• Job Description

  Req#: C9371-D677E?language=en&page=164&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  This job attracts the following remuneration package for the successful external applicant:

  £15,000 - Recruitment & Retention Premia

  £8,000 - Relocation Allowance (if applicable)

  £950 - CPD Allowance

  1 PA - for Special interest (subject to agreement)

  Car Allowance - Through Salary Sacrifice

  It is no secret that we have an outstanding rating from the CQC, our staff survey results are one of the best in the country, that we are leaders in digital maturity and that we have a mature Quality Improvement approach to innovation and development.

  What else we can offer you? Besides all of this is the chance to have time to pursue your own interests, so if they lie in R&D, QI, or management & leadership well support you.

  In 2021 Berkshire Healthcare was 4th out of the 48 community and mental health trusts for the number of research projects we recruited to, and have refreshed our research strategy and are looking for enthusiastic colleagues to develop and implement our research programme.

  QI, the Trust is very active in terms of quality improvement, including the opportunity to gain fully accredited QI qualifications.

  If you wish to play a pivotal role in leading and developing the service, the opportunities are there. Equally if you wish to develop in this area, we are happy to support and nurture your talent to allow you to take on such roles in the future.

  Main duties of the job

  Please see the attached Consultant job description together with the person specification for this role.

  About us

  Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT) was formed in April 2001 and successfully became licensed as a Foundation Trust in May 2007. In April 2011 the community services which were previously the provider arms of NHS Berkshire East and NHS Berkshire West PCTs merged with the Trust.

  The main centres of population are Reading in the West of the County and Slough in the East. Within Berkshire there are also major populations at Newbury, Wokingham in the West and Bracknell, Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot in the East, as well and many significant urban developments in smaller towns forming essentially a single conurbation along the M4 Corridor.

  Berkshire is characterised by concentrations of population and large rural areas. It includes some of the most affluent and least deprived communities in the country, but also has pockets of markedly deprived wards. The Trust is part of two Integrated Care Systems (Frimley ICS and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire West ICS) and partners with six local unitary authorities.

  The trust has an outstanding CQC rating.

  BHFT employs over 4000 people working from more than 100 sites.

  At Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, our mission is to maximise independence and quality of life. Our vision is to be the best place to give care, the best place to get care.

  Details

  Date posted

  26 May 2025

  Pay scheme

  Hospital medical and dental staff

  Grade

  Consultant

  Salary

  £103,032.60 to £138,909.10 a year reflecting 11 PAs

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Full-time, Flexible working

  Reference number

  C9371-D677E

  Job locations

  Prospect Park Hospital

  Honey End Lane

  Tilehurst, Reading

  Berkshire

  RG30 4EJ

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  The post holder will be working as the Consultant Psychiatrist on Orchid and Rowan wards covering the patients admitted from the East localities. The number of patients varies from 15-20 in total.

  The OPMH wards are currently in a developmental phase and the Trust is considering having dedicated consultants for Orchid (functional) and Rowan (organic) wards in a move away from the current model where both inpatient OPMH consultant psychiatrists work across both wards. The post-holder has the option of discussing their preference in this regard with the Associate Medical Director.

  Given the nature of the role and the need for active cross cover with the other inpatient OPMH consultant psychiatrist, the post will require 11 PAs over five days, including 8.5 for Direct Clinical Care and 2.5 for Supporting Professional Activities. This may require displacement of some SPA time to be completed in the post-holders own time.

  The post holder will be expected to take a lead role in the clinical management of patients and to be the Responsible Clinician. In addition, the post holder will be expected to contribute to the out of hours on-call rota. These duties will be agreed via job planning with the Associate Medical Director.

  CLINICAL DUTIES OF THE POST

  • To provide medical leadership to the ward multidisciplinary team and work collaboratively with the other team members to provide a high standard of care
  • To provide clinical responsibility for the assessment and on-going management of patients admitted under their care. This includes management of psychiatric disorders and associate risks, as well as meeting the physical health needs of the patients with support from medical and non-medical colleagues in the hospital and from other organisations
  • To be involved in the multidisciplinary meetings/ward rounds and review process for patients within the responsibility of this role.
  • To liaise with other professionals, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust departments and services, Social Services, GPs, ICB and other statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure smooth transition to suitable care following discharge.

  The Consultant would not normally act as care co-ordinator.

  • To liaise with families of patients as part of the assessment and management of patients, and provide them information and guidance as required
  • To provide up to date clinical reports on patient care to all relevant agencies involved in the care planning as required
  • To ensure that discharge notifications and summaries are completed and sent to GPs in a timely manner
  • To keep the computerised clinical record on RIO up to date.
  • To act as Approved Clinician (AC) and Responsible Clinician (RC) in accordance with the requirements under the Mental Health Act (1983) and its amendments for inpatients
  • The post holder will fulfil the requirements for Deprivation of Liberty Legislation and Mental Capacity Act and facilitate best practice for vulnerable older people.
  • The post holder will contribute to the Berkshire on call consultant rota for General adult/Older People. This may infrequently include calls for Learning Disability and Liaison out of hours on occasion. There is a separate on call rota for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • The post holder undertakes, exceptionally, to perform additional duties in occasional emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.

  OTHER DUTIES OF THE POST

  • To act as Clinical/ Psychiatric Supervisor to other medical members of the team and act as Educational Supervision where possible. Time will be made available for this in the Job Plan.
  • To contribute to training and supervision of other colleagues where possible
  • To contribute to academic teaching sessions to support development of junior doctors placed with the post holder
  • To endeavour to lead the team in a way that supports the development of a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
  • To utilize a quality improvement approach to think systemically about complex problems, develop potential change ideas and test these in practice using a systematic QI methodology.
  • To empower the team to resolve local issues using the tools and method of quality improvement without staff having to seek permission
  • To promote awareness and understanding of quality improvement, and shares learning and successes from quality improvement work.
  • To contribute to local audits national audits that the trust participates in
  • To participate in service/team evaluation and the planning of future service developments.
  • To promptly respond to requests for information to help with internal or external investigations following patient safety incidents or complaints
  • To attend, where possible, the Trusts Medical Staff Committee (MSC) held monthly at Bracknell headquarters. This meeting provides a direct link with the Trust Board due to the attendance of the CEO and Medical Director.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  The post holder will be working as the Consultant Psychiatrist on Orchid and Rowan wards covering the patients admitted from the East localities. The number of patients varies from 15-20 in total.

  The OPMH wards are currently in a developmental phase and the Trust is considering having dedicated consultants for Orchid (functional) and Rowan (organic) wards in a move away from the current model where both inpatient OPMH consultant psychiatrists work across both wards. The post-holder has the option of discussing their preference in this regard with the Associate Medical Director.

  Given the nature of the role and the need for active cross cover with the other inpatient OPMH consultant psychiatrist, the post will require 11 PAs over five days, including 8.5 for Direct Clinical Care and 2.5 for Supporting Professional Activities. This may require displacement of some SPA time to be completed in the post-holders own time.

  The post holder will be expected to take a lead role in the clinical management of patients and to be the Responsible Clinician. In addition, the post holder will be expected to contribute to the out of hours on-call rota. These duties will be agreed via job planning with the Associate Medical Director.

  CLINICAL DUTIES OF THE POST

  • To provide medical leadership to the ward multidisciplinary team and work collaboratively with the other team members to provide a high standard of care
  • To provide clinical responsibility for the assessment and on-going management of patients admitted under their care. This includes management of psychiatric disorders and associate risks, as well as meeting the physical health needs of the patients with support from medical and non-medical colleagues in the hospital and from other organisations
  • To be involved in the multidisciplinary meetings/ward rounds and review process for patients within the responsibility of this role.
  • To liaise with other professionals, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust departments and services, Social Services, GPs, ICB and other statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure smooth transition to suitable care following discharge.

  The Consultant would not normally act as care co-ordinator.

  • To liaise with families of patients as part of the assessment and management of patients, and provide them information and guidance as required
  • To provide up to date clinical reports on patient care to all relevant agencies involved in the care planning as required
  • To ensure that discharge notifications and summaries are completed and sent to GPs in a timely manner
  • To keep the computerised clinical record on RIO up to date.
  • To act as Approved Clinician (AC) and Responsible Clinician (RC) in accordance with the requirements under the Mental Health Act (1983) and its amendments for inpatients
  • The post holder will fulfil the requirements for Deprivation of Liberty Legislation and Mental Capacity Act and facilitate best practice for vulnerable older people.
  • The post holder will contribute to the Berkshire on call consultant rota for General adult/Older People. This may infrequently include calls for Learning Disability and Liaison out of hours on occasion. There is a separate on call rota for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • The post holder undertakes, exceptionally, to perform additional duties in occasional emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.

  OTHER DUTIES OF THE POST

  • To act as Clinical/ Psychiatric Supervisor to other medical members of the team and act as Educational Supervision where possible. Time will be made available for this in the Job Plan.
  • To contribute to training and supervision of other colleagues where possible
  • To contribute to academic teaching sessions to support development of junior doctors placed with the post holder
  • To endeavour to lead the team in a way that supports the development of a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
  • To utilize a quality improvement approach to think systemically about complex problems, develop potential change ideas and test these in practice using a systematic QI methodology.
  • To empower the team to resolve local issues using the tools and method of quality improvement without staff having to seek permission
  • To promote awareness and understanding of quality improvement, and shares learning and successes from quality improvement work.
  • To contribute to local audits national audits that the trust participates in
  • To participate in service/team evaluation and the planning of future service developments.
  • To promptly respond to requests for information to help with internal or external investigations following patient safety incidents or complaints
  • To attend, where possible, the Trusts Medical Staff Committee (MSC) held monthly at Bracknell headquarters. This meeting provides a direct link with the Trust Board due to the attendance of the CEO and Medical Director.

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Excellent knowledge in specialty.
  • Excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Able to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty.
  • Makes decisions based on evidence and experience including the contribution of others.
  • Able to meet duties under MHA and MCA.

  Desirable

  • Wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to post within NHS or comparable service.

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
  • Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment.
  • Included on the GMC Specialist Register OR within six months.
  • Approved clinician status OR able to achieve within 3 months of appointment.
  • Approved under S12 OR able to achieve with 3 months of appointment.

  Desirable

  • Qualification or higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management.
  • MRCPsych
  • Additional clinical qualifications.
  • In good standing with GMC with respect to warning and conditions on practice

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Excellent knowledge in specialty.
  • Excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Able to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty.
  • Makes decisions based on evidence and experience including the contribution of others.
  • Able to meet duties under MHA and MCA.

  Desirable

  • Wide range of specialist and sub-specialist experience relevant to post within NHS or comparable service.

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
  • Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment.
  • Included on the GMC Specialist Register OR within six months.
  • Approved clinician status OR able to achieve within 3 months of appointment.
  • Approved under S12 OR able to achieve with 3 months of appointment.

  Desirable

  • Qualification or higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management.
  • MRCPsych
  • Additional clinical qualifications.
  • In good standing with GMC with respect to warning and conditions on practice

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  Certificate of Sponsorship

  Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

  From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Additional information

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  Certificate of Sponsorship

  Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

  From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

  Address

  Prospect Park Hospital

  Honey End Lane

  Tilehurst, Reading

  Berkshire

  RG30 4EJ

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

  Address

  Prospect Park Hospital

  Honey End Lane

  Tilehurst, Reading

  Berkshire

  RG30 4EJ

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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