Second Opinion Appointed Doctors

The Department offers an excellent remuneration package which includes travel and associated expenses.

The pool of SOADs registered with the Department are completely independent of local services and work as and when requested. This is generally between 4 to 6 times per year, usually for one day each time. However, you may need to see up to 3 patients per visit.

The SOADs are called upon to provide second opinions for a patient's treatment, where that patient is covered by the powers of the Act.

To fulfil this role, you must be able to meet the following criteria:

The Department of Health and Social Care ('the Department') are currently seeking to add to the existing pool of Second Opinion Appointed Doctors (SOADs), with applications for the unique role being welcomed until 31 October 2026.

If you are a qualified psychiatrist with at least 5 years' practical experience at a senior level, then this could be an opportunity for you.

The Isle of Man is a British Crown Dependency, located in the middle of the Irish Sea. As a Crown Dependency the Isle of Man has its own government that upholds laws and regulations, with an NHS style health care system.

Whilst the island does not fall under the jurisdiction or scrutiny of the NHS and CQC, we adopt the same or similar methodology and good practice as evidenced in the UK.

The easiest routes to get to the Isle of Man are via London airports, or transport links in the Northwest (air and sea).

The island has its own Mental Health Act 1998 ('the Act'), which is based on the UK's Mental Health Act 1983.

This includes safeguards for people who are covered by the powers of the Act, which describes the responsibilities of the Responsible Medical Officer or doctor and in what circumstances a second opinion for treatment should be sought from an independent Psychiatrist (SOAD).

SOADs are appointed by the Department, however interviews are undertaken by the local Mental Health Commission.

The SOADs will report through the Head of Quality and Compliance at the Department of Health and Social Care.