follow-ups. You will also contribute to teaching, training, and supervision for hospital colleagues, ensuring evidence-based care is delivered consistently.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
- Deliver specialist psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients in acute hospital settings.
- Conduct Mental Health Act (MHA) assessments and provide ongoing support for patients with co-morbid mental health conditions.
- Provide planned follow-up consultations for patients previously seen in emergency departments.
- Collaborate closely with ward teams, including discharge planning and patient care coordination.
- Offer specialist advice and cross-cover in liaison psychiatry as required.
Teaching & Supervision
- Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
- Supervise and mentor junior doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
- Participate in audits, research, and service improvement initiatives.
- Guidance on NHS teaching and supervision standards
Governance & Quality Improvement
- Participate in clinical audits and ensure findings are shared to improve practice.
- Maintain compliance with clinical governance, patient safety, and statutory obligations.
- Support quality improvement initiatives, embedding lean methodologies and evidence-based practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- MB BS or equivalent medical qualification
- Full registration with General Medical Council (GMC) with a licence to practise
- At least 4 years postgraduate experience, including 2 years in core psychiatry training (UK or abroad)
- Approved under S12 of the Mental Health Act, or able to achieve within 6 months of appointment
Desirable:
Experience & Skills
- Significant experience in adult mental health, particularly in liaison psychiatry
- Expertise in the biopsychosocial model of care
- Experience managing patients with complex clinical presentations and risk behaviours
Knowledge of legislation and statutory requirements, including:
- Mental Health Act
- Mental Capacity Act
- Children Act
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Research, Audit & Quality Improvement
- Participation in clinical audit and service improvement
- Understanding of quality improvement frameworks and lean thinking
- Evidence of contribution to research or publications is desirable
DBS & Safeguarding
This post requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to working with vulnerable adults.
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship
Applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship will be considered where eligibility criteria are met. Overseas applicants may need criminal record certificates from countries they have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
Criminal record checks for overseas applicants
About the Trust
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest specialist mental health and learning disability trusts in the UK, with:
- Annual income of £320m
- Workforce of approximately 6,700 staff
- Services across Durham, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York, and Selby
The Trust is award-winning, recognised in the Health Service Journal’s Best 100 Places to Work, and is committed to talent management and workforce development.
Apply now if you are an experienced psychiatrist ready to provide specialist liaison services in a supportive, collaborative, and multi-award-winning environment.
