Job summary
We are looking to expand our Medical Examiner Service.Routine mortality reviews of all inpatient deaths have been taking place at Luton & Dunstable Hospital since 2018 providing scrutiny for all inpatient deaths at the hospital, and we have developed an excellent working relationship with our Superintendent Registrar, Coroner and Coroner's Officers locally.We have been working with two local GP's to develop a streamlined process which will allow Luton & Bedfordshire GP practices to refer deaths to the service for review. This has been trialled with a group of three practices over the past few months, and it is now ready to be offered to all other practices in the area.We are a supportive, experienced and dynamic team from a range of clinical backgrounds, and we are now looking to recruit new medical practitioners to the team to deal with the doubling of workload that will accompany this imminent change.As a new Medical Examiner, you will be supported by the team as we grow the service. Training is hosted by the Royal College of Pathologists with peer support being provided in the new role by the existing medical examiners. This is a highly rewarding role that provides essential safeguards within the death certification process, provides support to the bereaved, supports correct referral to HM Coroner and supports system wide learning and improvement.
This post is for Specialty Doctors or Consultants.
Main duties of the job
Applications are invited from any medically qualified practitioner who has been on the full GMC register for a minimum of five years. The posts will be flexible, but with a minimum commitment of 8 hours per month. Office-based and off-site working can both be accommodated, and a final working arrangement will be agreed with individuals following their appointment. A degree of flexibility, and some weekend working is likely to be required, but will not be unduly onerous: exact details will depend on the legislation currently being drawn up by the Government.
Medical examiners (MEs) are appropriately trained doctors who will proportionately scrutinise deceased patients' records against the Cause of Death offered by the certifying practitioner. They are responsible for ensuring that
- the Cause of Death is accurate, and meets the legal requirements for registration,
- there is no requirement for referral of the case to the Coroner for review
- any concerns about the death raised by any concerned party are reviewed and actioned accordingly
- that any concerns about the standard of care received by the deceased are escalated appropriately for investigation for system-wide learning
Medical Examiners are not allowed to scrutinise the death of any patient whose care they have been involved in.
These posts are being created to build capacity in preparation for the introduction of the mandatory review of all deaths by a Medical Examiner before registration can occur.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the current and proposed reformed processes of certification, investigation by coroners and registration of deaths.
- To scrutinise the certified causes of death offered by attending doctors 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 expected that such discussions will be predominately conducted through telephone conversations where barriers to understanding information may exist. These discussions may be delegated to a Medical Examiners Officer if appropriate
- 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 electronic records of all deaths scrutinised in approved Trust applications, 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, mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care, where appropriate and with the agreement of the Lead Medical Examiner.
- To support the training of junior doctors in their understanding of death certification and promote good practice in accurate completion of MCCDs.
- To work with medical examiner officers (MEOs), delegating duties as appropriate.
- To engage with lead ME and lead MEO for the 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.
The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) has always been renowned for its friendly atmosphere and good working relationships. The Hospital has an excellent track record of financial and senior executive stability.
The Trust has University Hospital status which provides an academic environment to the hospital. In addition to postgraduate training, we welcome medical students from the UCL Medical School throughout the year and by arrangement with the medical school provide a programme of clinical placements to support their education. We have an excellent reputation for junior staff training. Within the Centre of Multi-Professional Educational & Training (COMET) is the Medical Education Department, the library including an IT suite, and the Training & Development Department. The main aim of the Medical Education Department is to promote postgraduate and continuing medical education and training for all doctors and dentists. The Hospital actively promotes career development and progression for all staff.
The Hospital has excellent access to the surrounding areas with easy access to central London and the rural Chilterns. The rural areas include many attractive villages and towns within easy reach of the Hospital including St Albans and Harpenden. Excellent schools are found nearby. There is also very good access to the Midlands and North by road using the M1 or A1, or by rail to one of the Lutons three stations. A direct link using the new Busway takes passengers from Luton Train station just 7 minutes to reach a stop that is within a short walking distance of the hospital. London Luton Airport is within fifteen minutes of the hospital.
Applicants must be fully registered on the UK General Medical Councils Specialist Register and have MRCP. Specialist Registrars may apply if within 6 months of CCT.
Residence is required within ten miles by road or thirty minutes travelling time of the Hospital.
Candidates unable for personal reasons to work full-time are also invited to apply.
The appointment will be subject to full Occupational Health Clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for the successful candidates prior to commencement.
Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the current and proposed reformed processes of certification, investigation by coroners and registration of deaths.
- To scrutinise the certified causes of death offered by attending doctors 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 expected that such discussions will be predominately conducted through telephone conversations where barriers to understanding information may exist. These discussions may be delegated to a Medical Examiners Officer if appropriate
- 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 electronic records of all deaths scrutinised in approved Trust applications, 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, mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care, where appropriate and with the agreement of the Lead Medical Examiner.
- To support the training of junior doctors in their understanding of death certification and promote good practice in accurate completion of MCCDs.
- To work with medical examiner officers (MEOs), delegating duties as appropriate.
- To engage with lead ME and lead MEO for the 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.
The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) has always been renowned for its friendly atmosphere and good working relationships. The Hospital has an excellent track record of financial and senior executive stability.
The Trust has University Hospital status which provides an academic environment to the hospital. In addition to postgraduate training, we welcome medical students from the UCL Medical School throughout the year and by arrangement with the medical school provide a programme of clinical placements to support their education. We have an excellent reputation for junior staff training. Within the Centre of Multi-Professional Educational & Training (COMET) is the Medical Education Department, the library including an IT suite, and the Training & Development Department. The main aim of the Medical Education Department is to promote postgraduate and continuing medical education and training for all doctors and dentists. The Hospital actively promotes career development and progression for all staff.
The Hospital has excellent access to the surrounding areas with easy access to central London and the rural Chilterns. The rural areas include many attractive villages and towns within easy reach of the Hospital including St Albans and Harpenden. Excellent schools are found nearby. There is also very good access to the Midlands and North by road using the M1 or A1, or by rail to one of the Lutons three stations. A direct link using the new Busway takes passengers from Luton Train station just 7 minutes to reach a stop that is within a short walking distance of the hospital. London Luton Airport is within fifteen minutes of the hospital.
Applicants must be fully registered on the UK General Medical Councils Specialist Register and have MRCP. Specialist Registrars may apply if within 6 months of CCT.
Residence is required within ten miles by road or thirty minutes travelling time of the Hospital.
Candidates unable for personal reasons to work full-time are also invited to apply.
The appointment will be subject to full Occupational Health Clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for the successful candidates prior to commencement.
Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the post.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Medical practitioner registered and licensed to practise in the UK by the GMC. Must have been on the full register for a minimum of five years
Desirable
- Recognised relevant postgraduate medical qualification.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Up-to-date knowledge of causes of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification processes. Completion of the 26 Royal College of Pathologists Medical examiner core training modules (go to www.rcpath.org/profession/medical-examiners.html for details) Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity Knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems and an understanding of how the ME can work collaboratively to improve patient safety by identifying sub-optimal clinical and organisational performance. To sustain professional integrity and independence at all times, and possess an ability to identify potential conflicts of interest
Desirable
- Completion of Royal College of Pathologists Face to Face training session after completion of 26 core modules, or completion of the additional 61 on-line training modules. Previous experience of clinical governance processes and improvement projects and methodology A working knowledge of the clinical portal
Personal Skills
Essential
- IT skills including use of email and commonly used software, including SystmOne. Ability to manage sensitive information-based processes within tight timescales by ensuring a proportionate approach to tasks. Ability to identify available data sources to support the detection and analysis of concerns and to recognise gaps in available knowledge. Ability to identify and disseminate examples of good practice amongst relevant colleagues. Ability to work effectively and efficiently within own team and also closely with people in other disciplines Ability to work as part of a team and organise a fluctuating workload around competing priorities and numerous interruptions. Have the resilience to manage own reaction to frequently distressing situations and support others within the team. Excellent communication skills across cultural and language barriers, and demonstrated experience of using translation services or applications to aid communication under difficult circumstances
Other
Essential
- A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities. Evidence of regular engagement with the appraisal process Commitment to attend a face-to-face training session within the first three months in post if not already completed when appointed. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism. Proactive and self-motivated with a flexible working approach
Desirable
- Support of colleagues for you to take on the ME role
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Medical practitioner registered and licensed to practise in the UK by the GMC. Must have been on the full register for a minimum of five years
Desirable
- Recognised relevant postgraduate medical qualification.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Up-to-date knowledge of causes of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification processes. Completion of the 26 Royal College of Pathologists Medical examiner core training modules (go to www.rcpath.org/profession/medical-examiners.html for details) Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity Knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems and an understanding of how the ME can work collaboratively to improve patient safety by identifying sub-optimal clinical and organisational performance. To sustain professional integrity and independence at all times, and possess an ability to identify potential conflicts of interest
Desirable
- Completion of Royal College of Pathologists Face to Face training session after completion of 26 core modules, or completion of the additional 61 on-line training modules. Previous experience of clinical governance processes and improvement projects and methodology A working knowledge of the clinical portal
Personal Skills
Essential
- IT skills including use of email and commonly used software, including SystmOne. Ability to manage sensitive information-based processes within tight timescales by ensuring a proportionate approach to tasks. Ability to identify available data sources to support the detection and analysis of concerns and to recognise gaps in available knowledge. Ability to identify and disseminate examples of good practice amongst relevant colleagues. Ability to work effectively and efficiently within own team and also closely with people in other disciplines Ability to work as part of a team and organise a fluctuating workload around competing priorities and numerous interruptions. Have the resilience to manage own reaction to frequently distressing situations and support others within the team. Excellent communication skills across cultural and language barriers, and demonstrated experience of using translation services or applications to aid communication under difficult circumstances
Other
Essential
- A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities. Evidence of regular engagement with the appraisal process Commitment to attend a face-to-face training session within the first three months in post if not already completed when appointed. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism. Proactive and self-motivated with a flexible working approach
Desirable
- Support of colleagues for you to take on the ME role
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).
