Job summary
We are seeking to appoint three dynamic and enthusiastic doctors to the role of Medical Examiner, based at our West Middlesex University Hospital site. The posts will be for 0.5 per week (total available is 1.5PA).
These roles have been created by the Department of Health and Social Care in response to multiple national reports that revealed a gap in learning from deaths. Medical Examiners are senior doctors who will promote robust, transparent and independent scrutiny of death certification processes, support appropriate referral to the coroner and provide opportunities for independent feedback from the bereaved.
The service at CWHFT has been commended in its first three years for supporting nearly 100% scrutiny of deaths in the acute hospitals, contributing to Trust learning and supporting hospital doctors and the bereaved. All non-coronial deaths in any setting will be required by law to have ME scrutiny from Sept 9th 2024, therefore the our Medical Examiners further support the roll-out of the process to all community deaths along with transition to a digital Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). We have out of hours provision on weekend and bank holiday mornings. Participation on this rota will attract additional payment.
Main duties of the job
The Medical Examiner role will be aligned to services at West Middlesex University Hospital /London Borough of Hounslow, and will interact with many departments (both within and outside the trust) and clinical specialities to provide proportionate but robust scrutiny of the medical circumstances leading up to the patient's death and all medical aspects of death certification.
Medical Examiners are appropriately trained doctors who will review clinical case notes and ensure that the clinical information on MCCDs is correct and appropriate. They ensure the right referrals are made to the coroner for further investigation.We are looking for a GP or consultant from any discipline for this post.
This includes reviewing the clinical notes, discussion with and supporting clinicians, overseeing coronial referrals and providing medical advice for the Coroner. Importantly this post-holder will provide independent support and transparent explanation to the bereaved, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.
As a pre-condition of practicing, an ME must have successfully completed the mandatory components of the national online medical examiner curriculum (free of charge). Face-to-face training at the Royal College of Pathologist must be completed within the first three months of being in post (paid for by the Trust).
About us
The Medical Examiner's Office at the West Middlesex Hospital site comprises 6 Consultant Medical Examiners and 2 Medical Examiners Officers.
You will work as a key member of this small but highly specialised and dedicated team. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive and this is an excellent opportunity to have daily contact with a wide range of medical specialties and further your clinical knowledge.
The work we do is interesting and varied. Every day, you will have the opportunity to help improve the experience, satisfaction and support for the relatives of deceased patients.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provide services from two main hospitals:Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital, and a number of clinics across London and the South-East.
Both hospitals provide full clinical services, including full maternity, emergency and children's, in addition to a range of community-based services across London, such as award-winning sexual health and HIV clinics.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the Medical Certificate of Cause of Deaths regulations 2024 The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Regulations 2024 (legislation.gov.uk) and the Medical Examiners (England) Regulations 2024 The Medical Examiners (England) Regulations 2024 (legislation.gov.uk).
To scrutinise the clinical notes and agree causes of death with attending practitioners in a way that is proportionate, consistent and compliant with the proposed national protocol.
To discuss and explain the cause of death with next of kin/informants in a transparent, tactful and sympathetic manner. It is anticipated that such discussions will be predominately conducted through telephone conversations.
To ensure that all users of the ME system are treated with respect and are not discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
To maintain comprehensive records of all deaths scrutinised and undertake analysis to provide information to the National Medical Examiners office.
To participate in relevant clinical governance activities relating to death certification including audits, identifying potential learning to inform mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care.
To support the doctors of all grades and disciplines in their understanding of death certification and promote good practice in accurate completion of MCCDs.
Identifying training needs of registered medical practitioners in relation to death certification, and promoting and facilitating such training;
To work with medical examiner officers (MEOs), delegating duties as appropriate.
To engage with lead ME and lead MEO for the hospital site & region.
To adopt a collaborative working relationship with other MEs by sharing experiences and expertise to support peer learning and set uniform standards of service delivery, and attending team meetings regularly. This may require cross site cover in some circumstances.
Further information within the attached Job Description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the Medical Certificate of Cause of Deaths regulations 2024 The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Regulations 2024 (legislation.gov.uk) and the Medical Examiners (England) Regulations 2024 The Medical Examiners (England) Regulations 2024 (legislation.gov.uk).
To scrutinise the clinical notes and agree causes of death with attending practitioners in a way that is proportionate, consistent and compliant with the proposed national protocol.
To discuss and explain the cause of death with next of kin/informants in a transparent, tactful and sympathetic manner. It is anticipated that such discussions will be predominately conducted through telephone conversations.
To ensure that all users of the ME system are treated with respect and are not discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
To maintain comprehensive records of all deaths scrutinised and undertake analysis to provide information to the National Medical Examiners office.
To participate in relevant clinical governance activities relating to death certification including audits, identifying potential learning to inform mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care.
To support the doctors of all grades and disciplines in their understanding of death certification and promote good practice in accurate completion of MCCDs.
Identifying training needs of registered medical practitioners in relation to death certification, and promoting and facilitating such training;
To work with medical examiner officers (MEOs), delegating duties as appropriate.
To engage with lead ME and lead MEO for the hospital site & region.
To adopt a collaborative working relationship with other MEs by sharing experiences and expertise to support peer learning and set uniform standards of service delivery, and attending team meetings regularly. This may require cross site cover in some circumstances.
Further information within the attached Job Description.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity
- MEs should have up-to-date knowledge of causes of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification processes.
- A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities
Desirable
- Experience using the Datix risk management system
- Experience using the Cerner, patient information system
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity
- MEs should have up-to-date knowledge of causes of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification processes.
- A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities
Desirable
- Experience using the Datix risk management system
- Experience using the Cerner, patient information system
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).