NHS Shetland eyes new consultant to improve mental health in the isles

Health chiefs at are looking to recruit a consultant clinical psychologist as part of improvements to mental health services in the isles.

NHS Shetland has advertised the post, which will provide a clinical service for patients, as well as leadership of other staff providing psychological therapies.

Alongside the post, NHS Shetland has also agreed to create a psychology trainee position, which will be advertised later in the year.

NHS Shetland said the two jobs are part of on an ongoing improvement to mental health services, having previously increased the number of local psychiatrist posts and community psychiatric nurses

Simon Bokor-Ingram, director of community health and social care said: “We aredelighted to have reached this point.

“Successful recruitment to these posts will address an identified gap in our local service and our ability to work with those who have complex mental health needs.

“Whilst there is a national shortage of clinical psychologists, we are hopeful the senior post will attract applicants with the skills and experience we need.

“With the addition of a consultant clinical psychologist to the mental health team we will also be able to address the challenging waiting times that we understand some patients have experienced”.

Martin Scholtz, clinical director and consultant psychiatrist for the adult community mental health team, added: “Having a Clinical Psychologist as an integrated member of the adult community mental health team (CMHT) will enable the team to work in a more holistic and multidisciplinary way in terms of diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

“As a result, the quality and safety of the specialist service the CMHT delivers will improve significantly.”