Visa Note
While this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates, applicants must verify their specific visa eligibility and requirements directly with the employer. Immigration policies can change, and individual circumstances may affect eligibility. We recommend contacting the employer early in the application process to discuss sponsorship details.
Job Summary
Hywel Dda University Health Board is seeking a Specialist Grade Doctor in General Adult Psychiatry to join our Mental Health Services in North Ceredigion. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced psychiatrists to work in a dynamic environment with a supportive team while making a significant impact on mental health services in mid and west Wales.
Position Details
Company: Hywel Dda University Health Board
Location: Gorwelion Day Hospital, Llanbadarn Road, Abertystwyth, SY23 1HB
Salary: £100,870 to £111,442 per annum
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time position
Language: English
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
About the Role
We are looking for a Specialist Grade Doctor with 12 years postgraduate experience, including 6 years in Psychiatry. Candidates with experience in Learning Disabilities, Old Age, and Adult Psychiatry are particularly encouraged to apply. This position offers an opportunity to work with patients with severe and enduring mental illness while being part of a team that has won national recognition for improving adult mental health services.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the assessment and management of community patients and CMHT inpatients. You’ll remain closely involved with patient care in associated wards and provide effective clinical leadership within the multidisciplinary team. Other responsibilities include acting as an expert decision maker, communicating effectively with patients and their families, and managing patients with complex needs.
Clinical Duties
As a Specialist Grade Doctor, you’ll conduct thorough assessments, promote evidence-based clinical practice, and communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and carers. You’ll place patients at the centre of the care pathway and manage those with complex needs. The role requires working effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team and taking full clinical responsibility for your decisions.
Leadership and Development
You’ll contribute senior clinical input to the modernisation and development of General Adult Psychiatry services. The position includes opportunities to lead and supervise teams, demonstrate initiative and resilience in changing circumstances, and use logical thinking to solve problems. You’ll also participate in the development of teaching, training, and research within the organisation.
About Hywel Dda University Health Board
Hywel Dda University Health Board serves the population of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. With approximately 11,000 staff members, we provide comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, community services, hospital care, mental health services, and learning disabilities services for around 384,000 people across a quarter of Wales’s landmass.
Our Healthcare Facilities
Our health board operates four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli, and Withybush General in Haverfordwest. We also manage seven community hospitals across the region, 48 general practices, 47 dental practices, 99 community pharmacies, and numerous health centers providing specialized services.
Mental Health Services
Our Mental Health Transformation Programme has established us as a proactive member of the International Mental Health Collaborating Network. In 2015, we formed an International Twinning Collaboration with Trieste Mental Health Service Department in Italy, enabling staff exchange programmes, mentoring, and collaborative training opportunities.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential qualifications include full registration and a License to Practice with the General Medical Council, valid Advanced Life Support certification, MRCPsych or equivalent higher qualification, and Section 12 Approval. You must be willing to obtain AC Approved Clinician status within 12 months of starting.
Essential Experience
Candidates must have a minimum of 12 years’ experience since primary medical qualification with at least 6 years in psychiatry. You should demonstrate evidence of team leadership, change management, quality improvement, and previous NHS experience. Teaching experience and engagement with current research are also required.
Desirable Qualifications
Additional clinical qualifications and AC Approved Clinician Status are considered desirable. Higher teaching qualifications and evidence of research engagement may strengthen your application. Candidates with experience across multiple psychiatry specialties (LD, Old Age, and Adult) are particularly encouraged to apply.
Professional Development
We offer robust support systems for professional growth through our Portfolio Pathway programme. Many of our senior medics have successfully completed this pathway to become substantive consultants. We provide comprehensive mentoring and support, with all sub-specialty core curriculum covered within our service.
Teaching and Research Opportunities
Our Psychiatry department is the flagship for Portfolio Pathway development, with a philosophy of growing our own talent. We offer dedicated time for pathway activities embedded in job planning. Our comprehensive support system includes experienced consultants serving as Portfolio Pathway Leads and Royal College Pathway Assessors.
Why Work With Us
If you’re seeking a friendly and supportive team environment where you can work with diverse mental health conditions in a beautiful rural location with excellent work-life balance, this is the ideal opportunity. We value collaborative working and encourage professional development through various training courses and learning opportunities.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 100-MED-SG-006-D. Complete the application form and ensure you include all relevant documentation that demonstrates your qualifications and experience.
Application Requirements
International applicants should verify their eligibility for sponsorship early in the process. Required documents include proof of GMC registration, qualifications, evidence of psychiatry experience, and any relevant certifications. Contact Dr Warren Lloyd, Associate Medical Director, at [email protected] or 01267674124 with any questions about the application process.
VISA and Immigration Support
The employer offers certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates. From April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from countries where they have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement. For detailed guidance, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check to verify any previous criminal convictions. All successful applicants will need to undergo this clearance process before commencing employment.
Professional Registration
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration. For further information about UK registration requirements, please consult the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals. The employer can provide guidance on the registration process for international candidates.
Contact Information
For questions about the job or the application process, please contact Dr Warren Lloyd, Associate Medical Director, at [email protected] or call 01267674124. Additional information about Hywel Dda University Health Board is available at https://hduhb.nhs.wales/.
Equal Opportunities
Hywel Dda University Health Board is committed to equality and diversity in employment. All applications will be considered based on merit alone, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
Privacy Notice
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Hywel Dda University Health Board’s privacy notice is available at https://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/employment-services/employment-services-documents/service-privacy-notices-gdpr/nwssp-recruitment-services-privacy-notice/.
