Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychiatric Intensive Care

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Consultant Psychiatrist to join Holford Ward, our countywide Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) based at the Wellsprings site in Taunton. This is a 10 PA post with additional opportunities for special interest sessions and leadership development.

As the Consultant Psychiatrist for Holford PICU, you will provide expert clinical leadership to a dynamic multidisciplinary team, offering high quality assessment, treatment and care planning for some of the most complex and acutely unwell patients in the county. You will play a key role in PICU referrals, Mental Health Act work, and collaborative working with acute wards, low secure services, rehabilitation teams and regional forensic services.

The role includes Approved Clinician responsibilities, clinical supervision of trainees, participation in service development, and involvement in Trustwide clinical governance, audit and CPD activities. You will be supported by a dedicated medical secretary, a strong nursing and therapy team, and a well established medical workforce across the Wellsprings site.

Participation in the senior on call rota is encouraged but not mandatory, with additional remuneration available.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated clinician to shape the future of PICU services in Somerset while enjoying a high level of professional autonomy, strong team support, and the quality of life that the South West offers.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for all PICU inpatients.

Lead on PICU referrals, including assessments in other hospitals, prisons and forensic units as required.

Act as the Responsible Clinician (RC) and Approved Clinician (AC) for PICU patients, including Mental Health Act responsibilities, tribunal reports and hearings.

Offer reciprocal crosscover for Acute Inpatient Consultants on Rydon wards.

Ensure high quality multidisciplinary care, contributing to ward rounds, handovers and clinical meetings.

Leadership & Service Development

Provide visible clinical leadership to the PICU team and support effective collaboration with acute wards, low secure services, rehabilitation teams and regional forensic services.

Contribute to ongoing development of the PICU service, representing the unit at internal and external meetings.

Support the Trust's clinical governance agenda, including quality improvement, audit and performance monitoring.

Education & Supervision

Provide clinical supervision for core trainees and support for medical students.

Participate in postgraduate teaching, peer groups, CPD and annual appraisal.

Contribute to a positive learning environment within the inpatient service.

Research & Professional Standards

Engage with research opportunities and comply with Research Governance requirements.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.