Specialty Grade Doctor Old Age Liaison Psychiatry

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We are excited to invite applications for a dynamic role within our Older Adult Liaison Psychiatry team, part of the wider Old Age Psychiatry family in Ayrshire and Arran. In this position, you will provide acute senior medical cover within University Hospital, Ayr, and share responsibility—under consultant supervision—for a proportion of acute inpatients. This role is pivotal in enhancing the mental health of patients across two district general hospitals (University Hospital Ayr and University Hospital Crosshouse) and several community hospitals, including Biggart, East Ayrshire, Ayrshire Central (with Woodland View Inpatient Unit), and Girvan.

Key Responsibilities

Acute Clinical Cover: Deliver senior medical cover in an acute old-age liaison psychiatry setting at University Hospital, Ayr, focusing on the 65+ age group

Collaborative Care: Work closely with the existing Old Age Liaison Consultant and form an integral part of a proactive, multidisciplinary team.

About

About Our Team and Environment Join a well-established Older Adult Acute Liaison Team that is increasingly recognized for its expansion into a multidisciplinary hospital-based mental health service. Our collaborative environment includes:

A dedicated Dementia Nurse Consultant (jointly funded by NHS Ayrshire and Arran, University of the West of Scotland, and Alzheimer Scotland).

A robust nursing team (six WTE Band 6 Hospital Liaison Nurses, two WTE Band 5 Nurses, and a 1 WTE equivalent team leader with admin support).

A 1 WTE Hospital Liaison ANP, an Occupational Therapist Development Post, and sessional input from a psychologist.

Regular consultant peer group meetings, internal teaching, and a strong support network emphasize continuous professional development. There is also potential for the successful candidate, with Educational Supervisor approval, to supervise trainees. You will be fully equipped with a dedicated office and current IT facilities (including remote access).

Opportunities for Professional Growth

Portfolio Pathway Development: We are actively developing Portfolio Pathway Tutor roles and are keen to explore opportunities for candidates interested in pioneering this initiative.

Teaching and Training: Protected time is allocated within the job plan to facilitate teaching and training, ensuring continuous growth and development within a supportive environment.

Apply Now If you are a committed, forward-thinking clinician with a passion for improving mental health outcomes for older adults and thrive within a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting, we would love to hear from you.

For further details and application instructions, please contact Dr Ben Chetcuti, Clinical Director Liaison Psychiatry on 01563826121 or Dr Debbie Browne, Deputy Medical Director on 01563 578646.