Job summary
We are looking to recruit an experienced Physician Associate to join the medical team in the Forensic Outreach Service team. This role will be based at Springfield Hospital and cover local areas. The post-holder will work alongside a Consultant, specialty doctor, junior doctor as well as a team of nurses, a psychologist and an occupational therapist.
Applications are invited from an experienced Physician Associate who are keen to work in a mental health setting as well as supporting the physician associate workforce through ambassador work across London. Informal enquires are welcomed and encouraged.
Main duties of the job
The Physician Associate will be required to assess and examine patients, initiate and interpret investigations and recommend treatment within a defined scope of practice. They will be supported in developing their psychiatric assessment skills and completing necessary documentation relating to their patients.
They will work collaboratively with the ward MDT to encourage and ensure good working relationships, as well as having effective communication in liaising with other professionals and specialties as required.
The successful candidate will need to be dynamic, hardworking, exhibit excellent standards of communication and be expected to deliver high quality of evidence-based care and treatment. The Physician Associate will be supported in their professional development and will have regular clinical supervision with the Consultant Psychiatrist.
The ambassador role has the overarching aim to support workforce development of the Physician Associate profession within primary and secondary care and across the South West London Integrated Care System (SWL ICS). The post-holder will develop and support a portfolio of service improvement projects related to recruitment, workforce planning, professional support of PAs.
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
About our locations:
Springfield University Hospital, Tooting
Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops and cafes are coming soon. Close to shops, cafes and Tooting Bec on the Northern Line plus Earlsfield and Tooting rail stations and bus routes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To participate in all diagnostic and treatment services in the employing organisation as delegated and agreed by the supervisor.
Provide direct clinical care to patients using established clinical guidelines, involving consulting with and referring patients to medical specialists and other health professionals as indicated.
To interview patients, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse, diagnose and explain medical problems.
To recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment and to perform specialised diagnostic physical exams and treatment procedures.
To fully document all aspects of patient care and complete all required documentation for legal and administrative purposes (e.g. routine medical notes).
Provide accurate clinical advice and instructions to nursing and other health professionals as required.
To confer regularly with the medical supervisor and other health care staff, refer specific patients, plan and co-ordinate activities, exchange information, investigate and resolve problems.
In exceptional circumstance to provide additional services on an emergency basis under the direction and responsible supervision of a doctor, as are within the post-holders clinical competence and which would not otherwise jeopardise the delivery of services to patients.
In emergency situations, administer basic life support, advanced life support and medications pending availability of a doctor.
To keep up to date on relevant medical research, technology and related issues by attending continuing education courses and professional meetings, reading journals, etc.
To assist in clinical instruction and supervision of medical and nursing students.
To assist the Lead PA in developing a workforce strategy to further embed the Physician Associate profession across identified clinical areas in the employing organisation - this will include role development and mentoring of existing and incoming Physician Associates.
To undertake 50 hours of continuing medical education every year, or 250 hours over 5 years.
To keep up to date with appraisal requirements as per the GMC, once regulation commences in December 2024.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To participate in all diagnostic and treatment services in the employing organisation as delegated and agreed by the supervisor.
Provide direct clinical care to patients using established clinical guidelines, involving consulting with and referring patients to medical specialists and other health professionals as indicated.
To interview patients, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse, diagnose and explain medical problems.
To recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment and to perform specialised diagnostic physical exams and treatment procedures.
To fully document all aspects of patient care and complete all required documentation for legal and administrative purposes (e.g. routine medical notes).
Provide accurate clinical advice and instructions to nursing and other health professionals as required.
To confer regularly with the medical supervisor and other health care staff, refer specific patients, plan and co-ordinate activities, exchange information, investigate and resolve problems.
In exceptional circumstance to provide additional services on an emergency basis under the direction and responsible supervision of a doctor, as are within the post-holders clinical competence and which would not otherwise jeopardise the delivery of services to patients.
In emergency situations, administer basic life support, advanced life support and medications pending availability of a doctor.
To keep up to date on relevant medical research, technology and related issues by attending continuing education courses and professional meetings, reading journals, etc.
To assist in clinical instruction and supervision of medical and nursing students.
To assist the Lead PA in developing a workforce strategy to further embed the Physician Associate profession across identified clinical areas in the employing organisation - this will include role development and mentoring of existing and incoming Physician Associates.
To undertake 50 hours of continuing medical education every year, or 250 hours over 5 years.
To keep up to date with appraisal requirements as per the GMC, once regulation commences in December 2024.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- BA / BSc Degree prior to undertaking Physician Associate Programme
- Graduate of an accredited UK Physician Associate training programme with PG Diploma
- Successfully passed national PA Licensing Exam (evidence of six year recertification exam pass where necessary)
- Membership of Royal College of Physicians Faculty of Physician Associates or eligible for such membership
- Equal opportunity training in the last 3 years
Desirable
- Certified CPR / ALS and PALS
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 1 year experience working as a Physician Associate in General Practice and / or Secondary Care
- Demonstrable patient assessment skills
- Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of all relevant and related aspects of anatomy and physiology
- Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of related medical conditions, treatments and Pharmacology
- Detailed knowledge of maintaining confidentiality and implementing data protection legislation requirements including information governance
- Proven ability to support Doctors in clinical decision making
- Phlebotomy, cannulation and ECG recording.
Desirable
- Experience of working as a Physician Associate in General Practice and / or Secondary Care
- Proven track record of successful local project or initiative
- Previous education or leadership experience.
- Experience of chairing meetings.
- Experience of report writing.
knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively
- Ability to exercise sound judgement when faced with conflicting pressures
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
- Broad understanding of education and management theories and their application
- Up to date knowledge of national priorities in PAs, primary care and NHS
- Presentation skills including PowerPoint
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- BA / BSc Degree prior to undertaking Physician Associate Programme
- Graduate of an accredited UK Physician Associate training programme with PG Diploma
- Successfully passed national PA Licensing Exam (evidence of six year recertification exam pass where necessary)
- Membership of Royal College of Physicians Faculty of Physician Associates or eligible for such membership
- Equal opportunity training in the last 3 years
Desirable
- Certified CPR / ALS and PALS
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 1 year experience working as a Physician Associate in General Practice and / or Secondary Care
- Demonstrable patient assessment skills
- Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of all relevant and related aspects of anatomy and physiology
- Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of related medical conditions, treatments and Pharmacology
- Detailed knowledge of maintaining confidentiality and implementing data protection legislation requirements including information governance
- Proven ability to support Doctors in clinical decision making
- Phlebotomy, cannulation and ECG recording.
Desirable
- Experience of working as a Physician Associate in General Practice and / or Secondary Care
- Proven track record of successful local project or initiative
- Previous education or leadership experience.
- Experience of chairing meetings.
- Experience of report writing.
knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively
- Ability to exercise sound judgement when faced with conflicting pressures
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
- Broad understanding of education and management theories and their application
- Up to date knowledge of national priorities in PAs, primary care and NHS
- Presentation skills including PowerPoint
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).
