Consultant in Addictions Psychiatry (Substance Use Services)

Consultant in Addictions Psychiatry
(Substance Use Services) 
    
FULL TIME (10 programmed activities) Part time working can be negotiated

Salary Scale - £96,963 - £128,841 per annum (pro rata if part time)

NHS Forth Valley: Where exceptional Psychiatrists can flourish and really feel at home

In NHS Forth Valley we know the radical and transformational difference Psychiatrists make to the lives of their patients. This is why we have developed, and will always strive to maintain, a system that allows them to do this work. In NHS Forth Valley we passionately believe in joined-up, holistic care across the whole patient journey. We have a dynamic Consultant workforce and due to the relatively small size and adaptability of our health board our Psychiatrists are able to become effective leaders who can drive through positive changes. 

Scotland is in the midst of a public health emergency regarding drug related deaths. Tackling this will require multiple interventions across all parts of our society. We will support our Consultants in Addictions Psychiatry to help lead this national response. Our Consultants are employed by the NHS, but as the clinical experts in their field they will guide and inform which services are commissioned from the third sector. As a dynamic, flexible organisation we are keen to pilot innovative ways to tackle the scourge of drug related deaths. We will support our Consultants to contribute to the emerging national strategies for tackling drug related deaths and to develop links with Higher Education Institutions to build the evidence base.  Locally we have strong links with the University of Stirling where the public health research in this area is making a significant contribution to the development of national strategy.  The service will support SPA time for Consultants to lead on projects aligned with addressing this public health crisis, such as the expansion of injectable buprenorphine and new ways of working to safely manage benzodiazepine use / dependency in conjunction with delivery and implementation of the MAT (Medicated Assisted Treatment) standards.

The Substance Use Service has a large work component in relation to alcohol use disorders. There is an alcohol dedicated team within SUS South which the successful candidate would work closely with .Part of the task will be to sign off on patients requiring inpatient detoxification from alcohol in the local Mental Health Unit using the one dedicated bed. There is also a role in supporting home detoxification from alcohol when this can be safely done. Alcohol patients will be seen by the Consultant in relation to the use of protective medications and for assessment and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity .The successful candidate would also contribute to the planning of an expansion in our alcohol treatment system utilising a group programme for those who have successfully detoxified.

We are in an exciting place with regards to Psychiatry in Forth Valley. Within the next 3 years we will be able to evidence we have the best mental health services in Scotland. To achieve this goal our Consultants will have sufficient SPA time in their job plans to help all of our services become accredited (for providing excellent care) according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists Centre for Quality Improvement Accreditation Standards.

We are passionate about attracting the brightest and best students into Psychiatry and developing them into Consultants who will serve the needs of Scotland. Our local teaching and training programmes have been nationally recognised and we are keen to expand them further. Our service is currently developing roles for Advanced Nurse and Pharmacist Practitioners and the post-holder will have opportunities for supervision of these colleagues and guiding the development of the roles. Our vision is that those with addiction issues in Forth Valley will always access first rate services, and interact with clinicians who understand their issues, without judgement, wherever they present in our health and social care system. Training all our staff in addiction issues and breaking down the barriers between the different parts of our system will be key to this. We will support time for these and other teaching and training opportunities. The post holder will be working with a Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist with a national profile in Medical Education and so would have immediate links to regional and national teaching opportunities. 

We are also able to offer innovative and bespoke job roles for candidates interested in combining sessions in addictions with sessions in other specialities, including general adult and forensic.  In particular, we are keen to explore developing roles across both substance use and general adult settings, to support our existing programme of joint working and improved interface in these areas.   We will work with the successful candidate to develop a suitable job plan.

Forth Valley offers an unrivalled quality of life. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty which includes Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Historic Stirling the gateway to the Highlands has local state schools that consistently feature in the top 20 of national league tables. Scotlands major cities, Glasgow & Edinburgh are within one hours travel. Substantial relocation packages are available. We welcome applications from candidates wishing to work both full time and less than full time. We can also offer flexible working hours, including the option of shorter family-friendly working days.  The size of our health board allows us to be flexible and responsive. We are keen to continue to develop ways of working that allow our Psychiatrists to have an optimal work life balance.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the department and meet key staff (this can be arranged in person or facilitated online). Informal enquiries should be directed to Gillian Baillie-Sharp, Clinical Director Substance Use Service, gillian.baillie-sharp@nhs.scot.

To apply for this post, please visit the job posting on the NHS Scotland Job Train website. Applicants should have full GMC registration and a licence to practise. Applicants will be in possession of the MRCPsych or equivalent, registered with the General Medical Council and on the Specialist Register or be within 6 months of the anticipated award of a CCT at the time of interview or have a certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR). Applicants are required to have evidence of recent continued academic and professional development. Excellent, communication, listening and organisational skills are essential.

Closing date Sunday 7th July 2024
    
Interview date Tuesday 6th August 2024

Please quote reference number 187045 on all correspondence.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.