Job summary
An exciting new opportunity has arisen in the Gastroenterology Service in Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals for a new role of a Physician Associate in Endoscopy.
This position is open to qualified Physician Associates and those who are within 3 months of their qualification. The successful applicant will join a large, dynamic & flexible gastroenterology team which includes Consultant Gastroenterologists, a Nurse Consultant, Nurse Endoscopists & Clinical Endoscopists who scope as part of their Specialist Nurse/ANP/GI Physiologist roles.
We also expect the role to undertake some out-patient clinic work, including general gastroenterology & pre-assessment clinics. The role would include patient educational support, psychological support and good communication skills which is vital for patient management.
Whilst training the PA will be remunerated with on AfC B7 (annex 21 terms and conditions).
This role would include involvement in the Endoscopy Education Programme working with our Clinical Educator to deliver relevant education and training for all endoscopy staff.
Interview date to be confirmed
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work within an established service, work autonomously and within the multidisciplinary team with the support of Gastroenterologists and other nurse specialists. The Physician Associate (PA) will be trained to be independent in upper & lower diagnostic endoscopy. The PA would provide expert care including patient assessment, clinical examination and developing clinical management plans
- To provide individual episodes of care to a client group based on assessment of physical, social, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs
- To demonstrate a high level of clinical decision-making and an ability to monitor and improve standards of care. To work within his/her own scope of professional practice
- To work closely with the multi-professional team to assist in development of the nurse endoscopist service and provide expert nursing practice without direct medical supervision but within agreed Trust protocols
- To work unsupervised in the provision of clinical care to patients
- To assist in and provide the training and education to the multi-professional team, patients and their relatives
About us
The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals.
From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.
The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.
Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care:
- CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate
- SAFETY that is of the highest standards
- COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful
- SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable
- PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients
Our achievements include:
- Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Accessible version available upon request.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as an autonomous practitioner undertaking diagnostic investigations for patients requiring GI endoscopy procedures including diagnostic gastroscopy including trans-nasal gastroscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy with a commitment to train for further advanced procedures such as colonoscopy if required by the service.
- To ensure lists run efficiently and effectively.
- To act as an excellent role model and develop own clinical expertise keeping abreast of changing developments in endoscopy practice.
- To provide quality patient standards in accordance with those identified in the GRS and JAG. To actively participate in the Endoscopy JAG GRS Meetings.
- To be a Non-medical Prescriber.
- To work autonomously on the Gastroenterology ward to support the medical & nursing staff.
- To support Consultant Led Gastroenterology clinic activity.
- To be involved with and independently run non-medical clinician-led clinics with the support of the Consultant Gastroenterologists ensuring that clinics are structured, organised and run effectively. To arrange follow-up appointments when appropriate to monitor and evaluate client health/illness.
- To assist with, manage and be involved with a one stop upper and lower GI nurse led clinic, incorporating triage process, clinical examination, diagnostic endoscopy resulting in review and clinical management plan.
- Where appropriate, to select, perform and interpret screening and diagnostic laboratory tests, as agreed in protocols.
- If the service feels appropriate to develop additional skills e.g. venesection, paracentesis, capsule endoscopy interpretation, to support the wider gastroenterology service.
- To successfully complete and regularly update as a minimum requirement the Basic Life Support (BLS) +/- Intermediate Life Support (ILS)
- Support the vetting and validation of referrals and communicate decisions and outcomes to referrers.
- To support triaging/vetting sessions for both suspected upper and Lower GI cancer referrals.
- To ensure that families and carers are involved in the planning and provision of care where this is appropriate.
- To assist with mechanisms to monitor users perceptions of the service.
- To participate in the formulation and development of clinical governance action plans.
- To provide appropriate guidance regarding wellness, lifestyle, disease risks and potential changes in health status, including health awareness, screening and prevention.
- To recognise and refer to appropriate primary care services for clients with acute/chronic conditions.
- To demonstrate critical thinking and reasoning skills in diagnostic decision-making.
- To document all relevant information regarding the patient according to Trust standards.
- To evaluate results of intervention using accepted outcome criteria, revise the plan of care, where appropriate, and consult/refer when needed.
- Critically reflect on own performance through peer/team/network and clinical supervision.
- To work within a professional code of conduct and all Trust Guidelines.
- To keep up to date with professional issues in nursing practice, research and the National Health Service, British Society for Gastroenterology and GRS and JAG.
- Continue with own personal development through the pursuit of relevant professional and academic study.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
- To assist in the development and marketing the role of Physician Associate to the public and other health care professionals.
- To actively participate in the decisions about expansion plans for the endoscopy service.
- To refer patients to other specialists/resources.
- To participate in legislative and policymaking activities which influence the advancement of your practice.
- To assist in the development and review of protocols for gastroscopy (OGD), flexible sigmoidoscopy and other gastrointestinal procedures.
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES
- To be fully involved in local and national training programmes for Endoscopy.
- To be actively involved in the orientation and training of new medical and non-medical Endoscopists.
- To ensure all practice is governed by the GRS and JAG requirements for training.
- To comply with the Quality Standards outlined in the GRS.
- To identify poor practice and take steps to rectify the situation.
- To advise on the training needs analysis which reflects the future needs of the service in collaboration with the Endoscopy Unit Manager and Clinician Director for Gastroenterology and Directorate Manager for Endoscopy.
- To work with the Clinical Educator and Endoscopy Manager, Specialist Nurses, to ensure appropriate educational opportunities for personal, professional and service development.
- To work collaboratively with the senior staff to ensure that all staff have an appraisal and a personal development plan
- To take an active lead in teaching informally and formally.
- To participate in ensuring that appropriate endoscopy assessments are completed including Direct Observation of Practice forms.
- To play an active role in health education and educating patients about their lifestyles.
- To participate in research activities in conjunction with the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy team.
- To work alongside the Clinical Educator and Endoscopy Nursing team in the development of recognised endoscopy courses and in-house teaching programmes.
- To promote a seamless service of care through liaison with all relevant Health Care professionals and set up appropriate systems and education across the Trust and with external partner
LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To contribute to the effective management of resources within the Endoscopy Unit to provide a high-quality patient focused service.
- To ensure effective mechanisms for maintaining communication between wards, directorate and wider organisation, i.e. Gastroenterology Governance Group.
- To provide care for individuals, families and communities within integrating healthcare services and using accepted guidelines and protocols.
- Where necessary, to plan, implement and evaluate healthcare collaboratively with others using approaches that recognise each ones experience and to meet the need of the client.
- To fully integrate within the Endoscopy Unit, thus ensuring a holistic approach to care of patients.
- To Work Collaboratively with the Endoscopy Manager & Clinical Director for Gastroenterology to develop a patient led endoscopy service.
- To actively participate in unit activities and encourage others to do so.
- Provide expert knowledge and clinical leadership.
- Evaluate service delivery, identify areas for improvement and initiate change.
- To assist on the management of complaints and clinical incidents, including involvement in SIRI meetings relevant to endoscopy.
- To assist with line management of nursing staff following HR policies.
RESEARCH & AUDIT
- Identify need for, participate and undertake, research, clinical audit, benchmarking and equipment trials, in order to improve effectiveness of patient care.
- Actively participate in clinical audit and service improvement projects.
- Disseminate research and audit findings through presentation to professional groups and publication.
- Assist with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to own area of work.
- Promote patient and public involvement activities in the specialist area, leading to service improvement.
- Promote peoples equality, diversity and rights
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as an autonomous practitioner undertaking diagnostic investigations for patients requiring GI endoscopy procedures including diagnostic gastroscopy including trans-nasal gastroscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy with a commitment to train for further advanced procedures such as colonoscopy if required by the service.
- To ensure lists run efficiently and effectively.
- To act as an excellent role model and develop own clinical expertise keeping abreast of changing developments in endoscopy practice.
- To provide quality patient standards in accordance with those identified in the GRS and JAG. To actively participate in the Endoscopy JAG GRS Meetings.
- To be a Non-medical Prescriber.
- To work autonomously on the Gastroenterology ward to support the medical & nursing staff.
- To support Consultant Led Gastroenterology clinic activity.
- To be involved with and independently run non-medical clinician-led clinics with the support of the Consultant Gastroenterologists ensuring that clinics are structured, organised and run effectively. To arrange follow-up appointments when appropriate to monitor and evaluate client health/illness.
- To assist with, manage and be involved with a one stop upper and lower GI nurse led clinic, incorporating triage process, clinical examination, diagnostic endoscopy resulting in review and clinical management plan.
- Where appropriate, to select, perform and interpret screening and diagnostic laboratory tests, as agreed in protocols.
- If the service feels appropriate to develop additional skills e.g. venesection, paracentesis, capsule endoscopy interpretation, to support the wider gastroenterology service.
- To successfully complete and regularly update as a minimum requirement the Basic Life Support (BLS) +/- Intermediate Life Support (ILS)
- Support the vetting and validation of referrals and communicate decisions and outcomes to referrers.
- To support triaging/vetting sessions for both suspected upper and Lower GI cancer referrals.
- To ensure that families and carers are involved in the planning and provision of care where this is appropriate.
- To assist with mechanisms to monitor users perceptions of the service.
- To participate in the formulation and development of clinical governance action plans.
- To provide appropriate guidance regarding wellness, lifestyle, disease risks and potential changes in health status, including health awareness, screening and prevention.
- To recognise and refer to appropriate primary care services for clients with acute/chronic conditions.
- To demonstrate critical thinking and reasoning skills in diagnostic decision-making.
- To document all relevant information regarding the patient according to Trust standards.
- To evaluate results of intervention using accepted outcome criteria, revise the plan of care, where appropriate, and consult/refer when needed.
- Critically reflect on own performance through peer/team/network and clinical supervision.
- To work within a professional code of conduct and all Trust Guidelines.
- To keep up to date with professional issues in nursing practice, research and the National Health Service, British Society for Gastroenterology and GRS and JAG.
- Continue with own personal development through the pursuit of relevant professional and academic study.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
- To assist in the development and marketing the role of Physician Associate to the public and other health care professionals.
- To actively participate in the decisions about expansion plans for the endoscopy service.
- To refer patients to other specialists/resources.
- To participate in legislative and policymaking activities which influence the advancement of your practice.
- To assist in the development and review of protocols for gastroscopy (OGD), flexible sigmoidoscopy and other gastrointestinal procedures.
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES
- To be fully involved in local and national training programmes for Endoscopy.
- To be actively involved in the orientation and training of new medical and non-medical Endoscopists.
- To ensure all practice is governed by the GRS and JAG requirements for training.
- To comply with the Quality Standards outlined in the GRS.
- To identify poor practice and take steps to rectify the situation.
- To advise on the training needs analysis which reflects the future needs of the service in collaboration with the Endoscopy Unit Manager and Clinician Director for Gastroenterology and Directorate Manager for Endoscopy.
- To work with the Clinical Educator and Endoscopy Manager, Specialist Nurses, to ensure appropriate educational opportunities for personal, professional and service development.
- To work collaboratively with the senior staff to ensure that all staff have an appraisal and a personal development plan
- To take an active lead in teaching informally and formally.
- To participate in ensuring that appropriate endoscopy assessments are completed including Direct Observation of Practice forms.
- To play an active role in health education and educating patients about their lifestyles.
- To participate in research activities in conjunction with the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy team.
- To work alongside the Clinical Educator and Endoscopy Nursing team in the development of recognised endoscopy courses and in-house teaching programmes.
- To promote a seamless service of care through liaison with all relevant Health Care professionals and set up appropriate systems and education across the Trust and with external partner
LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To contribute to the effective management of resources within the Endoscopy Unit to provide a high-quality patient focused service.
- To ensure effective mechanisms for maintaining communication between wards, directorate and wider organisation, i.e. Gastroenterology Governance Group.
- To provide care for individuals, families and communities within integrating healthcare services and using accepted guidelines and protocols.
- Where necessary, to plan, implement and evaluate healthcare collaboratively with others using approaches that recognise each ones experience and to meet the need of the client.
- To fully integrate within the Endoscopy Unit, thus ensuring a holistic approach to care of patients.
- To Work Collaboratively with the Endoscopy Manager & Clinical Director for Gastroenterology to develop a patient led endoscopy service.
- To actively participate in unit activities and encourage others to do so.
- Provide expert knowledge and clinical leadership.
- Evaluate service delivery, identify areas for improvement and initiate change.
- To assist on the management of complaints and clinical incidents, including involvement in SIRI meetings relevant to endoscopy.
- To assist with line management of nursing staff following HR policies.
RESEARCH & AUDIT
- Identify need for, participate and undertake, research, clinical audit, benchmarking and equipment trials, in order to improve effectiveness of patient care.
- Actively participate in clinical audit and service improvement projects.
- Disseminate research and audit findings through presentation to professional groups and publication.
- Assist with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to own area of work.
- Promote patient and public involvement activities in the specialist area, leading to service improvement.
- Promote peoples equality, diversity and rights
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Evidence of professional service development
- Experience of Leadership & Management
- Good working knowledge of JAG and GRS
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Physician Associate - Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) Certificate or within 3/12 of qualification.
- Registered on the Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) or will be registered once qualified.
Skills
Essential
- Basic clinical skills e.g., Venepuncture, IV Cannulation, ABG sampling
- Clinical Assessment & Management of Patients
- JAG Upper Endoscopy Competent or willingness to work towards (annex 21)
- JAG Lower Endoscopy (sigmoidoscopy) Competent or willingness to work towards (annex 21)
Desirable
- Experience of working within gastroenterology
Other
Essential
- Understands and demonstrates the Trust Values
Desirable
- Demonstrate change management ability
- Able to participate/undertake clinical audit and research
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Evidence of professional service development
- Experience of Leadership & Management
- Good working knowledge of JAG and GRS
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Physician Associate - Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) Certificate or within 3/12 of qualification.
- Registered on the Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) or will be registered once qualified.
Skills
Essential
- Basic clinical skills e.g., Venepuncture, IV Cannulation, ABG sampling
- Clinical Assessment & Management of Patients
- JAG Upper Endoscopy Competent or willingness to work towards (annex 21)
- JAG Lower Endoscopy (sigmoidoscopy) Competent or willingness to work towards (annex 21)
Desirable
- Experience of working within gastroenterology
Other
Essential
- Understands and demonstrates the Trust Values
Desirable
- Demonstrate change management ability
- Able to participate/undertake clinical audit and research
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).
