Go back Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age

The closing date is 17 April 2026

At CNTW we strive to provide the BEST CARE, delivered by the BEST PEOPLE, to achieve the BEST OUTCOME.

This is a community post working with an established community older adultmental health team serving the Sunderland area.

The consultant in post will work closely with the community team.

The post holder will provide senior expertise in assessment and treatment of older adults referred with psychiatric, behavioural concerns.

The Sunderland Community Mental health team is based at Monkwearmouth Hospital. The post holder will have good links with the other consultant colleagues within older adult services.

Currently there are 4 consultants, a specialty doctor working within Sunderland community in addition to current vacant post. There is another specialty Doctor working in the team in the short term.

There is access to a comprehensive Multidisciplinary team :

• community nurses
• Occupational Therapist
• Team lead
• CCM

There will be opportunity for teaching, audit, and SPA activities.

Main duties of the job

• To provide medical assessment, diagnosis and formulation for patients with functional and cognitive illness referred to the Elderly care Community Mental Health Team in Sunderland patch.
• To assess and make recommendations under the Mental Health Act & fulfil the duties of Responsible Clinician as appropriate.
• To provide (or ensure referral to the appropriate service) for the provision of up to date, evidence based interventions for the patients under their care.
• To collaborate with GP's, hospital doctors and primary care clinicians regarding the physical health care of the patients under their care.
• To provide leadership, consultation, advice and guidance to the Community Mental Health Team.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues in other specialist mental health teams.
• To take a lead role with the Team Manager, Clinical Leads and other colleagues in service improvements and development.
• To contribute to the ongoing training and development program within the community teams.
• To train & supervise junior medical staff if interested and seek approval as Educational/Clinical Supervisor. The post holder will be encouraged to apply to be a Trainer when ready. They would also supervise Medical students on placement in the team and supervise the Nurse prescriber in the Diagnostic team.
• To lead, collaborate and advise on research and audit projects in the teams, within the clinical governance agenda.
• To complete administrative tasks necessary for fulfilment of the clinical role.

About us

Why us?

• Up to £8k relocation package
• 30 days study leave (every 3 years) with a generous study leave allowance
• Flexible working opportunities created with you involved in your job plan
• Remote working available as suits service needs
• Dedicated and protected SPA time
• Focus on creating a healthy workforce by investing heavily in health and wellbeing accessible support including emotional, physical, social, psychological financial and career well being
• Teaching and research opportunities available
• Stimulating CPD sessions and programs including mentoring, medical leadership, and coaching
• Teaching opportunities in our brand-new state of the art Medical Education Centre
• Employee Excellence awards
• Plus, lots more employee benefits including discounts. Find out more at www.thriveatcntw.co.uk

When you work for CNTW, you will work for a Trust that has been rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC and is ranked 1st nationally in GMC trainer survey for the support provides to trainers. You will make a difference in changing people's lives. You will join a medical workforce that is passionate about providing care and receive superb training and development opportunities and excellent staff benefits.

Job responsibilities

Applicants should be on the Specialist Register or be within 6 months of obtaining CCT at the point of interview. Candidates should be suitably qualified, including eligibility for Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician status.

This is a 10 PA Consultant post in Sunderland Older Adult Community CTT.

The Consultant in post will work closely with the community team which is made up of core located members of the local authority and Northumberland Tyne and Wear foundation trust. The post holder will provide senior expertise in assessment and treatment of older adults with psychiatric, behavioural problems related to mental health difficulties. The post holder will work closely with our colleagues in primary care, crisis team and inpatient unit.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details.

As an added bonus, the Trust is located in the Northeast of England and Cumbria which is an area of outstanding natural beauty, containing national parks, ancient heritage sites and major cities supported by excellent national and international transport links. The area is predominantly rural and contains the Lake District National Park which is considered one of Englands finest areas of natural beauty.

Please note we can not sponsor GMC for this role.

Please note this vacancy will close once sufficient applications have been received.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• MBBS (or equivalent)
• Included on GMC Specialist Register (General Psychiatry) or eligible for inclusion, or a trainee within six months of CCT
• Approved under Section12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983
• Approved Clinician Status
• MRCPsych or equivalent qualification
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field
• Has undergone training in educational supervision
• Has undergone training in appraisal

Knowledge

• Up to date knowledge in the field of Psychiatry
• Awareness of current issues and controversies in service provision, mental health policy and legislation
• An area of special interest relevant to the post as demonstrated by publications or presentations to learned societies

Experience

• Experience of multidisciplinary team working
• Wide clinical experience in general adult psychiatry in different clinical settings
• Experience of Clinical Audit
• Experience in multiagency work especially with service user, carer and voluntary agencies
• Experience in service management or development

Skills

• High level of clinical skills
• Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proven competence in diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders in Adult Psychiatry
• Excellent teaching skills
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a time efficient manner
• Established record of clinical leadership
• Established ability as a clinical teacher
• Training in specific and relevant treatment skills eg a brief form of psychological therapy

Personal Characteristics

• Able to sustain self and support others
• Trustworthiness
• Able to meet the mobility requirements of the post
• Maturity, openness and flexibility

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.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

£109,725 to £145,478 a yearpro rata for part time