Job Opportunity Overview
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is thrilled to announce two exceptional opportunities for Consultant Psychiatrists in General Adult Inpatient Psychiatry at our state-of-the-art Whalley Inpatient Unit. This is a permanent, full-time position offering a competitive salary range of £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, with an attractive Recruitment & Retention Premia package of £40,000 payable on commencement.
About Our New Facility
The Whalley Inpatient Unit represents the Trust’s commitment to modern mental healthcare delivery, having opened at the end of 2023. Located in the picturesque village of Whalley within the beautiful Ribble Valley in Lancashire, this purpose-built facility provides inpatient treatment for patients with moderate and severe mental health difficulties. The unit offers a supportive and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff.
Unit Structure and Patient Care
The Whalley site comprises two acute 12-bedded wards and an 8-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Each Consultant will take responsibility for one 12-bedded acute ward and half of the PICU patients, ensuring comprehensive medical leadership across the unit. This structured approach allows for focused patient care while maintaining collaborative working practices.
Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
As a Consultant Psychiatrist, you will provide medical leadership to a comprehensive multidisciplinary team (MDT). You will work alongside a Specialty Doctor and Junior Doctors, supported by a dedicated team of Mental Health Nurses, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Social Workers from the relevant Local Authority. This collaborative approach ensures holistic patient care.
Clinical Responsibilities
The post holders will carry no responsibility for outpatient work, allowing focused attention on inpatient care. You will be expected to participate in the Consultant On Call rota, for which additional remuneration will be paid. This 10PA position includes at least 2.5 SPAs as standard for a full-time post, with flexibility to enhance support for activities that benefit the wider ambitions of the Trust.
Essential Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must hold an MBBS or equivalent medical qualification and possess full GMC registration with a Licence to Practise. Candidates should be included on the Specialist Register of the GMC or be eligible for entry within 6 months of the interview date. Section 12 Approval is required at the time of commencing employment, and applicants must have or be eligible to obtain Approved Clinician Status.
Professional Development Opportunities
The Trust is keen to develop our Consultant workforce and nurture areas of special interest. We offer excellent peer support groups, opportunities to become a clinical supervisor, and an extremely active Medical Education department. Newly qualified Consultants receive a study leave budget of up to £5,000 over 3 years, while experienced Consultants receive £3,000 over 3 years.
Certificate of Sponsorship Available
We are pleased to confirm that this position offers Certificate of Sponsorship for international candidates. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. The Trust supports international medical professionals in obtaining the necessary visas and work permits.
Relocation Support Package
A comprehensive relocation package is available for successful candidates moving to the area. This support demonstrates our commitment to attracting the best talent from across the UK and internationally, ensuring a smooth transition to your new role and community.
Trust Accreditation and Values
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust holds multiple accreditations including Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Disability Confident Employer, Gold Award 2021 from Ministry of Defence, Listening into Action, MINDFUL employer, Smoke free, and Step into Health. These recognitions reflect our commitment to being an inclusive and supportive employer.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 13 October 2025. Reference number for this position is 351-MED097PN-24-F. Supporting documents including the Job Description, Person Specification, Trust information, and Pennine NMD Welcome pack are available for download.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact Dr Euan Robertson, Consultant Psychiatrist and AMD, at [email protected] or call 01282657339. Our recruitment team is available to discuss the role, relocation support, and sponsorship process in detail.
Location Benefits
Whalley is situated in the beautiful Ribble Valley, offering excellent quality of life with access to outstanding countryside, good schools, and convenient transport links. The area provides a perfect balance between professional opportunity and personal lifestyle, making it an ideal location for international professionals and their families.
Professional Network and Development
Join our active medical community and benefit from our Twitter accounts @LSCFTMedics and @LSCFTMedEd for examples of exciting developments and initiatives we’re working on. The Trust encourages professional growth and innovation in mental healthcare delivery.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Beyond the competitive salary and premia package, the position offers comprehensive NHS benefits including pension scheme, annual leave entitlement, sick pay, and continuous professional development opportunities. The Trust values work-life balance and supports flexible working arrangements where possible.
Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The Trust operates a smoke-free policy and provides a supportive environment for staff from diverse backgrounds.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for previous criminal convictions. International applicants must provide criminal record certificates from countries resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
UK Registration Requirements
All applicants must have current UK professional registration. For international medical professionals, we provide support through the registration process with the General Medical Council and help with understanding NHS career pathways.
Why Choose Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust?
We offer a unique opportunity to work in a modern facility with a supportive team environment. Our commitment to professional development, combined with our beautiful location and comprehensive support for international candidates, makes this an exceptional career opportunity for Consultant Psychiatrists seeking to advance their careers in the UK healthcare system.
How to Prepare Your Application
We encourage candidates to review all supporting documents thoroughly and tailor their applications to demonstrate how their skills and experience align with the person specification. International applicants should highlight their relevant experience and enthusiasm for working within the UK NHS system.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to take the next step in your psychiatric career with a forward-thinking NHS Trust that values international talent and offers comprehensive relocation and sponsorship support, we encourage you to apply through the NHS Jobs website before the closing date of 13 October 2025.
