Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a forward-thinking team of Advanced Clinical Practitioners within Acute Medicine at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
The post holder will be based across the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), delivering high-quality care to patients presenting with undifferentiated acute medical conditions.
The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) will practise with a high degree of autonomy and complex clinical decision-making, while demonstrating the four pillars of advanced practice:Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management, Education, and Research. The role contributes to the development of innovative, patient-centred solutions that enhance patient experience and improve clinical outcomes within the specialty.
The ACP is accountable for independent clinical assessment, examination, diagnosis, and treatment within an agreed scope of practice. In addition, the post holder is responsible for referring patients to appropriate specialties for inpatient or outpatient investigations, and for facilitating safe and timely patient discharge.
This post is intended for fully qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners. Trainee applicants will only be considered if they are within the final six months of their MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will practise as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, demonstrating a high degree of autonomy and complex clinical decision-making in the assessment, investigation, diagnosis, planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of care for patients presenting with acute medical conditions.
The post holder will be responsible for the initial assessment and management of patients with undifferentiated or undiagnosed presentations, making independent, professional decisions regarding treatment within their agreed scope of practice.
The role requires drawing upon a broad and in-depth knowledge base to determine and deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including prescribing medications where legally authorised, reviewing treatments for effectiveness, and optimising care in line with national guidance, local policies, and best practice.
The ACP will work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure the most appropriate management plans are implemented and to facilitate safe, effective, and timely discharge, including in complex clinical and social situations.
The post holder will work in partnership with patients, families, and carers, supporting individuals to actively manage their health, wellbeing, and ongoing care needs.
About us
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the Job Description for further details
The ACP will:
-
Participate in clinical governance activities, including audit, case presentations, and clinical meetings aimed at improving quality and safety of care
-
Provide clinical leadership, including the coordination and management of multi-professional teams where required
-
Contribute to effective discharge planning in complex cases
-
Support and manage the GP advice and telephone service
Clinical practice:
- Undertake advanced clinical assessment, formulate differential diagnoses, and plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based treatment interventions for patients, using expert clinical judgement and autonomous decision-making.
- Manage patients with both differentiated and undifferentiated presentations, including complex and unpredictable situations, by synthesising information from multiple sources to inform safe, effective, and timely diagnoses and management plans.
- Initiate, evaluate, and adjust a range of therapeutic interventions, including prescribing medicines, therapies, lifestyle advice, and other evidence-based treatments, in accordance with national guidance, local policies, and agreed scope of practice.
- Exercise professional judgement in risk assessment and management, particularly in situations of clinical uncertainty, supporting patient safety and escalation where required.
- Practise in accordance with the relevant professional code of conduct, maintaining accountability and working within an agreed scope of practice.
Leaderships and management:
- Provide clinical leadership within Acute Medicine, supporting effective decision-making, escalation, and coordination of care across the multidisciplinary team.
- Contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of policies, pathways, and service improvements impacting patient care.
- Support colleagues in managing clinical risk and maintaining safe practice during periods of high demand or operational pressure.
- Promote a culture of shared values, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the clinical team.
Education:
- Act as a clinical educator and role model, supporting the learning and development of students, junior staff, and colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.
- Share specialist knowledge and expertise through case discussions, teaching sessions, and informal supervision, enhancing clinical capability and confidence within the service.
- Maintain own continuing professional development (CPD) in line with advanced clinical practice requirements.
Research and quality improvement:
- Participate in clinical audit, service evaluation, and quality improvement activity, contributing to improved patient outcomes and service effectiveness.
- Attend and contribute to clinical governance meetings, including case presentations, where outcomes and recommendations support learning and quality improvement.
- Support the implementation of evidence-based practice, contributing to the translation of research findings into clinical care where appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the Job Description for further details
The ACP will:
-
Participate in clinical governance activities, including audit, case presentations, and clinical meetings aimed at improving quality and safety of care
-
Provide clinical leadership, including the coordination and management of multi-professional teams where required
-
Contribute to effective discharge planning in complex cases
-
Support and manage the GP advice and telephone service
Clinical practice:
- Undertake advanced clinical assessment, formulate differential diagnoses, and plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based treatment interventions for patients, using expert clinical judgement and autonomous decision-making.
- Manage patients with both differentiated and undifferentiated presentations, including complex and unpredictable situations, by synthesising information from multiple sources to inform safe, effective, and timely diagnoses and management plans.
- Initiate, evaluate, and adjust a range of therapeutic interventions, including prescribing medicines, therapies, lifestyle advice, and other evidence-based treatments, in accordance with national guidance, local policies, and agreed scope of practice.
- Exercise professional judgement in risk assessment and management, particularly in situations of clinical uncertainty, supporting patient safety and escalation where required.
- Practise in accordance with the relevant professional code of conduct, maintaining accountability and working within an agreed scope of practice.
Leaderships and management:
- Provide clinical leadership within Acute Medicine, supporting effective decision-making, escalation, and coordination of care across the multidisciplinary team.
- Contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of policies, pathways, and service improvements impacting patient care.
- Support colleagues in managing clinical risk and maintaining safe practice during periods of high demand or operational pressure.
- Promote a culture of shared values, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the clinical team.
Education:
- Act as a clinical educator and role model, supporting the learning and development of students, junior staff, and colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.
- Share specialist knowledge and expertise through case discussions, teaching sessions, and informal supervision, enhancing clinical capability and confidence within the service.
- Maintain own continuing professional development (CPD) in line with advanced clinical practice requirements.
Research and quality improvement:
- Participate in clinical audit, service evaluation, and quality improvement activity, contributing to improved patient outcomes and service effectiveness.
- Attend and contribute to clinical governance meetings, including case presentations, where outcomes and recommendations support learning and quality improvement.
- Support the implementation of evidence-based practice, contributing to the translation of research findings into clinical care where appropriate.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Registered healthcare professional
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Level 6 1st level degree and willing to work towards a recognised advanced practice qualification at level 7 including advanced physical assessment and consultation skills and non-medical prescribing
- Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE grade A*-C or O-level grades 1-6) or recognised functional skills assessment and qualification
- Possession of MSc in Advanced Practice or recognised equivalent by HEE Centre Advancing Practice (B8A only)
- oNon-Medical Prescribing (v300) if appropriate to registered profession /role (B8A only)
- oSignificant post qualification experience [minimum 4 years] in a relevant clinical field. (B8A only)
Desirable
- Possession of MSc in Advanced Practice or recognised equivalent by HEE Centre Advancing Practice
- Significant post qualification experience in a relevant clinical field
- Registered independent non-medical prescriber
- Mentor/assessor and/or teaching qualification
- Participation in research or audit projects
- ALS provider/instructor
- Evidence of mandatory training updates
- Management qualification / leadership training
Experience and knowledge
Essential
- Post registration experience, a considerable amount of which must be as a fully qualified healthcare professional within your chosen registered profession
- Evidence of teaching, supervision and assessment skills
- Ability to respond to, prioritise and analyse health conditions and ensure effective interventions are actioned in a timely manner
- Ability to deal effectively with clinical issues within defined procedures and guidelines
- Ability to work with undifferentiated and undiagnosed healthcare problems with support and under direct supervision
- Evidence of management skills gained through theory and or practice
- Experience of mentoring and developing staff
- Broad post registration clinical experience
- Ability to work autonomously and within a team
- Ability to demonstrate the implementation of research into practice
- Ability to undertake required clinical duties/procedures
- oCompleted portfolio of supervised practice in advanced clinical practice (B8A)
- oEvidence of continued professional development following MSc completion (B8A Only)
- oEvidence of quality improvement methodology and audit experience (B8A only)
- oDemonstrates a high degree of knowledge within specialty (B8A only)
- oKnowledge of clinical governance (B8A only)
Desirable
- Completed portfolio of supervised practice in advanced clinical practice
- Evidence of continued professional development following MSc completion
- Evidence of clinical work in an autonomous role
- Evidence of recent teaching, mentorship, and supervision of staff
- Evidence of quality improvement methodology and audit experience
- Evidence of involvement in change management
- Evidence of multi-professional working
- Demonstrates a high degree of knowledge within specialty
- Demonstrate an understanding of current developments in the relevant speciality
- Demonstrate the ability to utilise current research finding in practice
- Understand, encourage, and support clinical supervision
- Knowledge of clinical governance and risk assessment/management
- Knowledge of current NHS, professional and educational issues
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a multi-professional team, exchanging ideas and providing support to colleagues
- Ability to present information to individuals and groups as required using appropriate resources
- Ability to problem solve, analyse, compare and interpret complex information before making a decision
- Ability to prioritise clinical workload and assess associated risks, taking appropriate action
- Ability to demonstrate the flexibility required of the role to meet departmental and patient need
- Self-motivated with evidence of efficient time and deadline management
- IT literate
- Ability to schedule academic workload and work commitments
- oEvidence of both theoretical and practical skills and competency in patient management (BA only)
- oAbility to write reports for senior management (B8A only)
- oComputer skills (i.e., for radiology, pathology, microbiology ordering as per Trust protocols, utilising patient systems) (B8A only)
- oPresentation Skills (B8A only)
- oStrong leadership skills (B8A only)
Desirable
- Seeks to develop an understanding of different groups and individuals and ensures equitable and appropriate treatment for all
- Effective communication both written and verbal
- Strong leadership skills
- Presentation Skills
- Negotiating and influencing skills
- Ability to support, colleagues, patients and relatives in sometimes distressing circumstances
- Ability to develop protocols and guidelines
- Ability to write reports for senior management
- Able to manage change both personally and leading others
Personal qualities
Essential
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills
- Understands and overcomes barriers to effective communication
- oDemonstrates flexible approach to working hours and duties.
Desirable
- Takes responsibility for identifying effective solutions to a variety of different problems.
- Visionary - motivated
- Approachable/receptive and assertive
- Creative/innovative and adaptable
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Registered healthcare professional
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Level 6 1st level degree and willing to work towards a recognised advanced practice qualification at level 7 including advanced physical assessment and consultation skills and non-medical prescribing
- Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE grade A*-C or O-level grades 1-6) or recognised functional skills assessment and qualification
- Possession of MSc in Advanced Practice or recognised equivalent by HEE Centre Advancing Practice (B8A only)
- oNon-Medical Prescribing (v300) if appropriate to registered profession /role (B8A only)
- oSignificant post qualification experience [minimum 4 years] in a relevant clinical field. (B8A only)
Desirable
- Possession of MSc in Advanced Practice or recognised equivalent by HEE Centre Advancing Practice
- Significant post qualification experience in a relevant clinical field
- Registered independent non-medical prescriber
- Mentor/assessor and/or teaching qualification
- Participation in research or audit projects
- ALS provider/instructor
- Evidence of mandatory training updates
- Management qualification / leadership training
Experience and knowledge
Essential
- Post registration experience, a considerable amount of which must be as a fully qualified healthcare professional within your chosen registered profession
- Evidence of teaching, supervision and assessment skills
- Ability to respond to, prioritise and analyse health conditions and ensure effective interventions are actioned in a timely manner
- Ability to deal effectively with clinical issues within defined procedures and guidelines
- Ability to work with undifferentiated and undiagnosed healthcare problems with support and under direct supervision
- Evidence of management skills gained through theory and or practice
- Experience of mentoring and developing staff
- Broad post registration clinical experience
- Ability to work autonomously and within a team
- Ability to demonstrate the implementation of research into practice
- Ability to undertake required clinical duties/procedures
- oCompleted portfolio of supervised practice in advanced clinical practice (B8A)
- oEvidence of continued professional development following MSc completion (B8A Only)
- oEvidence of quality improvement methodology and audit experience (B8A only)
- oDemonstrates a high degree of knowledge within specialty (B8A only)
- oKnowledge of clinical governance (B8A only)
Desirable
- Completed portfolio of supervised practice in advanced clinical practice
- Evidence of continued professional development following MSc completion
- Evidence of clinical work in an autonomous role
- Evidence of recent teaching, mentorship, and supervision of staff
- Evidence of quality improvement methodology and audit experience
- Evidence of involvement in change management
- Evidence of multi-professional working
- Demonstrates a high degree of knowledge within specialty
- Demonstrate an understanding of current developments in the relevant speciality
- Demonstrate the ability to utilise current research finding in practice
- Understand, encourage, and support clinical supervision
- Knowledge of clinical governance and risk assessment/management
- Knowledge of current NHS, professional and educational issues
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a multi-professional team, exchanging ideas and providing support to colleagues
- Ability to present information to individuals and groups as required using appropriate resources
- Ability to problem solve, analyse, compare and interpret complex information before making a decision
- Ability to prioritise clinical workload and assess associated risks, taking appropriate action
- Ability to demonstrate the flexibility required of the role to meet departmental and patient need
- Self-motivated with evidence of efficient time and deadline management
- IT literate
- Ability to schedule academic workload and work commitments
- oEvidence of both theoretical and practical skills and competency in patient management (BA only)
- oAbility to write reports for senior management (B8A only)
- oComputer skills (i.e., for radiology, pathology, microbiology ordering as per Trust protocols, utilising patient systems) (B8A only)
- oPresentation Skills (B8A only)
- oStrong leadership skills (B8A only)
Desirable
- Seeks to develop an understanding of different groups and individuals and ensures equitable and appropriate treatment for all
- Effective communication both written and verbal
- Strong leadership skills
- Presentation Skills
- Negotiating and influencing skills
- Ability to support, colleagues, patients and relatives in sometimes distressing circumstances
- Ability to develop protocols and guidelines
- Ability to write reports for senior management
- Able to manage change both personally and leading others
Personal qualities
Essential
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills
- Understands and overcomes barriers to effective communication
- oDemonstrates flexible approach to working hours and duties.
Desirable
- Takes responsibility for identifying effective solutions to a variety of different problems.
- Visionary - motivated
- Approachable/receptive and assertive
- Creative/innovative and adaptable
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).
Employer details
Employer name
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Address
West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 2QZ
Employer's website
https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
