Specialty Doctor

Job responsibilities

Clinical

The Specialty Doctor will be involved in the admission of and provision of medical care to inpatients at the hospice, under the clinical supervision of the senior doctors.The Specialty Doctor will be involved in the admission of and provision of medical care to inpatients at the hospice, under the clinical supervision of the senior doctors.

To ensure that all inpatients receive continuous medical assessment, and appropriate medical care, ensuring where possible that medical care is evidence based and/or best common practice.

To ensure that all prescribing is in accordance with hospice policy and statutory requirements.

To ensure clear documentation of assessments, interventions and ward rounds in patients clinical records in accordance with hospice policy.

To liaise with Primary and Secondary care as appropriate, to ensure continuity of medical care.

To work alongside and support the Advanced Nurse Practitioners within the medical team.

To provide medical care to patients in the community and outpatient settings, with support from senior doctors.

To provide advice to other Health Care Professionals in line with their experience and with support from the senior doctors.

To provide adhoc medical cover to patients attending St Helena led activities on site.

To ensure that clinical practice complements and facilitates the provision of multi-disciplinary care recognising the physical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.

To keep patients (and/or families and carers where appropriate) informed about their condition and plan of care.

To involve patients (and/or families and carers where appropriate) in decision making about their care and treatment.

To participate in the provision of first on-call medical cover for inpatients of St Helena Hospice (currently 1 in 5 weekdays and weekends), providing telephone advice to healthcare professionals working with patients in hospitals and in the community. At the weekend, this will constitute a `troubleshooting ward round of the IPU, to see patients which the nursing team have concerns about and any urgent admissions to the IPU. Other than this, most of the on-call is non-resident.

Education

To have a commitment to continuing professional development. 1 PA pro rata for CPD and preparation for revalidation will be incorporated into the job plan. Study and professional leave are available to achieve this and will be agreed and reviewed during clinical supervision and appraisal. It is envisioned that the successful candidate will wish to use the Palliative Medicine Specialist training curriculum as a guide to assessing development.

In conjunction with the medical director, education team and other members of the multi-professional team, participate in the educational role of the hospice.

To receive monthly supervision meetings (pro rata) with a consultant to ensure that the doctor is meeting their professional and educational goals

To participate in annual GMC appraisal

To participate in local appraisal and job plan review.

Leadership

Model professional behavior at all times

Organise own workload ensuing all areas of practice are prioritized appropriately. Encourage this behavior in others.

Maintain professional standards and obligations as set out from time to time by the General Medical Council (GMC) and comply in particular with the GMCs guidance on Good Medical Practice as amended or substituted from time to time.

To be aware of, and participate in the formal and informal staff support systems available within the hospice.

To supervise and support the rotational junior doctors when working directly with them.

Research

In conjunction with appropriate staff, identify areas of research and audit, initiate and participate in agreed research programmes and audit projects.

To be aware of and comply with SHH policies and procedures. To contribute to the review of policies in line with up to date guidance.

Communication

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, colleagues, and external healthcare professionals

Desirable

• Evidence of communication skills training
• Advanced communication skills training

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• IT literate with knowledge of healthcare and office systems

Qualities

Essential

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Enquiring, critical approach to work
• Caring attitude to patients, carers and colleagues
• Commitment to Continuing Medical Education and the requirements of Clinical Governance and Audit
• Ambition and drive

Desirable

• Car owner with a full driving licence

Qualifications

Essential

• Full GMC registration with licence to practice
• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

Desirable

• MRCP, MRCGP, FRCA or equivalent qualification
• Palliative diploma and/or masters degree

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of four years postgraduate medical training (or its equivalent gained on a part-time or flexible basis) at least 2 of which are in a specialty training program, relevant specialty, or as a fixed term specialty trainee.
• Planning and delivery of teaching to medical undergraduates, junior doctors and multi-professional teams.
• Planning and completion of audit and/or quality improvement projects.

Desirable

• Palliative medicine experience
• Experience of managing more junior doctors
• Familiarity with the current structure and developments within the NHS and palliative care and cancer fields

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).