Consultant Psychiatrist in Perinatal Mental Health

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health trust is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join their Perinatal Mental Health Service in Bridgwater. This role offers the opportunity to provide specialist assessment and treatment for women experiencing severe perinatal mental illness. You will work alongside a dedicated team, engage in clinical leadership, and contribute to service development. The position supports professional growth and offers a pathway to make a difference in families' lives while enjoying a rewarding quality of life in Somerset.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Must have GMC registration and be a Section 12 approved doctor.
• Experience in perinatal mental health is essential.
• Proficiency in multidisciplinary teamwork required.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment and treatment for women with perinatal mental illness.
• Act as Named Consultant for patients and offer clinical leadership.
• Participate in audit, governance, research and quality improvement.

Skills

Specialist assessment

Diagnosis and treatment

Mental Health Act assessments

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

GMC registration

Section 12 approval

Job description

We are seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist (0.8 WTE, 14month fixed term) to join our Perinatal Mental Health Service in Somerset Foundation Trust. This is a countywide role, based in Bridgwater, working alongside a fulltime specialty doctor and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. You will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing severe perinatal mental illness, delivering care through outpatient clinics, home visits and joint working with maternity and community services. Strong links exist with the regional Mother and Baby Unit in Exeter, ensuring seamless care across settings. This post offers the chance to provide visible clinical leadership, act as Named Consultant for women under the Perinatal Team, and contribute to MDT meetings, safeguarding discussions and joint clinics. You will also have opportunities to engage in teaching, postgraduate education, audit, research and service development, with full support for CPD and study leave. Somerset is a beautiful and affordable place to live, with excellent schools, vibrant towns and easy access to countryside, coast and cities. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to families while enjoying a high quality of life in a forward‑thinking, high‑performing trust.

Main duties of the job

• Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing perinatal mental illness through outpatient clinics and home visits.
• Act as Named Consultant for women under the Perinatal Mental Health Team, and as Responsible Clinician for patients subject to Community Treatment Orders or extended Section 17 leave.
• Undertake Mental Health Act assessments as a Section 12 approved doctor.
• Attend and contribute to weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, complex case discussions and safeguarding meetings.
• Work collaboratively with maternity, obstetric, health visiting and community mental health colleagues to deliver integrated care.
• Offer consultation, case discussion and advice to team members and partner agencies.
• Provide visible clinical leadership within the Perinatal Service and across the Trust.
• Support smooth transitions for patients admitted to and discharged from the regional Mother and Baby Unit.
• Participate in audit, clinical governance, service development and quality improvement initiatives.
• Engage in teaching, supervision of junior doctors, postgraduate education and CPD activities.
• Contribute to research opportunities and maintain professional standards in line with GMC and Royal College requirements.

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, 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.

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.

Benefits

• 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