Job summary
We have a unique opportunity for a Specialty Doctor to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract (maternity leave cover). This would suit someone who is looking to develop new and improve existing skills in palliative and end of life care in a supportive environment. There will be opportunities to participate in education and audit, as well as deliver excellent palliative care to patients and families both on our 13-bed inpatient unit and in the community.
You will be joining a knowledgeable and experienced team of
clinical staff who work together to ensure that the right care is given from
the right people at the right time. We are proud that our care is not simply
about meeting regulations and guidelines: it is about seeing the person behind
the illness, and enabling them to have the best possible quality of life with
their loved ones.
We are rated outstanding by CQC and have an excellent
reputation within our local community. The Hospice medical team comprises a
Medical Director, 3 Specialty Doctors, 2 Advanced Nurse Practitioners and GP
trainees. The team also enjoys the input of three Palliative Care Consultants.
The post would suit either a Doctor wanting to pursue a career in Palliative
Medicine, or a GP wishing to develop an area of interest.
Days and hours are negotiable (plus on call). Please call us to discuss.
St Johns Hospice employs c220 staff and c500 volunteers, and supports over 1000 patients and their families every year.
Main duties of the job
General duties and
responsibilities
You will assist in the provision of specialist palliative care services at St
Johns Hospice working together with and under the supervision of the senior
medical team. You will also provide
supervision of the GPST
Registrars. As members of the medical
team, you will be responsible for maintenance of the highest possible standard
of medical care for patients and will encourage and support a holistic and
patient-centred approach to the care of patients and their families within the
organisation, taking social, psychological and spiritual, as well as medical
factors into consideration. This will
include responsibilities across the organisation, in both IPU and community
settings. You will work closely with members of all other disciplines
within the organisation, all of whom are committed to providing excellent care.
If you are looking to take on a role where every day you can see the difference you have made to peoples lives, come and join us.
Informal discussions and enquiries are welcome, just call and speak to our Medical team.
About us
St Johns exists to promote and provide skilled and compassionate palliative care of the highest quality. The Hospice provides care in a variety of settings, directly serving our local communities from Grasmere to Garstang and from Sedbergh to Morecambe. The Hospice is rated outstanding by CQC.
Hospice
care at St Johns is provided free of charge.
The NHS contributes 30% of the Hospices annual running costs,
the remaining being obtained via the generosity of the public.
What we do
St
Johns Hospice provides Specialist Palliative Care services and support to
those affected by life-shortening illnesses.
These currently include:-
- In-patient
care, currently 13 beds
- Provision
of community specialist palliative care through a combined team of Clinical
Nurse Specialists, our Hospice at Home Team and our night sitting and day
respite services
- Specialist
clinics with a Consultant in palliative medicine
- Lymphoedema
clinics and service
- Education
for community GPs, nurses, undergraduates (nursing, medical and allied health
professionals)
- Bereavement
and family support
- Complementary
Therapy
To
provide these services, the Hospice employs around 220 staff and is well supported by our dedicated volunteers.
The
Hospice does not currently provide respite care or long-term care for
patients. We aim to assess and manage
patients symptoms in order for them to return home wherever possible, supported by our Community Services and Family Support teams.
Job description
Job responsibilities
General duties and
responsibilities
You will assist in the provision of specialist palliative care services at St Johns Hospice working
together with and under the supervision of the senior medical team. You will provide supervision of the
GPST Registrars. As members of the medical team, you will be responsible for maintenance of the highest
possible standard of medical care for patients and will encourage and support a holistic and patient-centred
approach to the care of patients and their families within the organisation, taking social, psychological
and spiritual, as well as medical factors into consideration. This will include responsibilities across the
organisation, in both IPU and community settings. You will work closely with members of all other
disciplines within the organisation
Specific
duties include:
- To carry out admissions and daily management of patients on the in-patient unit.
- To participate in multi-professional ward team meetings and ward rounds
- To support Clinical Nurses Specialists and Hospice at Home with the care of patients in the community,
including case discussion and visiting patients.
- To liaise with, and provide advice to, General Practitioners and other members of the Primary Healthcare
Team in assisting in the support of patients in the community and when referral for admission to the
inpatient unit is being considered.
- To ensure the keeping of accurate, professional and contemporaneous records, currently using EMIS
Web.
- To be on call up to 1 in 5 week nights and weekends (non-resident)
- To participate in education, training, audit and research activities.
- To participate in regular appraisal of performance and training needs.
- To undertake appropriate Continuing Professional Development and revalidation activities in accordance
with the requirements of Revalidation and Appraisal for Medical Practitioners.
This list is not exhaustive, and the responsibilities will be regularly reviewed and adapted in discussion with
the post holder. It is expected that post holders will work flexibly alongside colleagues to ensure the highest
quality of service to patients and those close to them.
Requirements of the post
A
person specification is attached but, in brief, this post needs Doctors who:
- Are
excellent clinicians.
- Fulfil
the necessary requirements of post-registration medical experience.
- Are
keen to develop their knowledge and skills in Palliative Medicine.
- Have
the desire to work in a hospice environment.
- Are
committed to team working in a multi-professional setting.
- Understand
the importance of audit and research of the continuing development of
Specialist Palliative Care services.
- Are
prepared to participate in the first on-call rota for the Hospice.
- Are
preferably able to drive and have access to a car.
- Can
communicate clearly and sensitively with patients and, as appropriate, with
their families and friends.
- Are
sensitive to patients social, psychological and spiritual needs.
CPD, education, training,
audit & research
You will need to develop a portfolio of evidence to support your own
professional development and to present at appraisal. You will have
opportunities, and be expected, to participate in education, clinical and
process audit, and research activities within the organisation. In turn, St Johns will actively support you in your own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through
provision of protected time and appropriate facilities and, where appropriate
to the post, funding for attendance at courses and conferences. You will have or be willing to work towards a Diploma in Palliative Medicine. The Hospice will provide support for this.
Appraisal
will be done both internally, by the Medical Director, and externally, through
the appraisal structures of the local hospitals trust to support continuing
Revalidation. The latter will depend on the work placements otherwise held by
the post-holder.
You will be expected to take an active role in the education and
training of both junior medical team members and medical students within the
Hospice, and also to be involved in the provision of education and training of
the wider multidisciplinary team.
Management
You will be expected to participate in management duties within the
organisation as appropriate to your role.
In conjunction with the Medical Director and other members of the
medical team, this will include day-to-day supervision of junior medical staff
and medical students, coordination of daily referral and admission meetings and
ward organisation.
Responsibility &
accountability
You will be responsible ultimately to the Chief Executive of St Johns
Hospice. You will, in the first instance, be accountable to the
Medical Director.
On-call responsibilities
Participation
in the on call rota (see above). On call
cover is non-residential.
Terms and conditions of
service
- The post holder is required to have full
registration with the General Medical Council.
- Medical Indemnity is required to cover
the duties of the post-holder at the Hospice.
- A contract will be issued by the Hospice
and the post-holders terms and conditions of employment are determined by and
agreed with St Johns Hospice.
- Annual leave entitlement is 27 days pro
rata plus statutory Bank Holidays.
- Study leave is by mutual agreement up to
a maximum of up to 30 days pro rata over a three year period.
- It is expected that the post holder will
undertake CPD in accordance with formal requirements. The Hospice is committed to resource CPD
adequately for this purpose.
- The post holder will be appraised
annually by the Medical Director of St Johns Hospice.
- Travelling expenses incurred during work
for the Hospice are reimbursed in line with St Johns Hospice policies.
- The post holder will be required to be
able to attend the Hospice within 40 minutes in an emergency when on-call.
- The post holder will ideally possess a
full UK driving licence. Possession of a
car would be an advantage.
- A right to work in the UK; satisfactory
Occupational Health assessment, which may include medical examination, Enhanced
DBS clearance and 3 satisfactory references (one of which should be your most
recent employer and one from your last responsible officer), and a copy of most
recent Development Plan is a condition of employment.
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
These
posts are exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
(Exemptions) Order 1975. This means that
candidates are not entitled to withhold any convictions they may have had. Information should be provided on a separate
sheet. Any information given will be
completely confidential and will not necessarily disqualify application for the
posts.
Job description
This job description is a
reflection of the current position and may change in emphasis or detail in the
light of subsequent developments.
Further information on the post can be obtained by contacting Dr Alison Bacon, Medical Director. The Hospice website can be found at www.sjhospice.org.uk.
Job description
Job responsibilities
General duties and
responsibilities
You will assist in the provision of specialist palliative care services at St Johns Hospice working
together with and under the supervision of the senior medical team. You will provide supervision of the
GPST Registrars. As members of the medical team, you will be responsible for maintenance of the highest
possible standard of medical care for patients and will encourage and support a holistic and patient-centred
approach to the care of patients and their families within the organisation, taking social, psychological
and spiritual, as well as medical factors into consideration. This will include responsibilities across the
organisation, in both IPU and community settings. You will work closely with members of all other
disciplines within the organisation
Specific
duties include:
- To carry out admissions and daily management of patients on the in-patient unit.
- To participate in multi-professional ward team meetings and ward rounds
- To support Clinical Nurses Specialists and Hospice at Home with the care of patients in the community,
including case discussion and visiting patients.
- To liaise with, and provide advice to, General Practitioners and other members of the Primary Healthcare
Team in assisting in the support of patients in the community and when referral for admission to the
inpatient unit is being considered.
- To ensure the keeping of accurate, professional and contemporaneous records, currently using EMIS
Web.
- To be on call up to 1 in 5 week nights and weekends (non-resident)
- To participate in education, training, audit and research activities.
- To participate in regular appraisal of performance and training needs.
- To undertake appropriate Continuing Professional Development and revalidation activities in accordance
with the requirements of Revalidation and Appraisal for Medical Practitioners.
This list is not exhaustive, and the responsibilities will be regularly reviewed and adapted in discussion with
the post holder. It is expected that post holders will work flexibly alongside colleagues to ensure the highest
quality of service to patients and those close to them.
Requirements of the post
A
person specification is attached but, in brief, this post needs Doctors who:
- Are
excellent clinicians.
- Fulfil
the necessary requirements of post-registration medical experience.
- Are
keen to develop their knowledge and skills in Palliative Medicine.
- Have
the desire to work in a hospice environment.
- Are
committed to team working in a multi-professional setting.
- Understand
the importance of audit and research of the continuing development of
Specialist Palliative Care services.
- Are
prepared to participate in the first on-call rota for the Hospice.
- Are
preferably able to drive and have access to a car.
- Can
communicate clearly and sensitively with patients and, as appropriate, with
their families and friends.
- Are
sensitive to patients social, psychological and spiritual needs.
CPD, education, training,
audit & research
You will need to develop a portfolio of evidence to support your own
professional development and to present at appraisal. You will have
opportunities, and be expected, to participate in education, clinical and
process audit, and research activities within the organisation. In turn, St Johns will actively support you in your own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through
provision of protected time and appropriate facilities and, where appropriate
to the post, funding for attendance at courses and conferences. You will have or be willing to work towards a Diploma in Palliative Medicine. The Hospice will provide support for this.
Appraisal
will be done both internally, by the Medical Director, and externally, through
the appraisal structures of the local hospitals trust to support continuing
Revalidation. The latter will depend on the work placements otherwise held by
the post-holder.
You will be expected to take an active role in the education and
training of both junior medical team members and medical students within the
Hospice, and also to be involved in the provision of education and training of
the wider multidisciplinary team.
Management
You will be expected to participate in management duties within the
organisation as appropriate to your role.
In conjunction with the Medical Director and other members of the
medical team, this will include day-to-day supervision of junior medical staff
and medical students, coordination of daily referral and admission meetings and
ward organisation.
Responsibility &
accountability
You will be responsible ultimately to the Chief Executive of St Johns
Hospice. You will, in the first instance, be accountable to the
Medical Director.
On-call responsibilities
Participation
in the on call rota (see above). On call
cover is non-residential.
Terms and conditions of
service
- The post holder is required to have full
registration with the General Medical Council.
- Medical Indemnity is required to cover
the duties of the post-holder at the Hospice.
- A contract will be issued by the Hospice
and the post-holders terms and conditions of employment are determined by and
agreed with St Johns Hospice.
- Annual leave entitlement is 27 days pro
rata plus statutory Bank Holidays.
- Study leave is by mutual agreement up to
a maximum of up to 30 days pro rata over a three year period.
- It is expected that the post holder will
undertake CPD in accordance with formal requirements. The Hospice is committed to resource CPD
adequately for this purpose.
- The post holder will be appraised
annually by the Medical Director of St Johns Hospice.
- Travelling expenses incurred during work
for the Hospice are reimbursed in line with St Johns Hospice policies.
- The post holder will be required to be
able to attend the Hospice within 40 minutes in an emergency when on-call.
- The post holder will ideally possess a
full UK driving licence. Possession of a
car would be an advantage.
- A right to work in the UK; satisfactory
Occupational Health assessment, which may include medical examination, Enhanced
DBS clearance and 3 satisfactory references (one of which should be your most
recent employer and one from your last responsible officer), and a copy of most
recent Development Plan is a condition of employment.
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
These
posts are exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
(Exemptions) Order 1975. This means that
candidates are not entitled to withhold any convictions they may have had. Information should be provided on a separate
sheet. Any information given will be
completely confidential and will not necessarily disqualify application for the
posts.
Job description
This job description is a
reflection of the current position and may change in emphasis or detail in the
light of subsequent developments.
Further information on the post can be obtained by contacting Dr Alison Bacon, Medical Director. The Hospice website can be found at www.sjhospice.org.uk.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 year's experience since full GMC registration.
Desirable
- Experience of palliative medicine in a general or specialist setting.
Skills
Essential
- Desire to develop skills in Palliative Medicine.
- Ability to undertake holistic assessments and develop ongoing management plans.
- Multidisciplinary team working skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Able to use a non-judgemental approach to patients & colleagues.
- Good IT skills.
- Ability to prioritise.
- Good organisational skills.
Desirable
- Advanced communication skills training.
- Up-to-date practical skills e.g. venepuncture, IV line insertion, paracentesis etc.
Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC registration.
- MBBS or equivalent.
- Licence to practice.
Desirable
- MRCGP, MRCP or equivalent.
- Certificate, Diploma or higher degree in Palliative Medicine/Care.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of hospice and palliative care philosophy.
- Understands the importance of audit & research to the continuing development of clinical practice.
- Shows awareness of own limitations.
- Knowledge of the importance of clinical governance.
Desirable
- Personal involvement in audit &/or research.
- Demonstrates use of evidence-based practice.
- Understanding of independent hospice funding/organisation.
Teaching Experience
Desirable
- Teaching Course, PBL course or similar.
- Experience of teaching undergraduates, post graduates and other health professionals.
Personal Circumstances and Physical Requirements
Essential
- Be able to attend the Hospice within 40 minutes when on-call.
- Meets professional health requirements.
Desirable
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 year's experience since full GMC registration.
Desirable
- Experience of palliative medicine in a general or specialist setting.
Skills
Essential
- Desire to develop skills in Palliative Medicine.
- Ability to undertake holistic assessments and develop ongoing management plans.
- Multidisciplinary team working skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Able to use a non-judgemental approach to patients & colleagues.
- Good IT skills.
- Ability to prioritise.
- Good organisational skills.
Desirable
- Advanced communication skills training.
- Up-to-date practical skills e.g. venepuncture, IV line insertion, paracentesis etc.
Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC registration.
- MBBS or equivalent.
- Licence to practice.
Desirable
- MRCGP, MRCP or equivalent.
- Certificate, Diploma or higher degree in Palliative Medicine/Care.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of hospice and palliative care philosophy.
- Understands the importance of audit & research to the continuing development of clinical practice.
- Shows awareness of own limitations.
- Knowledge of the importance of clinical governance.
Desirable
- Personal involvement in audit &/or research.
- Demonstrates use of evidence-based practice.
- Understanding of independent hospice funding/organisation.
Teaching Experience
Desirable
- Teaching Course, PBL course or similar.
- Experience of teaching undergraduates, post graduates and other health professionals.
Personal Circumstances and Physical Requirements
Essential
- Be able to attend the Hospice within 40 minutes when on-call.
- Meets professional health requirements.
Desirable
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
