Consultant – Older Adults

The Consultant in Older Adult Psychiatry is responsible for delivering high-quality specialist mental health services for older people across North London. As a key contributor to clinical excellence, the Consultant ensures safe, effective, and compassionate care while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

The position requires advanced clinical reasoning, autonomous decision-making, and a strong commitment to evidence-based practice. Core responsibilities include comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and formulation, development and implementation of care and treatment plans, monitoring clinical outcomes, maintaining detailed medical records, and contributing to governance, audit, and service-improvement initiatives.

The Consultant actively participates in multidisciplinary meetings, training sessions, clinical discussions, and quality-enhancement programmes designed to improve patient experience and overall service delivery. Professionalism, empathy, resilience, and adaptability are essential—particularly when managing complex needs, cognitive disorders, frailty, comorbid physical and mental health issues, and safeguarding concerns.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Consultant provides leadership across the service, offering supervision, guidance, and support to junior doctors and multidisciplinary staff. The role also includes contributing to teaching, training, and continuous professional development to maintain high clinical standards. The Consultant must be able to manage complex caseloads, prioritise effectively, and remain calm in fast-paced or high-pressure settings.

The role requires adherence to all clinical governance frameworks, safeguarding policies, and regulatory standards while promoting a culture of safety, dignity, and respect. Strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and initiative further enhance the Consultant’s contribution to service effectiveness.

A strong patient-centred approach and excellent interpersonal skills underpin this role, ensuring that care delivery aligns with organisational values and supports the wider mental health mission across North London. The position demands ongoing professional development, adaptability, teamwork, and a consistent commitment to delivering high-quality care for older adults.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver safe, effective, high‑quality clinical services.
• Conduct assessments and develop patient‑centred treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to clinical guidelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Support service development and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in training, teaching, and supervision where appropriate.
• Uphold safeguarding, governance, and regulatory standards.

Key Requirements:

• Relevant professional qualification and registration.
• Experience in the specialty of practice.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage workloads.
• Commitment to evidence‑based and patient‑centred care.
• Understanding of clinical governance and risk management.
• Professionalism, reliability, and problem‑solving skills.