Visa Information
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. Please note that having a certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must verify their eligibility with the UK Visas and Immigration authorities and confirm all requirements with the employer before applying. The employer cannot sponsor GMC registration.
Job Overview
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age to join their community-based team serving the Sunderland area. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified psychiatrists seeking to relocate to the UK with the support of a certificate of sponsorship.
The Trust is committed to providing the BEST CARE, delivered by the BEST PEOPLE, to achieve the BEST OUTCOME. As a Consultant Psychiatrist, you will work closely with an established community older adult mental health team and provide senior expertise in assessment and treatment of older adults referred with psychiatric and behavioral concerns.
The Sunderland Community Mental Health Team is based at Monkwearmouth Hospital, and you will have good links with other consultant colleagues within older adult services. Currently, there are 4 consultants and a specialty doctor working within the Sunderland community, with another specialty doctor joining the team in the short term.
Benefits and Relocation Support
CNTW offers an attractive benefits package for international relocating consultants:
- Up to £8,000 relocation package
- 30 days study leave (every 3 years) with a generous study leave allowance
- Flexible working opportunities created with your input on your job plan
- Remote working available as suits service needs
- Dedicated and protected SPA (Specialist Professional Association) time
- Focus on creating a healthy workforce with comprehensive wellbeing support
- Teaching and research opportunities
- Stimulating CPD sessions and programs including mentoring, medical leadership, and coaching
- Teaching opportunities in the brand-new state-of-the-art Medical Education Centre
- Employee Excellence Awards
When you work for CNTW, you will join a Trust that has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC and is ranked 1st nationally in the GMC trainer survey for the support provided to trainers.
Location and Lifestyle
The Trust is located in Northeast England and Cumbria, an area of outstanding natural beauty containing national parks, ancient heritage sites, and major cities supported by excellent national and international transport links. The area is predominantly rural and contains the Lake District National Park, considered one of England’s finest areas of natural beauty.
Sunderland itself offers a vibrant city experience with excellent amenities, affordable housing, and good schools. The region combines the benefits of urban living with access to stunning countryside and coastal areas.
Main Duties
As a Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age, your main responsibilities will include:
- Providing medical assessment, diagnosis, and formulation for patients with functional and cognitive illness referred to the Elderly Care Community Mental Health Team in Sunderland
- Assessing and making recommendations under the Mental Health Act and fulfilling the duties of Responsible Clinician as appropriate
- Providing or ensuring referral to appropriate services for up-to-date, evidence-based interventions for patients under your care
- Collaborating with GPs, hospital doctors, and primary care clinicians regarding the physical healthcare of patients under your care
- Providing leadership, consultation, advice, and guidance to the Community Mental Health Team
- Working collaboratively with colleagues in other specialist mental health teams
- Taking a lead role with the Team Manager, Clinical Leads, and other colleagues in service improvements and development
- Contributing to the ongoing training and development program within community teams
- Training and supervising junior medical staff if interested and seeking approval as Educational/Clinical Supervisor
- Leading, collaborating, and advising on research and audit projects within the clinical governance agenda
- Completing administrative tasks necessary for the fulfillment of the clinical role
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Training
- MBBS (or equivalent)
- Included on GMC Specialist Register (General Psychiatry) or eligible for inclusion, or a trainee within six months of CCT
- Approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983
- Approved Clinician Status
Desirable Qualifications and Training
- MRCPsych or equivalent qualification
- Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field
- Has undergone training in educational supervision
- Has undergone training in appraisal
Essential Knowledge
- Up-to-date knowledge in the field of Psychiatry
- Awareness of current issues and controversies in service provision, mental health policy, and legislation
Desirable Knowledge
- An area of special interest relevant to the post as demonstrated by publications or presentations to learned societies
Essential Experience
- Experience of multidisciplinary team working
- Wide clinical experience in general adult psychiatry in different clinical settings
- Experience of Clinical Audit
Desirable Experience
- Experience in multiagency work especially with service users, carers, and voluntary agencies
- Experience in service management or development
Essential Skills
- High level of clinical skills
- Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Proven competence in diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders in Adult Psychiatry
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent teaching skills
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a time-efficient manner
Desirable Skills
- Established record of clinical leadership
- Established ability as a clinical teacher
- Training in specific and relevant treatment skills, e.g., a brief form of psychological therapy
Essential Personal Characteristics
- Able to sustain self and support others
- Trustworthiness
- Able to meet the mobility requirements of the post
- Maturity, openness, and flexibility
Application Process
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 263-COM25-024
- Complete the online application form, ensuring you provide all required information
- Submit your application before the closing date of 17 November 2025
- For any questions about the application process, contact Dr Suzy Guirguis (Associate Medical Director) at suzy.guirguis@cntw.nhs.uk or call 07711292879
How to Apply (International Applicants)
For international applicants seeking to relocate to the UK:
- Verify your eligibility for a UK Skilled Worker visa with the UK Visas and Immigration website
- Prepare your CV, qualifications, professional references, and GMC registration documents
- Include a cover letter highlighting your interest in working in the UK and your relevant experience in old age psychiatry
- Ensure you have all required documentation for criminal record checks from any countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Contact the employer before applying to confirm your eligibility and any specific requirements
Supporting Documents
The following documents are available to download:
- Job Description.pdf (PDF, 795 KB)
- Flexible Working.pdf (PDF, 255 KB)
We recommend reviewing these documents carefully before submitting your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please see the NHS Careers website page on working in the UK as an overseas health professional.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact:
- Dr Suzy Guirguis (Associate Medical Director)
- Email: suzy.guirguis@cntw.nhs.uk
- Phone: 07711292879
Employer Details
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust
Monkwearmouth Hospital
Sunderland
Postcode: SR5 1NB
For more information about the Trust, please visit: https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/
Privacy Notice
Please review Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice at https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/foi/data-protection/#employee-fair-processing-notices