Consultant in Forensic Psychiatry

Post: Consultant In Forensic Psychiatry (Low Secure Learning Disability)

Base: Leverndale Hospital

Closing Date: 24th February 2023

Interview Date: 9th March 2023

Reference: 133295

Relocation Package Available

Applications are invited for a full time (10 PA) Consultant Psychiatrist position within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Directorate of Forensic Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. The post is primarily based within the low secure learning disability service at Leverndale Hospital. In addition, the post-holder will also provide sessional input as visiting psychiatrist to one of three prisons in NHS GGC and some input to the rehabilitation service at Rowanbank (medium security).

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to take a full part in the ongoing development of the largest forensic service in Scotland. As the service develops to meet changing demands, there is scope for the post to change over time through negotiation with the Clinical Director.

The low secure learning disability service has 8 beds in Campsie Ward and additional (currently 2) pre-discharge beds in Boulevard Ward. Boulevard Ward is an open, pre-discharge forensic ward, and accepts patients with either a learning disability or mental illness. The focus is on the recovery and rehabilitation into the community of patients whose risk management, treatment and support needs have been fully assessed by the clinical team. Both Campsie and Boulevard Ward have a home-style model of care to promote recovery.

In addition, the post will include one session providing visiting psychiatrist input to prisons within NHS GGC (prisons in the Health Board area are HMP Barlinnie, HMP Low Moss and HMP Greenock). The clinics are delivered using a mix of ‘Near Me’ and face to face interviews, supported by the prison mental health teams. The role involves working with the prison mental health teams to offer assessment and treatment to both remand and sentenced prisoners, as well as liaising with other agencies. It is hoped, that following a review of prison healthcare that the role of the visiting psychiatrist will be expanded and develop over time.

The job plan also has two sessions of direct clinical care to Rowanbank Clinic (medium secure) rehabilitation service.

The post holder will have administrative support from a medical secretary based at Leverndale Hospital. Core and specialist trainees are also attached to the department on rotation. The physical care of the patients is primarily managed by an external GP practice, in consultation with the Reponsible Medical Officer. The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with colleagues to provide a full range of services to inpatients in low and medium security and ensure their eventual appropriate and safe transfer to the community. The post-holder will be encouraged and supported to maintain or develop special interests as part of their professional and career development.

Applicants must have full GMC Registration, a license to practise and eligible for inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register. Those trained in the UK should have evidence of higher specialist training leading to CCT or be within 6 months of confirmed entry from the date of interview. CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) route doctors are only eligible to apply for a substantive consultant post once CESR is awarded. Non-UK applicants must demonstrate equivalent training.

The job is offered as a full-time post on a 10 PA basis but applications will be considered from those wishing to work less than full-time. Up to 2 EPA’s may be available to undertake additional outpatient and/or procedure sessions or management activity.

Additional Non DCC (up to 2 PA’s in total – Inclusive of 1 core SPA plus 1 additional non DCC can be negotiated and agreed between the successful candidate and Management depending on the time required to support professional activities and the needs of the service.

All newly qualified Consultants are initially offered a minimum of 1 Core Supporting Professional Activity (SPA) which includes CPD, audit, clinical governance, appraisal, revalidation, job planning and management meetings. This will be reviewed within 6 months (or earlier if required) of appointment and revised upwards if additional responsibilities are agreed.