Description of placement
This is a small, friendly service covering a population whose demography and social characteristics contrast with those of inner city areas. Services in West Lancashire are now part of Lancashire Care NHS Trust. District is mixed urban/rural, (total population c.110,000, >65 c.10,000) – 3 Consultants in General Adult and 1 in Old Age Psychiatry.

Central Sector CMHT covers GP based population c.30,000 including c.3,000 students resident on University College Campus. Team comprises:- Consultant and SHO, 1.5 nurses, 1.5 occupational therapists, 0.5 psychologist, psychiatric social work input, plus 2 occupational assistants, supported by Assertive Outreach Service and Community Support Team. In-patient beds at Ormskirk Hospital – 28 acute beds and 4 PICU beds. Rehab places available in nearby hostel in Birkdale. Eating Disorder Team and Multidisciplinary Assessment Team for clients on Enhanced ECC Care Plan.

The role of the trainee
The SpR will be involved in the general clinical work of the CMHT and with in-patients. (2 out-patient clinics weekly, 2 new assessments and follow-ups). There would be opportunity to take an interest in PICU/AOS or Liaison Psychiatry or Student Mental Health. The SpR would have opportunity to see emergency presentations to AED/Community etc and would participate in the Senior on-call rota with Consultant cover (1 in 8). The SpR will be encouraged to participate in management and clinical governance/audit and to pursue a research topic.

On call commitment
Participation in Consultants On Call Rota (with consultant as back up). Supervision of emergency work of SHOs, Mental Health Act Assessments etc. Currently Consultants participate in a 1 in 4 rota, and the SpR would not be expected to be on call more frequently then 1 in 8.

Supervision
The SpR will receive 1:1 supervision on weekly basis with trainer. There are separate supervision arrangements for Liaison Psychiatry and Dynamic Psychotherapy supervision can be arranged on site.

Audit and research opportunities
The SpR would be able to participate in any projects within the Community Trust or jointly with the Acute Trust, or could carry out an audit project of their choice. Support is available from the Trust Clinical Governance Unit. Previous Junior Doctors have been invited to present their Audit Projects at College meetings etc.

Special interest sessions available
1) Liaison Psychiatry.
2) Student Mental Health
3) PICU/Assertive Outreach

Academic/teaching Duties
Participation in weekly case conference/journal club and General Hospital clinical meeting. Clinical supervision of SHO. Participation in Induction Programmes for SHO’s in Psychiatry and SHO’s from other specialties.

Management training
Trainer has academic and practical experience in management. Opportunity to be involved in management issues within department through participation in meetings, working groups, involvement in drafting of business plans, policies etc. The SpR would be encouraged to attend relevant courses in Management.

Facilities
Office, PC and Internet/e-mail access.

Health and Safety Policy
The induction programme for the SpR will include safety issues, and the SpR would be expected to participate in a breakaway course during the post. The SpR will be expected to follow Trust safety policies particularly when working in the community and they will be provided with a mobile phone.