Specialty Doctor Psychiatrist- Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service

Job summary

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, cohesive service providing lifelong support from diagnosis onwards for people with dementia. We are recruiting a Substantive Specialty Doctor (6 sessions per week) to work within the North Bristol community team of the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service.

You will be supported to develop expertise in dementia diagnosis and management, with senior supervision available throughout the week. The role includes clinic assessments, home visits, liaison with service users and primary care, and Mental Health Act assessments where appropriate. The service focuses on admission avoidance and smooth transitions of care, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team.

You will provide senior clinical input to the North Bristol MDT, working closely with Dementia Practitioners and Dementia Navigators linked to GP practices. The wider MDT includes nursing, OT, social work, psychology and psychiatry colleagues. You will have access to neuropsychology, functional OT assessments, Cognitive Neurology and monthly neuroradiology meetings.

Referrals include diagnostic assessments and ongoing support, with medical input for more complex cases. You will participate in weekly MDT and diagnostic formulation meetings covering diagnosis, BPSD, risk and psychosocial needs. Full administrative support is provided, and prescribing is via recommendation to primary care, with community prescriptions available when appropriate.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide senior clinical input within the North Bristol community team, undertaking clinic assessments, home visits and contributing to diagnostic and management plans for people with dementia. They will work closely with Dementia Practitioners, Dementia Navigators and the wider MDT, offering medical support for more complex cases and participating in weekly MDT and diagnostic formulation meetings.

Duties include liaising with primary care, supporting risk management, contributing to the management of BPSD and helping to avoid unnecessary admissions while ensuring smooth transitions of care when needed. The role involves Mental Health Act assessments where appropriate and close collaboration with colleagues across nursing, OT, psychology and social work.

The post holder will have access to neuropsychology, functional OT assessments and Cognitive Neurology, with opportunities to present cases at monthly neuroradiology meetings. They will undertake joint and independent visits, provide telephone liaison for clinical queries and work with the team manager to support safe, effective community care. Full administrative support and senior medical supervision are available throughout the week.

Job responsibilities

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.