Job Summary
Hywel Dda University Health Board is seeking a dedicated Locum Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry to join our Ceredigion Community Mental Health team in Aberystwyth, West Wales. This is an exceptional opportunity for international medical professionals looking to relocate to the United Kingdom, as we offer Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates. The position provides a fixed-term contract for 12 months with competitive NHS consultant salary and the chance to work within a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment.
About Hywel Dda University Health Board
Hywel Dda University Health Board is the primary planner and provider of NHS healthcare services for people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. Our organization employs over 11,000 dedicated staff members who deliver comprehensive healthcare services to approximately 384,000 people across a quarter of Wales’ landmass. We operate in partnership with local authorities and public, private, and third-sector colleagues, including our valued volunteers.
Our Healthcare Network
Our extensive healthcare network includes four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli, and Withybush General in Haverfordwest. Additionally, we operate seven community hospitals across the region and maintain 48 general practices, 47 dental practices, 99 community pharmacies, and numerous mental health and learning disabilities service locations.
Position Details
Job Title: Locum Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry
Location: Ceredigion Community Mental Health team, Enlli Unit, Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth SY23 1ER
Salary: £121,264 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed-term (12 months)
Working Pattern: Full-time
Reference Number: 100-MED-MHLD-195-L3
Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
Certificate of Sponsorship
We welcome applications from international job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information about UK visa requirements, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Job Description
Main Duties and Responsibilities
This sector-based pathway service role encompasses comprehensive patient care across the entire treatment spectrum. You will be responsible for initial assessment at the referral stage (whether in patients’ homes, care homes, or clinic settings), multidisciplinary team-based formulation of risk and treatment plans, ongoing management of later life mental health episodes, and clinical leadership for admissions to the older adults mental health ward.
Clinical Leadership
The successful candidate will work within a geographical sector model, responsible for assessment and management of clients referred to the Community Mental Health Team. For patients admitted to the older persons psychiatric in-patient unit, you will direct their care and fulfill the Responsible Clinician role. Knowledge and experience of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act are essential requirements.
Legal Framework Competence
The Mental Health (Wales) Measure will form a crucial part of your work. If unfamiliar with this legislation, you will be expected to become competent in its application. Section 12 MHA approval and Approved Clinician status are expected qualifications for this role.
Service Scope and Collaboration
Our service assesses and manages both functional and organic disorders in later life. We maintain a pragmatic approach to transitions and boundaries through close working relationships with our General Adult services colleagues. Patients known to your service who require admission to General Hospital will remain under your team’s care, with support from the local mental health liaison service.
Academic Opportunities
The successful candidate will be eligible to hold an Honorary Academic title at a partner university, participating in undergraduate teaching (including acting as an examiner) and supporting research activities. The agreement defining honorary academic responsibilities and associated programmed activities will be negotiated jointly between the post holder, university, and Health Board.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
• Full GMC Registration and Licence to Practice
• Approved under Section 12(2) MHA 1983
• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• Section 12 MHA and Approved Clinician status
Desirable Qualifications
• Appropriate Higher Degree (MD, PhD, or MSc or equivalent)
• On Specialist Register with GMC or CCT due within 6 months of interview date
• Portfolio Pathway (CESR) or equivalent European Qualifications for Specialist Registration
• MRCPsych or FRCPsych or equivalent psychiatric qualification
Essential Clinical Experience
• Broad based experience in Old Age Psychiatry
• Knowledge of UK hospital systems (or equivalent)
• Knowledge of Care Home In-reach services
• Knowledge of Old Age Psychiatric Liaison
• Knowledge and participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable Clinical Experience
• Experience working within the NHS
• Wider experience, research, and training in providing sub-specialty services
• Membership of the British Geriatrics Society
• Additional clinical qualifications relevant to psychiatry
Additional Requirements
Clinical Governance
Evidence of participation in clinical audit and quality improvement project work, demonstrating understanding of their role in improving medical practice. Knowledge of risk management principles is desirable.
Research Experience
Experience and knowledge of critical appraisal of evidence to improve clinical outcomes. Evidence of initiating, progressing, and concluding research projects with publication is desirable, as is holding a research degree.
Teaching Experience
Evidence of organizing programmes and teaching medical students and junior doctors. Experience in organizing further teaching programmes in medical education and “Training the Trainers” experience are desirable qualifications.
Management Knowledge
Knowledge of the management and structure of the NHS is essential. Evidence of formal management training is considered desirable for this consultant position.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. As such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration Requirements
All applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information about registration requirements for overseas health professionals, please see the NHS Careers website.
Working Environment and Culture
We pride ourselves on our culture of mutual respect and cooperation across service and specialty boundaries. The Older Adults Mental Health Service Consultant role provides an opportunity to live and work in beautiful West Wales as part of a caring and committed team delivering high-quality services to our later life population.
Professional Development
We welcome and support colleagues to develop their areas of special interest—whether clinical, academic, research, or managerial in nature. Our health board has a very strong record of consultant retention and provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and development.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website. Please ensure you complete all required sections of the application form and attach relevant supporting documents. The closing date for applications is 28 September 2025.
Supporting Documents
Required supporting documents include: Job Description & Person Specification (JD & PS.docx), Further Particulars Form (FRF.docx), and Portfolio Pathway information (Portfolio Pathway.pdf). These documents are available for download from the NHS Jobs listing.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact:
Dr Graham O’Connor
Consultant Psychiatrist
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01267 674046
Relocation Support
While specific relocation packages are not detailed in this posting, we encourage international applicants to discuss relocation considerations during the application process. Aberystwyth offers an excellent quality of life with beautiful coastal scenery, vibrant cultural activities, and good transport links.
Why Choose Hywel Dda University Health Board?
Working with Hywel Dda University Health Board offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference in patients’ lives while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of West Wales. We provide a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work within a collaborative multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.
Equal Opportunities Employer
Hywel Dda University Health Board is committed to equality and diversity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from international medical professionals seeking to develop their careers within the UK NHS system.
