Consultant Psychiatrist Learning Disability Inpatient Services 11 PAs

BERKSHIRE HEALTHCARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Reading is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join their Learning Disability Service. This role offers responsibilities for diagnosis and management of inpatients, as well as opportunities for hybrid working. You will work within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to patient care for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Candidates with a strong background in medical leadership and excellent communication skills are encouraged to apply, as this role promotes a collaborative work environment and ongoing professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous NHS pension scheme

Career development opportunities

'Cycle to Work' scheme

Access to wellbeing services

Staff discounts at retailers

Generous maternity and paternity leave

Free parking across Trust sites

Qualifications

• Must hold a consultant responsibility for inpatients and provide medical leadership.
• Required to supervise and support medical staff, ensuring a high standard of care.
• Experience in maintaining clear communication with families and partner agencies.

Responsibilities

• Act as Responsible Clinician under the Mental Health Act.
• Contribute to the Community Mental Health Framework.
• Lead the team in maintaining AIMS accreditation.

Skills

Medical leadership

Diagnosis and management

Excellent communication

Education

Medical degree

Job description

Berkshire Healthcare's 'Outstanding' Learning Disability Service is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join Campion Ward, our 9-bed LD inpatient unit at Prospect Park Hospital. This 11 PA post includes the opportunity for up to 2 PAs to be dedicated to a special interest, whether that's in research, leadership, QI or service development. And whilst a visible presence on the ward is important, there's also flexibility for hybrid working. This complex and rewarding role is at the heart of a compassionate and forward‑thinking service. You'll work closely with an experienced MDT, with our Community and Intensive Support Teams, partner agencies and families to provide excellent care for people with a learning disability and significant mental health or behavioural needs. You'll enjoy challenge and will benefit from a strong peer network of LD consultants, the wider medical team and our leadership team. Berkshire Healthcare and the inpatient Learning Disability service are rated as 'Outstanding' by the CQC and consistently score highly for staff engagement. Our LD team have exceptionally high survey scores including compassionate leadership, staff development, flexible working, and staff wellbeing. You'll be joining a forward‑thinking, well‑connected team, with opportunities to develop your interests and contribute to our evolving LD inpatient pathway. Applications will be processed as received; we encourage you to apply as soon as possible as adverts may close early.

Responsibilities

• Hold consultant responsibility for diagnosis, management and treatment of allocated inpatients.
• Provide medical leadership to the inpatient service, working closely with the Ward Manager, Clinical Nurse Specialist and wider multidisciplinary team.
• Supervise and support other medical staff, ensuring high standards of care and effective teamwork.
• Act as Responsible Clinician under the Mental Health Act for allocated patients.
• Arrange cross cover with other Consultants in the Learning Disability Service, as agreed with the Associate Director and Medical Lead.
• Contribute to clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and CPD activities.
• Participate in the Community Mental Health Framework and support the transition of patients between inpatient and community settings.
• Maintain clear communication with families, carers, GPs, social care, and partner agencies.
• Ensure accurate documentation, risk assessment and capacity evaluations in line with Trust and CQC standards.
• Lead the team in maintaining AIMS accreditation and compliance with CQC requirements.
• Provide expert liaison, reports and evidence for external bodies such as the Court of Protection, Home Office, and safeguarding authorities when required.

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Values

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solution

Benefits

• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance.
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
• Free parking across Trust sites