Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD)

Care Quality Commission; City Of London; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A governmental health organization in the UK is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to undertake responsibilities including patient interviews and treatment reviews. Candidates must have significant experience in psychiatry, hold an MRCPsych or equivalent, and be GMC registered. The position requires availability for a minimum of 40 second opinions annually, with compensation of £220 per opinion. This role emphasizes a commitment to rights-based approaches and equality.

Qualifications

• Consultant psychiatrists with a commitment to a rights-based approach.
• Experience of working with detained patients.
• Availability to undertake a minimum of 40 second opinions per year.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing the patient in private.
• Reviewing treatment plans and reports.
• Certifying treatments and issuing certificates.

Skills

In-depth knowledge and experience of psychiatry

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to process information and follow protocols

Computer literate

Commitment to equality and diversity

Education

MRCPsych or equivalent qualification

GMC registered with a license to practice medicine

Job description

Overview

SOADs are expected to undertake all aspects of the role relating to Section 58, Section 58a and Supervised Community Treatment.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing the patient in private where possible and applicable.
• Understanding the patient's circumstances through reading of relevant documents/records.
• Reviewing the current and proposed treatment plan.
• Talking to two professionals involved in the patient's medical treatment also known as statutory consultees.
• Seeking additional information to inform their decision as appropriate.
• Certifying appropriate treatments and recording the reasons for this.
• Making decisions on whether treatments are appropriate and issuing certificates accordingly.
• Carrying out second opinions by visiting a hospital or remotely through video or telephone contact.
• Recording their decision and the reasons for it.
• Reporting to CQC any issues of concern identified when carrying out their work which will be shared with Mental Health Act Reviewers and Inspectors.

Qualifications

• Consultant psychiatrists with a demonstrable commitment to a rights‑based approach.
• In‑depth knowledge and experience of psychiatry in a variety of clinical settings, and considerable experience of working with detained patients.
• Successful candidates will have held a permanent substantive post as a consultant psychiatrist for at least three years.
• GMC registered with a license to practice medicine.
• MRCPsych or equivalent qualification recognised by the RCPsych.
• Substantive consultant status in psychiatry for at least three years.
• Registered in good standing for CPD.
• Current or recent hands‑on clinical practice.
• Broad psychiatric practice in a variety of settings.
• Experience of working with patients liable to compulsion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to process information and follow protocols.
• Demonstrable practical commitment to equality and diversity.
• Availability to undertake a minimum of 40 second opinions per year.
• Computer literate, with experience of sending and receiving email, completing MS Word documents and receiving PDF documents and use of encryption applications.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of leadership in relevant areas.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary working at a senior level.
• Specialist expertise, e.g. CAMHS, Elderly, Forensic.
• Interest in Mental Health work.

Requirements

Candidate must provide a Letter of Endorsement from their employer prior to interview.

Must undergo a criminal record check.

Availability and Compensation

Minimum of 40 second opinions per year; it is possible to complete several opinions in one day.

Fees: £220 per second opinion. Supplements applicable for prioritising urgent SOAD work and for visiting hospitals at greater distances from your home base. Fees and expenses, including mileage, will be payable in accordance with CQC's policies.