Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to work with a committed consultant-led multidisciplinary team in the provision of inpatient specialist palliative care across the city of Peterborough and its surrounding areas. The post is based at the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice which opened its new purpose-built inpatient unit July 2015. The contract is held by NWAFT.The post will suit a doctor who is looking to follow a career in Palliative Medicine but would like additional experience prior to application for Specialty Training. It may also be useful to doctors from other specialties who would like to develop their skills and interest in palliative medicine. Although this is not a training post, training will be given and there will be opportunities to enhance the post holder's e-portfolio. Applicants should have full GMC registration with license to practice. At least four years' postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part-time basis) is essential.MRCP (UK) or equivalent is essential. Full details can be found in the Person Specification and Job Description.
Main duties of the job
Medical assessment, diagnosis and management of new admissions.
Daily management of patients on the inpatient unit including practical procedures e.g. venepuncture, cannulation.
Ensure good practice, symptom control and holistic care for patients, their family and carers whilst in the Hospice
Completion of necessary admin related to deaths or discharges of patients from the palliative care unit.
Work with the established teams to provide a comprehensive, seamless service between primary and secondary care and the voluntary sector.
There may be the opportunity to undertake occasional domiciliary visits as requested by the consultant.
Participate in the supervision and training of junior medical staff.
Provision of specialist advice to the local community and hospital specialist palliative care teams and local GPs.
Participate in the clinical audit and governance programme.
To undertake appropriate continuing professional development and revalidation activities in accordance with the requirements of the Royal College of Physicians.
Depending on the experience of the candidate there may be outpatient or external teaching opportunities that arise.
About us
We are delighted that you are interested in a role at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust. It is an exciting time for the Trust as we grow along with the 700,000 population we serve.
Now as a larger Trust, we offer an exciting expansion of opportunities to new applicants across five hospitals. We are a busy Trust, with just over 6,000 staff and a 450-strong team of volunteers helping patients and visitors.
We continuously strive to ensure our patients receive the right care, first time, every time.
As for living in the area, there is a wealth of choice with city living, small towns and villages all within reasonable commute to the hospitals. There are excellent schools, a wide variety of social, and leisure activities to choose from.
So if you are looking to develop your career and want to do so in an environment which is challenging and growing we would encourage you to look further into a future with NWAngliaFT.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice
Currently the well-established inpatient palliative care service operates from Thorpe Hall, a purpose built unit in the grounds of a Cromwellian mansion house on the edge of the city of Peterborough. It is only a few minutes drive from Peterborough City Hospital (PCH) which opened in 2010 and has around 640 inpatient beds and an oncology unit including 3 linear accelerators. The established consultant-led hospital and community specialist palliative care teams, both based at PCH, work closely with Thorpe Hall. A cancer wellbeing service and the nurse-led lymphoedema service are run by PCH from the Robert Horrell Macmillan centre. Thorpe Hall services are offered to the populations of Peterborough and parts of Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, South Lincolnshire and Rutland.
Patients are admitted to Thorpe Hall at various stages of their illness for complex physical or psychological symptom control or end of life care. Respite services are not commissioned at Thorpe Hall. Length of stay is between 1-2 weeks with an average of 12 days. As many patients are not able to easily be discharged home following their treatment, there is expertise in arranging care packages or nursing home transfers with fast-track, continuing healthcare or social care monies. The hospice at home service and the provision of specialist nurses working 7 days a week between the hospital and community settings also contribute to the seamless provision of palliative care through the three settings.
A multidisciplinary team under the medical leadership of two palliative medicine consultants operates to provide these services. Focus is on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patient and their family, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life regardless of prognosis.
There are close links with both the oncology team at PCH and a pain consultant based at Stamford hospital who offers an interventional service for patients with complex pain needs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice
Currently the well-established inpatient palliative care service operates from Thorpe Hall, a purpose built unit in the grounds of a Cromwellian mansion house on the edge of the city of Peterborough. It is only a few minutes drive from Peterborough City Hospital (PCH) which opened in 2010 and has around 640 inpatient beds and an oncology unit including 3 linear accelerators. The established consultant-led hospital and community specialist palliative care teams, both based at PCH, work closely with Thorpe Hall. A cancer wellbeing service and the nurse-led lymphoedema service are run by PCH from the Robert Horrell Macmillan centre. Thorpe Hall services are offered to the populations of Peterborough and parts of Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, South Lincolnshire and Rutland.
Patients are admitted to Thorpe Hall at various stages of their illness for complex physical or psychological symptom control or end of life care. Respite services are not commissioned at Thorpe Hall. Length of stay is between 1-2 weeks with an average of 12 days. As many patients are not able to easily be discharged home following their treatment, there is expertise in arranging care packages or nursing home transfers with fast-track, continuing healthcare or social care monies. The hospice at home service and the provision of specialist nurses working 7 days a week between the hospital and community settings also contribute to the seamless provision of palliative care through the three settings.
A multidisciplinary team under the medical leadership of two palliative medicine consultants operates to provide these services. Focus is on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patient and their family, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life regardless of prognosis.
There are close links with both the oncology team at PCH and a pain consultant based at Stamford hospital who offers an interventional service for patients with complex pain needs.
Person Specification
training and Qualifications
Essential
- Full and current GMC registration and licence to practice.
- MBBS or equivalent
- At least 4 years full time postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part time or flexible basis
- MRCP/MRCGP
Desirable
- Dip. Pall Med.
- Experience in Palliative Medicine
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of palliative medicine issues including: symptom control, assessment of the acutely unwell patient, demonstrable skills in communication around end of life care, understanding of ethical issues relevant to palliative care etc
- Experience in making clinical decisions and managing risk. Knows when to seek help, able to prioritise clinical need
- Ability to participate fully in MDT
Desirable
- Proven ability to work effectively in different clinical settings. e.g. in-patient hospice, community team.
Communication
Essential
- Demonstrates clarity in written/spoken communication and capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation.
- Empathy and sensitivity: capacity to listen and take in the perspective of others.
- Works in partnership with patients: always considers patients preferences when discussing treatment options.
Desirable
- Advanced communication skills training
Management and Administrative experience
Essential
- Ability to organise and prioritise tasks.
- Demonstrates punctuality, preparation and self-discipline
- Understands importance of and demonstrates ability to use information technology
Personal Skills
Essential
- Demonstrates ability to work well in a team
- Ability to work under pressure, show resilience and adapt to quickly changing circumstances
- Promotes equality and values diversity
- Full UK clean driving licence and access to a car
- Lives within a 60 minute drive of Thorpe hall for on-call or willing to stay locally for these nights.
Person Specification
training and Qualifications
Essential
- Full and current GMC registration and licence to practice.
- MBBS or equivalent
- At least 4 years full time postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part time or flexible basis
- MRCP/MRCGP
Desirable
- Dip. Pall Med.
- Experience in Palliative Medicine
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of palliative medicine issues including: symptom control, assessment of the acutely unwell patient, demonstrable skills in communication around end of life care, understanding of ethical issues relevant to palliative care etc
- Experience in making clinical decisions and managing risk. Knows when to seek help, able to prioritise clinical need
- Ability to participate fully in MDT
Desirable
- Proven ability to work effectively in different clinical settings. e.g. in-patient hospice, community team.
Communication
Essential
- Demonstrates clarity in written/spoken communication and capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation.
- Empathy and sensitivity: capacity to listen and take in the perspective of others.
- Works in partnership with patients: always considers patients preferences when discussing treatment options.
Desirable
- Advanced communication skills training
Management and Administrative experience
Essential
- Ability to organise and prioritise tasks.
- Demonstrates punctuality, preparation and self-discipline
- Understands importance of and demonstrates ability to use information technology
Personal Skills
Essential
- Demonstrates ability to work well in a team
- Ability to work under pressure, show resilience and adapt to quickly changing circumstances
- Promotes equality and values diversity
- Full UK clean driving licence and access to a car
- Lives within a 60 minute drive of Thorpe hall for on-call or willing to stay locally for these nights.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
