Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity available from January 2026 for a Consultant Psychiatrist to join the team for the new Female PICU Ward (opening in April 2026), based at Littlestone Lodge, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6PB.



The post will be based on the inpatient female PICU ward of Littlestone Lodge. It is a 10 bedded inpatient unit located next to Littlebrook Hospital, which has four general adult inpatient wards, including a well established male Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. The wards are Amberwood, Cherrywood, Pinewood and Willow Suite Male PICU. The female PICU ward will work closely with the male PICU ward to share learning, good practices and governance.



The post holder will be responsible for medical leadership and work collaboratively with other members of the MDT to deliver quality care to patients on the ward. The office base will be within the Elizabeth Raybould Centre on the Greenacres site.



The RC is expected to attend and contribute to the acute pathway meetings.

The Post holder is expected to ensure all new admission are assessed by a senior doctor and have management plans in place within 24hrs of admission. The post holder has medical responsibility for inpatients on wards for which they are consultant.

The postholder has responsibility for patient flow on his/her ward and will take account of PICU inpatient eligibility criteria and work in close liaison with the PICU Liaison team and patient flow team with attendance at weekly local bed management meetings.

The post holder is expected to seek the views of families and carers when practicable while making decisions about patients care and discharge

The post holder will work closely with the PICU Liaison Team and supervise them in screening referrals for admission to the female PICU as well as managing their caseload of female patients with PICU needs

The post holder is expected to liaise with the Kent Forensic Services, the Prison Services and Ministry of Justice in assessment and management of patients referred and / or admitted from these services.



We are Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT), providing vital mental health, learning disability, and specialist services to a population of 1.8 million people across Kent and Medway.



Join our extensive network of medical professionals and contribute to making a positive impact. We offer exceptional professional development opportunities, allowing you to hone your skills while enjoying the high quality of life in the picturesque Garden of England.



Collaborate with the prestigious Kent and Medway Medical School, be at the forefront of integrated care, and prioritise individual well-being. If you're passionate about research, join our internationally recognised team and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare.



You will be joining friendly, passionate colleagues, rich in their diversity, who are committed to providing brilliant care through brilliant people.



For detailed information regarding the role, please refer to the attached job description and person specification. The job description will provide you with the main duties and responsibilities of the role. The person specifications will detail the qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience required for the role.



PLEASE NOTE: this job description is currently pending approval from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.


Part time or job-share applications are welcome.



Our Benefits

Here are just some of our Benefits:

A Recruitment Bonus of 15,000*

Financial support for relocation of up to 8,000*

Easy access to inhouse research team and academic opportunity through Kent's own Medical school

Generous annual leave and study leave entitlement and access to the fantastic NHS pension scheme

Holiday of a Lifetime Scheme - Bank your annual leave to save up for that all important extended break

Flexible working - just ask and we will try to help

Excellent Learning and Development opportunities - We offer doctors at all grades the chance to engage in leadership, educational, research, quality improvement development and seek growth opportunities tailored to their areas of interest

Free access to an independent counselling service

Blue Light Card - A discount service for the NHS, with thousands of amazing discounts

Car lease scheme

A variety of staff network forums which empower, support and encourage network members and allies, to reflect KMPT values and promote equality and diversity.



* If you would like further information, or to know the full terms of the Recruitment Bonus and/or Relocation Allowance, then please contact our Medical Staffing Team: kmpt.medical-recruitment@nhs.net