Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Physician Associate to take part in a new preceptorship in Ophthalmology. This preceptorship will be overseen by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) and will provide ample opportunities for clinical and professional development. The Physician Associate (PA) will spend a year working within Leighton Hospital, part of Mid Cheshire Health Foundation Trust under the supervision of a dedicated clinical supervisor and working collaboratively with members of the multi-disciplinary teams within the Trust policies and clinical guidelines. Initially this is a 12 month fixed term contract starting in November 2023.
Main duties of the job
We are looking to appoint a motivated Physician Associate as part of a pilot programme in Ophthalmology which Leighton Hospital will take part in with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The successful candidate would be welcomed to our multi-disciplinary team and supported by colleagues from all disciplines to develop clinical skills and knowledge in Ophthalmology.
This post is applicable to all Physician Associates including newly qualified PAs.
There will be opportunities to rotate through multiple sub-specialties of Ophthalmology to gain clinical experience. The PAs enrolled onto this programme will be funded to attend four, two-day training courses in London to support their development. These will be organised by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The post affords the PA a generous study budget to support development.
Upon completion of the preceptorship programme it is expected that PAs will be able to work in a band 7 role as a PA in Ophthalmology with subsequent opportunities for progression.
This post is a pilot programme which has been co-developed between the RCOphth and NHS England. The programme will commence November 2023.
About us
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a full range of hospital and community services for people across East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). The Trust provides high quality planned and emergency care, cardiac, critical care,child health,maternity services and intermediate care at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.
The Trust provides over 500 beds and employs over 5,100 members of staff. A comprehensive range of community services is provided across 26 medical centres and schools through ourCentral Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership.
We have played, and continue to play, a proactive role in the development of Integrated Care plans across Cheshire & Merseyside and our local Cheshire East and Cheshire West Place-based systems. We believe, and it is the cornerstone of our five-year Trust Strategy, there is the opportunity to progress innovative, responsive and effective care in the best setting for the patient, be it in the hospital or out in the community.
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will participate in all appropriate aspects of the patient pathway. The PA will be expected to perform delegated duties with a high degree of clinical skill and knowledge. With appropriate clinicalsupervision, the post holder will for example: Undertake patient consultations, assessments & clinical examinations; Order appropriate investigations; Interpret investigation findings; Determine a list of differential diagnoses; Recommend a management/treatment plan; Take responsibility for an appropriate dedicated patient caseload.Within your scope of practice (subject to appropriate training and experience), and as appropriate to your specialty, develop competencies to: Perform delegated diagnostic or therapeutic procedures as part of a multi-disciplinary team such as intravitreal injections. Support the delivery of care in a range of settings; including emergency assessment, inpatient wards, outpatient clinics and operating theatres (where applicable). Support and contribute to timely discharge planning where appropriate. Maintain accurate, timely and appropriate documentation. Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care within specialty andacross the Trust. Ensure provision of a high standard of care at all times, using a high degree of empathy and advanced communication skills. Liaise closely and work collaboratively within the clinical/multi-disciplinary team toensure good working relationships are in place which maximise benefits to patient care. Build effective networks with other teams and other organisations, working in collaboration to support efficient patient care. Contribute to achieving and maintaining targets and standards associated with therelevant clinical speciality.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will participate in all appropriate aspects of the patient pathway. The PA will be expected to perform delegated duties with a high degree of clinical skill and knowledge. With appropriate clinicalsupervision, the post holder will for example: Undertake patient consultations, assessments & clinical examinations; Order appropriate investigations; Interpret investigation findings; Determine a list of differential diagnoses; Recommend a management/treatment plan; Take responsibility for an appropriate dedicated patient caseload.Within your scope of practice (subject to appropriate training and experience), and as appropriate to your specialty, develop competencies to: Perform delegated diagnostic or therapeutic procedures as part of a multi-disciplinary team such as intravitreal injections. Support the delivery of care in a range of settings; including emergency assessment, inpatient wards, outpatient clinics and operating theatres (where applicable). Support and contribute to timely discharge planning where appropriate. Maintain accurate, timely and appropriate documentation. Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care within specialty andacross the Trust. Ensure provision of a high standard of care at all times, using a high degree of empathy and advanced communication skills. Liaise closely and work collaboratively within the clinical/multi-disciplinary team toensure good working relationships are in place which maximise benefits to patient care. Build effective networks with other teams and other organisations, working in collaboration to support efficient patient care. Contribute to achieving and maintaining targets and standards associated with therelevant clinical speciality.
Person Specification
essential
Essential
- BA/BSc Degree prior to undertaking PA programme
- MSc. in Physician Associate Studies from a recognised UK training programme or due to graduate in 2023.
- Registration with the UK Managed Voluntary Registry for Physician Associates which currently includes membership of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians at the time of commencement of employment.
Desirable
- Experience and knowledge in the field of Ophthalmology
- Experience of conducting clinical audit/quality improvement
- Experience in medical procedures and terminology
Essential
Essential
- MSc. in Physician Associate Studies from a recognised UK training programme or due to graduate in 2023.
essential
Essential
- Registration with the UK Managed Voluntary Registry for Physician Associates which currently includes membership of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians at the time of commencement of employment.
Person Specification
essential
Essential
- BA/BSc Degree prior to undertaking PA programme
- MSc. in Physician Associate Studies from a recognised UK training programme or due to graduate in 2023.
- Registration with the UK Managed Voluntary Registry for Physician Associates which currently includes membership of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians at the time of commencement of employment.
Desirable
- Experience and knowledge in the field of Ophthalmology
- Experience of conducting clinical audit/quality improvement
- Experience in medical procedures and terminology
Essential
Essential
- MSc. in Physician Associate Studies from a recognised UK training programme or due to graduate in 2023.
essential
Essential
- Registration with the UK Managed Voluntary Registry for Physician Associates which currently includes membership of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians at the time of commencement of employment.
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).
