Consultant Psych MHLT (Ipswich Hospital)
The closing date is 31 August 2026

Job summary
The exciting role of Associate Medical Director for East Suffolk Locality would also be considered for the right candidate, if the candidate was interested in a leadership development opportunity

• All of our substantive Consultant vacancies attract a 'New Starter' package of £15,000 spread over 3 years as a recruitment bonus
• All new starters receive up to £12,000 relocation package
• CPD is being paid at the higher level of £2000 per annum with the facility accumulating annual funding for up to three years to accommodate accessing higher cost development opportunities
• 'Holiday of a lifetime scheme': Consultants and Specialty Doctors can bank/accrue annual leave over a period of up to 5 years, to facilitate an extended period of leave. The scheme enables the opportunity for planning a 'holiday of a lifetime' or extended paid break

We are delighted to offer the opportunity for a Consultant Psychiatrist to join our Mental Health Liaison Team at Ipswich Hospital.

You will play a key role in the multi-disciplinary team, as a clinical leader, in the care of people with complex needs, through your expertise and innovative approach, in a team committed to continuous improvement.

As Consultant Psychiatrist you will also support aftercare for people receiving support under the Mental Health Act, as Responsible Clinician under Section 12.

The people we serve, and their families and carers are at the centre of all aspects of all we do.

Main duties of the job
The post holder provides medical input to an existing Mental Health Liaison team to provide medical leadership, Team advice and guidance and medical consultation to our service users. Both full time and part time applicants are encouraged to apply.

As part of STP investment, a 24/7 telephone access to a trained mental health crisis response team and Core 24 service was established which will offer access to people of all ages to enquire about support for themselves or for family and friends if they are in crisis. Some of these crisis presents themselves at A&E which is managed by Mental Health Liaison Team.

The team is an all-age team, with additional Consultant medical input for under 18 pathways. The post holder will be providing support to adult patients and 18 plus pathway.

The post holder is appointed as a senior professional to provide advanced professional expertise and clinical leadership. As such, the post holder is always expected to conduct him/herself in such a manner as to be demonstrably helping the Trust to deliver its strategic and business objectives, and to act as an ambassador at the interface with external partners and stakeholders. At no time must the post holder bring the Trust into disrepute.

Additionally, the post-holder, as is expected from the holder of a senior public position, must always comply fully with the Nolan Principles and the Standards of Business Conduct.

About us
We can offer a unique opportunity to balance your life with your work and have a voice which is truly heard. We will inspire you and support you to achieve your very full potential.

We are also offering:

• Up to £12k relocation expenses
• Access to £2000 per annum professional development budget
• Dedicated SPA time of up to 25% of working hours
• Paid study leave (on application and approval) in addition to CPD
• Potential of extra PA for DCC with requisite pay per PA
• Ability to apply for Clinical Excellence Awards
• Inclusion on the Consultant on-call rota for the higher level with 3%, 5% or 8% requisite pay depending on frequency
• NHS benefits package including contributory pension, redundancy. Including paid annual leave, sick leave and maternity leave.
• Appraisals and revalidation completed by the Trust
• Friendly Colleagues
• Encouragement and support for areas of special interest
• Subsidised gyms and free physio service
• We have a strong education reputation and close ties with both The University of Cambridge and The University of East Anglia
• Well established county wide teaching program
• Access and encouragement to partake in research and a well-established research network within the Trust
• Support for Quality Improvement, Audit and Service development
• Forward thinking, clinically lead and innovative trust
• Flexibility can be considered for a degree of remote working

Details
Date posted: 04 August 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Salary: £113,565 to £150,569 a year gross per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 246-MESU7879867-C
Job locations: Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, IP4 5PD, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
For further information please see attached full Job Description and Person Specification.
Dr Sohail Abrar - sohail.abrar@nsft.nhs.uk

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Entry on the GMC register with Licence to practise
• Section 12(2) Approved under the Mental Health Act (MHA)
• Approved Clinician Status
• Specialist Register or within 6 months of CCST

Experience
Essential

• 6 months experience in specific specialty
• 3 years or equivalent medical experience
• Evidence of knowledge of diagnosis, treatment + management of complex mental illness

Teaching
Essential

• Experience of supervising junior medical staff
• Teaching and presentation skills

Clinical Governance
Essential

• A clear understanding of Clinical Governance
• Demonstrate a commitment to open review of practice

Attributes
Essential

• Effective team working
• Leadership qualities
• Flexibility
• Driving Licence/able to travel independently
• Research

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Locality Medical Director
Dan Poulter
daniel.poulter@nsft.nhs.uk

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and 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.

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.