CLINICAL FELLOW

Job responsibilities

The Post

This is a fixed term, full-time post, starting 4th March 2026, until 4th August.

The post arises due to a gap in our linked GP schemes normal recruitment. It provides an opportunity for a doctor considering a career in general practice, palliative medicine, oncology or elderly care medicine to experience hospice care. Most such posts are linked to GP training schemes. Applicants must have completed their FY1/2 years and have had some experience of post registration general medicine, since medical complexity is the norm for people under our care. We expect any applicant to be able to demonstrate a real interest in palliative care.

Support and Supervision

The post holder will be accountable to and clinically supervised by a consultant at the hospice during their time with us.

The named supervisor will see the post holder regularly, with formal meets at induction to set a professional development plan, mid-term review and end of post reflection, plus plenty of contact in between. There will be protected time for training and development, the post ensuring opportunity to expand knowledge, skills and competence and to formally reflect on experiences.

Team

The post holder will work alongside a medical team of

Three consultants: Dr Corinna Midgley (CM), Dr Pippa Russell (PR), Dr Leena Patel (LP) 2.4 WTE

A Specialist Registrar on the London/Kent, Surrey and Sussex Palliative Medicine rotation 0.6 WTE

Specialty Doctors x 3 permanent - 1.6 WTE

Specialty Doctors x 1 fixed term 0.8 WTE

VTS Trainees x 1.4 WTE

Hours of Work

40-hour standard working week plus non-resident on call (approximately 2 x weekends in 9; 1 weekday night/week)

Job Summary

To support the medical and palliative care needs of people requiring hospice ward based care, alongside the multidisciplinary team.

Main Duties

Daily provision of medical care for people in the ward, which involves daily symptom review, and team working towards care of the whole person and family. Care may include performing procedures such as the setting up of intravenous lines, paracentesis, and will always include the keeping of clear, accurate and up-to-date medical records.

Clerking of admissions into the unit

Helping to plan and co-ordinate discharges from the hospice.

Keeping families and carers informed and being available to see them when required.

Liaising with other health care professionals to achieve best care.

Ensuring timely written communication with other health care professionals following deaths and discharges.

Taking an active role in the hospice's Clinical Audit/Quality Improvement programme.

We ensure that all of our post holders have the opportunity to experience community palliative care during their time with us, supported by our community CNSs.

Educational Opportunities

Rich multiprofessional team, and a team approach to care.

Regular tutorials given by hospice staff, fortnightly journal club, bi-monthly audit presentation meetings, reflective practice discussions, 4 x yearly gran round type complex case presentation meeting.

Internal hospice study days according to training interests/need

Our visiting psychiatrist provides a programme of monthly lectures in addition to our tutorial programme

Our pharmacist leads regular drug chart-based tutorials / board round reviews.

Terms and Conditions

The requirement to maintain confidentiality regarding all clinical issues.

The requirement to comply with the hospice's policies and regulations, including the Health and Safety regulations.

The requirement to comply with the Data Protection Act.

The post holder must be registered with the General Medical Council and have full medical protection/medical defense cover.

The post is non-resident, but the post holder will be expected to live within a reasonable distance of the hospice to allow him/her to get to the hospice within 45 minutes should this be necessary in an emergency.

The post holders contract will be held by Saint Francis Hospice.

Annual leave will be as per grade eligibility and in line with the NHS.

Study leave for external study will be supported financially at the level equivalent to the funding allocated to GP trainees.

Additional Note

The hospice is situated in the village of Havering-atte-Bower, near Romford. Public transport exists, in that a bus service runs from Romford station to the hospice, however the service is infrequent.

Previous post holders have fed back that they feel that being able to drive and having a vehicle are almost essential for this post in order to really enjoy the post and get the most out of the post.

Clinical Skills & Personal Skills

Essential

• Evidence of proficiency in core clinical skills, systems examination, venepuncture, cannulation, NIV
• Clear logical thinking showing an analytical/ scientific approach.
• Excellent communication skills: The ability to communicate with clarity and intelligently in written and spoken English. The ability to write concise and accurate detailed notes.
• Respectful of colleagues and valuing of the multi professional team.
• Engagement with /understanding of our Hospice values

Desirable

• Experience in palliative care
• Example evidence of compassion, collaboration and creativity

Career progression

Essential

• Demonstrable interest in / some understanding of palliative medicine

Desirable

• Demonstrable commitment to a career in palliative medicine, GP or elderly care medicine

Qualifications

Essential

• Full GMC registration
• M.B.B.S or equivalent

Desirable

• MRCGP or MRCP

Knowledge

Essential

• Expected level of clinical knowledge; evidence of CPD

Desirable

• CPD relevant to palliative care

Experience

Essential

• Successful completion of Foundation Years 1 and 2
• Clinical experience in general medicine at the level of FY2/FY3/ST1 (or equivalent)

Desirable

• ALS within last two years

Teaching skills

Essential

• Evidence of engagement in teaching/ teaching programme development

Desirable

• Strong record of bedside/ student teaching; teaching programme delivery

Organisation and planning

Essential

• Evidence of participation in audit / quality improvement activity; ability to articulate outcomes/learning/improvement

Desirable

• Audit relevant to pal care; research experience

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).