Consultant Physician Geriatrician

12 Month FTC

Salary: CompetitiveSt Andrew’s is a not for profit Charity - we have no shareholders and any surplus we make is ploughed straight back into our services. We are part of the Specialist Provider Collaboratives in the East and West Midlands and are a member of the East Midlands Alliance. Our services in Northampton, set in 150 plus acres of woodland greenery are spread across 5 Divisions – Medium Secure, Low Secure and Specialist Rehabilitation, Learning Disability and Autism, Neuropsychiatry and CAMHS. We have a number of unique specialist national services including our Deaf Forensic Service, Huntington’s Service, Secure Brain Injury Service, Older Adults Secure Services, Blended Women’s Service (one of 3 National Pilots) and a specialist inpatient DBT service.

Make a difference – for yourself and your patients!

The Role:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Consultant Physician (Geriatrician) to join our team at St Andrews Health Care Hospital in Birmingham. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive geriatric medical services to the older adult inpatient population within the secure mental health settings across the three Reach Out provider collaborative: St Andrews Health Care Birmingham (STAHB) three days a week , Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) one day a week , and Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPF) secure care 1 day a week. This role involves both clinical responsibilities and line management duties and will be managed by the STAHB managerial structure.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Clinical Care:
   • Provide expert medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for older adult patients within the secure inpatient mental health setting.
   • Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, considering both the physical and mental health needs of the patients.
   • Deliver evidence-based geriatric care to improve the physical health and overall well-being of older adults with mental health conditions.
   • Conduct regular ward rounds, patient reviews, and family meetings, addressing complex medical issues in a secure environment.
   • Offer specialist advice and support to mental health professionals within the collaborative, ensuring integrated care for patients with co-existing medical and mental health conditions.
2. Management and Leadership:
   • Lead and manage a team of healthcare professionals, nurses, and support staff, focusing on the care of older adults in secure settings.
   • Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, fostering a holistic approach to patient care.
   • Participate in clinical governance activities, including audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service development, specifically targeting the needs of the geriatric population in secure care.
   • Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and protocols related to geriatric care within the mental health secure setting.
   • Provide supervision, training, and mentorship to junior medical staff and other team members, promoting best practices in geriatric care.
3. Collaboration and Liaison:
   • Work closely with psychiatry, neurology, and social services to provide comprehensive care for older adults with mental health conditions in secure settings.
   • Liaise with external agencies and community services to ensure continuity of care post-discharge, facilitating smooth transitions and support for patients.
   • Engage with families and carers to provide support and education about health issues affecting older adults with mental health conditions, ensuring they are part of the care process.
4. Research and Development:
   • Participate in and contribute to research activities relevant to geriatric medicine and the intersection with mental health in secure settings.
   • Stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in geriatric care, particularly in the context of secure mental health settings.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Medical degree with full GMC registration.
• CCT in Geriatric Medicine or equivalent.
• Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP or FRCP) or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in the assessment and management of medical conditions in older adults, particularly within mental health settings.
• Proven leadership and management skills within a healthcare setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, with a focus on integrated care.

Desirable:

• Additional qualifications in related fields such as internal medicine or psychiatry.
• Experience working in a secure healthcare setting, particularly with older adults.
• Involvement in research and publications in the field of geriatric medicine, especially in the context of mental health.

Personal Attributes:

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care, with an understanding of the unique needs of older adults in secure settings.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing situations, with a focus on patient safety and care quality.

Why join St Andrew’s