Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD)

Are you committed to helping us to safeguard patients subject to the Mental Health Act against inappropriate treatments?

When thinking about what drives you every day in your job, what keeps you motivated and passionate about your work what comes to mind? For 3000+ people at the CQC we end each day knowing that we have made a difference to the lives of those most in need in our communities.  We are looking for people who are caring and demonstrate integrity to join with us in our work to protect patients.  If you would like to help us make a positive impact in our service for patients within England, then read on.

The role of the Second Opinion Appointed Doctor…

 The role of SOAD is a challenging one which demands professional credibility, the ability to question decisions in a non-adversarial but firm style, and excellent negotiating and inter-personal skills. It will be necessary for you to be able to place decisions about medicine within the wider context of treatment, and you must be able to balance the interests of the patient against the need for treatment. The ability to employ independent judgement and to justify decisions in the face of potential external pressures is essential.

We are looking for consultant psychiatrists with a demonstrable commitment to a rights-based approach, in-depth knowledge and experience of psychiatry in a variety of clinical settings, and considerable experience of working with detained patients. Candidates should have current or recent hands on practice in a clinical environment, and should be up to date with current practice, both clinical and non-clinical, including measures to promote equality of service provision for all patients.

What you will bring to the role…

Successful candidates will have held a permanent substantive post as a consultant psychiatrist for at least five years. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate an interest in and commitment to improving the lives of detained patients.

Accountabilities:

SOADs are expected to undertake all aspects of the role relating to Section 58, Section 58a and Supervised Community Treatment including:

– Interviewing the patient in private where possible and applicable.
– Understanding the patient’s circumstances through reading of relevant documents/records.
– Reviewing the proposed treatment plan and current medicine administration charts.
– Talking to two professionals involved in the patient’s medical treatment also known as statutory consultees.
– Seeking additional information to inform their decision as appropriate.

A SOAD is required to make decisions on the appropriateness of treatment and whether to certify this, based on their own independent judgement, taking into consideration clinical rationale, the interests of the patient, and the implementation of the Act and the Code of Practice.

Second Opinions can be carried out by visiting a hospital or remotely through video or telephone contact. While it is possible and at times necessary to carry out second opinions out of normal working hours, we expect that the majority (85%) of second opinions will occur within weekday daytimes.

Having made their decision, the SOAD must then record their decision and the reasons for it. They must also report to CQC any issues of concern which will be shared with Inspectors and Mental Health Act Reviewers.

Please note, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide a Letter of Endorsement from their employer prior to interview.

Essential criteria

GMC registered with a license to practice medicine.
GMC Specialist registration.
MRCPsych or equivalent qualification recognised by the RCPsych.
Substantive consultant status in psychiatry for at least five years (appointed via article 14 equivalence or higher training).
Registered in good standing for CPD.
S12(2) approved at the point of application (you do not have to maintain this post-appointment).
Current or recent hands-on clinical practice.
Breadth of psychiatric practice in a variety of settings.
Experience of working with patients liable to compulsion.
Excellent inter-personal skills.
Ability to process information and follow protocols.
Demonstrable practical commitment to equality and diversity.
Legible handwriting.
Availability to undertake a minimum of 40 second opinions per year (it is possible to complete several opinions in one day).
Availability to attend mandatory training events (currently one day annually) and ad hoc training or peer group meetings.
Computer literate, with experience of sending and receiving email, completing MS Word documents, receiving PDF documents and use of encryption applications.

Desirable criteria

Evidence of leadership in relevant areas.
Experience of multi-disciplinary working at a senior level.
Specialist expertise, e.g. CAMHS, Elderly, Forensic.
Interest in Mental Health work.

Job contact :

• Name : Sue Turner
• Email : Susan.Turner@cqc.org.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@cqc.org.uk