The functional elderly inpatient unit (Dove Ward) is an 10 bedded assessment unit based at Blossomwood, mental health unit, Kingsmill Hospital.  There is an inpatient consultant who will be the responsible clinician for the patients.

As well as RMN staff, there is input from Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy Services. The trainee will become a key part of the multidisciplinary team for the ward. The postholder will work alongside another trainee.   There is a Core Trainee attached to Dove ward. 

The post holder will work as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team.  They will clerk new admissions, assess mental and physical states, obtain collateral histories and liaise with colleagues in other teams.  The ward provides an invaluable opportunity to improve skills in the assessment of a range of psychopathologies; complete risk assessments; undertake complex capacity assessments; consider the interface between physical and mental healthcare in planning care; and liaising with the multi-disciplinary team.

The post holder will alongside an MPAC (multi professional approved clinician), Dr David Connelly. Dr Connelly will share the responsibility for patients on the ward and will provide cover on the days the Consultant is not on the ward. He is on the ward for two and half days and will take overall responsibility for 6 patients.

The post holder will be expected to work with a well-established, cohesive and enthusiastic MDT to maintain a high standard of clinical care for our patients.

The ward operates a ‘Red, Amber, Green’ system for patient management and facilitating discharge. This meeting helps the MDT review the progress and risks of every patient, provides an opportunity for the MDT to discuss treatment plans and allocate any tasks. The Consultant Psychiatrist is expected to attend this meeting wherever possible. They are required to review any new admissions to the ward to determine the holistic treatment strategy and then continue to review these patients regularly to monitor their progress. They are also expected to attend any relevant patient meetings (e.g. Admission/Discharge Planning Meetings, CPAs, etc.) and maintain good relationships with patients families and carers. The Consultant Psychiatrist will also assess and treat their patients in line with evidence based clinical; practice and in keeping with the Trust clinical pathways and governance procedures. The Consultant will model good prescribing practices for this patient group in line with national guidance. The Consultant Psychiatrist will be the named clinical supervisor for a core trainee.