Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Consultant Psychiatrist - General Adult Acute, Hastings (£45k RRP)
The closing date is 19 July 2026

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust as a Consultant Psychiatrist working at the Woodlands Acute Care Unit in Hastings, East Sussex. The post holder will be split between the 2 adult wards at the unit:

• Abbey Ward - 14 bed female acute ward
• Castle Ward - 9 bed male acute ward

This opportunity is available following the retirement of a consultant psychiatrist within the team. The post holder will work closely with Senior Managers and other consultants to contribute towards local service development.

This job attracts a newly enhanced Recruitment and Retention package of £45,000 structured over a three-year period as follows:
o£15,000 payable upon successful recruitment
o£10,000 payable at 12 months' service
o£10,000 payable at 24 months' service
o£10,000 payable at 36 months' service

The Recruitment and Retention payment is pro rata for part time employees. If you would like further information, or to know the full terms of the Recruitment and Retention Payment and/or the Relocation Allowance, then please do not hesitate to contact our Medical HR Team via spft.medicalhr@nhs.net

Main duties of the job
You will work with a highly specialist multi-disciplinary team to provide in-patient care consisting of a Specialty Doctor, Clinical Psychologists, Nurse's, Support Workers and an Occupational Therapist.

You will be based in a friendly team environment and will have your own office space with access to a locker. You will also have access to a dedicated administrator.

On appointment you will have the opportunity to join the Trust wide consultant network as well as having access to peer support from colleagues here in East Sussex.

About us
Perhaps you have not decided yet and want to discuss your individual interests in working at Sussex Partnership? Although this job is advertised as a 10 PA post, if you want to discuss different working hours or flexible working please pick up the phone and talk to us! We want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how our jobs can work for you.

If you have neither lived or worked in Sussex before then please consider the following:

• Journey from the coast to the countryside in minutes
• A lifestyle including renowned cycle routes and picturesque walks, including the famous South Downs Way in the South Downs National Park
• Discovering the 140+ miles of scenic and historic Sussex coastline
• Easy access to airports - Gatwick and Heathrow are both close to the county, providing worldwide transport links

The Trust aims to realise the potential of everyone who uses its services and to enable staff to do a great job. Sussex Partnership has teaching status with close links to Brighton & Sussex Medical School and is developing into one of the country's leading Mental Health Trusts. Working with us offers continued professional development, variety and a rewarding challenge.

Details
Date posted: 29 June 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Salary: £113,565 to £150,569 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 354-AE-20504-AAD
Job locations: Woodlands Acute Care Centre, The Ridge, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7PT, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Manage the inpatient admissions, team meetings, supervision of team members.
• Management of complex cases.
• Clinical leadership of team.
• Role in assessment of referrals/admissions.
• Care plan and treatment formulation, guidance on evidence-based treatment and effectiveness.
• Liaison and collaborative working with other services/agencies.
• Mental Health Act implementation.
• Multi-disciplinary, multi-agency and partnership working

Please note the Job Description is still with the Royal College for approval. If there are any small changes we will ensure all applicants receive the final version before interview.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.

Desirable

• Qualification or higher degree in medical education, clinical research or management.
• MRCPsych
• Additional clinical qualifications.

Eligibility
Essential

• Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment.

Clinical skills, knowledge & experience
Essential

• Excellent knowledge in specialty
• Excellent clinical skills using bio-psycho-social perspective and wide medical knowledge
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Able to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty
• Makes decisions based on evidence and experience including the contribution of others
• Able to meet duties under MHA and MCA

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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 (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Woodlands Acute Care Centre, The Ridge, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7PT, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:
Lead Psychiatrist - East Sussex Acute Services
Dr Richard Hoile
richardhoile@nhs.net