JOB TITLE: Consultant (Psychiatry)

DEPARTMENT: Psychiatry

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Head of Psychiatry Department

Primary objective of the job:

·      Provide a high quality of consultancy services to patients in a respectful, safe, and compassionate environment.

·      Work under the direction of and reports to the Head of Department (HOD).

·      Required to respond and liaise with the Head of Department pertaining to work in progress and on day-to-day matters.

Number of persons managed/ supervised and their positions:

·      Direct reports as per the approved Organizational Structure

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

·      Direct, co-ordinate, and provide clinical care to patients suffering from a range of mental health problems and provide a good standard of practice and care.

·      Provide patient care via outpatient and bedside consultations, inpatient rounds, both routine and  emergency.

·      Decide on suitable psychiatric treatment plans for patients, to include a mix of psychological, medical and social interventions in conjunction with other health professionals

·      Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.

·      To assess and clerk patients from the Emergency Department.

·      Admit patients and perform interventions independently as per privileges bestowed upon them as  per the hospital’s policy.

·      Conduct daily in-patient rounds independently and with relevant multi-disciplinary team members (Junior Physicians, social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors).

·      Work closely with and lead where required, a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, including psychiatric nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists.

·      Verify the examination findings & medication orders written by the Junior Physicians.

·      Mention date, time, name, and signature against all entries in the medical records.

·      Countersign any verbal order given to Junior Doctors as and when needed.

·      Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan to the patient, patient’s family and the collaborating physicians.

·      Communicate to all relevant parties, including the patient, nursing personnel and Junior Physicians about the transfer of care to another consultant physician and ensure the required documentation is entered in the patient’s chart.

·      Instruct the nursing staff about the necessary orders to be carried out.

·      Ensure Informed Consent is obtained prior to the provision of care.

·      Prepare the discharge summary and explain the necessary instructions to be followed by the patient/ attenders after discharge.

·      Maintenance of continuous measurement and reporting in terms of - access, discharge, service provision and clinical care.

·      Attend to patient’s complaints reported by junior physicians/nursing staff as        required.

·      Receive and respond to referrals from clinicians in a timely manner.

·      Share responsibility for data protection arising out of the use of computers and maintain good practices in the handling of confidential information.

·      Ensure that medical documentation and charting is written in a legible and professional manner. Supervise the documentation done by junior doctors.

·      Participate in the development of psychiatric care treatment protocols and guidelines.

·      Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with medical colleagues in other specialties and participate in regular clinical meetings and other activities.

·      Responsible for the supervision and development of Junior doctors in the specialty.

·      Refer patients to other specialties when their condition exceeds expertise, or scope of practice.

·      Collaborate with other health professionals to reduce the incidence of medical errors and adverse outcomes.

·      Contribute to and promote the patient’s safety agenda.

·      Coordinating with other departments for ease of operations.

·      Participate in departmental staff meetings and communicate patient care issues to the management.

·      Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

·      Ensure that there is total adherence to infection control policies and practices.

·      Participate in relevant committees as assigned.

·      Prepare police and/or coroner’s reports as required.

·      Ensure participation and commitment in the different quality improvement, risk management and patient safety activities in the hospitals.

·      Contribute to achieving and maintaining key performance indicators for the department.

·      Engage actively in the clinical audit and other clinical governance processes.

·      Participate in and facilitate production of all data/information required to validate delivery of duties and functions and inform the planning and management of service delivery.

·      Ensure the adequacy and accuracy of patient records.

·      Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care in accordance with the current best practices and national guidelines.

·      Participate in the unit’s strategic approach towards education, training, and development, while considering the requirements of each staff, service requirements, and the availability of in-house and commissioned education programmes.

·      Engage in research activities when opportunities arise and ensure the use of evidence-based practice within the department/unit.

·      Provide teaching and oversight to medical students and junior physicians in the care and treatment of patients and performance of required procedures.

·      Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations.

·      Provide on call/ emergency duties as required.

·      Perform additional duties as required and assigned by the HOD.

Academic qualifications and experience required for job:

·      Registered Medical Practitioner with the St. Lucia Medical & Dental Council.

·      Postgraduate qualification in Psychiatry from a recognized institution.

·      Preferred minimum of 3 years or more of working experience as Consultant in Psychiatry in hospital setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·      Extensive knowledge of physiology, psychology, pharmacology and mental health law as well as national and  international trends in the provision of psychiatric services.

·      Sound verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

·      Advanced ability to collaborate with colleagues and maintain mutual trust and respect with peers and patients.

·      Ability to foster effective relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

·      Experience in the implementation of change management within a complex clinical department, including strategic planning skills.

·      Great attention to detail with excellent analytical skills.

·      Ability to think and act quickly in a stressful environment.

·      Advanced knowledge of safety regulations and emergency response skills.