Physician Associate

We are looking to recruit a Physician Associate to join the medical team on Ellis ward, an adult acute general psychiatric ward. This role will be based at Tolworth Hospital and will work alongside a Consultant, specialty doctor, junior doctor as well as a team of nurses, a psychologist and an occupational therapist.

Applications are invited from Physician Associates who are keen to work in a mental health setting. Informal enquires are welcomed and encouraged.

The Physician Associate will be required to assess and examine patients, initiate and interpret investigations and recommend treatment within a defined scope of practice. They will be supported in developing their psychiatric assessment skills and completing necessary documentation relating to their patients.

They will work collaboratively with the ward MDT to encourage and ensure good working relationships, as well as having effective communication in liaising with other professionals and specialties as required.

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

**About our locations**:
Tolworth Hospital, Surbiton

To create the very best environment to care for our patients, this site’s layout will be transformed in 2026 to add a number of wards to the existing three. Tolworth has a canteen and is near shops, the A3, Tolworth station, and is a bus ride from Surbiton station, with fast connections to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.
- To provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking and clinical assessment through to the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care.
- They will demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical decision making process, including assessment and diagnostic skills, leading to the delivery of safe care for all patients.
- They will work collaboratively with the mental healthcare team to meet the needs of the patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures.
- The PA will provide a holistic and clinical service, with support from doctors as required, implementing agreed management plans and following approved protocols as appropriate.
- The PA will be expected to respond to requests from ward staff to assess and treat physical illness in the patients on the ward, and to work proactively under the direction of the Consultant Psychiatrist on that ward with certain patients to manage long-term conditions, prevent deterioration and progression of disease, and to promote healthy living.
- The PA will also review and act appropriately on blood results and referrals/correspondence regarding their patients.
- In exceptional circumstance to provide additional services on an emergency basis under the direction and responsible supervision of a doctor, as are within the post-holder’s clinical competence and which would not otherwise jeopardise the delivery of services to patients.
- In emergency situations, administer basic life support, intermediate life support (MET) and medications pending availability of a doctor.
- Contribute to the achievement and maintenance of key performance indicators for the service.
- Have, develop and maintain extensive specialist knowledge and experience in general medicine, acting as a resource for the clinical team, fellow PAs and allied health professionals.
- To be accountable for care given and to comply with the Fitness to Practice and Code of Conduct standard as established by the UK Managed Voluntary Register for Physician Associates (and subsequently the appropriate statutory regulating body when in place). To work within the framework of the scope of professional practice.
- To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its amendments.

Clinical Duties
- To participate in all diagnostic and treatment services in the employing organisation as delegated and agreed by the s