Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
We have approximately 6 WTE posts Band 7 with a two-year fixed term contract. (this may be more depending on future funding). All the posts include supporting our CMDU COVID clinic at weekends. There are likely to be opportunities to be part of our research team. Currently two PAs spend one day a week embedded in our clinical trials team, supporting a diverse range of trials from Parkinsons to Acute Flu (RECOVERY-Flu) to mRNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases).
As well as being part of the hospital wide rotations the posts will support our PA run and Consultant supervised COVID Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU). This ambulatory pathway is based on our Infectious Diseases & Infection Control Ward. This busy post has been running since December 2021 and staffed by PAs working within our Consultant led team. The role involves assessing and treating immunocompromised patients with anti-virals and IV infusions of nMABS, to prevent deterioration to severe COVID related disease. This will give you a huge range of general medical skills and broaden your pharmacology knowledge preparing you for when PAs can prescribe. You will care for patients with transplants, renal failure, immunodeficiency, oncology and haematological disorders. You will learn consulting skills and enjoy face to face care, as well as developing team working skills and interactions with arrange of speciality teams. You will work closely with our pharmacy and nursing teams.
It seems inevitable that the demand and roles of CMDUs will change and reduce as we go forward, so these posts will adapt and longer term become part of our overall PA programme. Our approach is to train our PA students, then when qualified undergo a very broad two-year rotation around the whole hospital in both medicine and surgery, but also in other areas like paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and acute medicine while also spending time in medical subspecialties like gastroenterology, cardiology, stroke and respiratory medicine. Then PAs will move into career development posts within individual departments with a very wide range of possibilities. We await the NHS review into PAs and their scope of practice which will guide our future PA programme and roles.
We have 14 current qualified PAs working in a variety of specialities in a mixture of rotational and substantive posts throughout the trust. We host 6 University of Plymouth year 2 students programme and 6 year 1 students each academic year. The PA profession has grown over the last few years with a dedicated PA leadership team. We believe a key component of the role is a clear idea of a career progression with consultant supervision and mentoring. We have regular PA specific teaching sessions which are not only beneficial for ongoing CPD requirements, but also help create a warm and welcoming PA community.
We also had a dedicated weekly teaching programme for PAs that includes monthly simulation sessions. There is a dedicated Training Programme Director for PAs.
We take career development and lifelong learning seriously and current PAs have done ILS or ALS courses, Mental Health 1st Aid Champions courses, GCP, been involved in innovative projects like major COVID vaccine studies, CMDU COVID Medicine Delivery Unit set up and more. Our PAs are learning to do ultrasound guided procedures. Our PAs support our syncope tilt table service.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team which will focus on supporting and developing your skills and knowledge.
We are a friendly and caring team who pride ourselves on our commitment to high quality care. You will join a team of medical professionals working through all clinical areas ensuring a first class service and experience.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week
Interview Date: To be confirmed
For further information please contact: Ray Sheridan, Director of Medical Education on ray.sheridan@nhs.net or Dr Aisha McClintock, Training Programme Director for Physician Associates on Aisha.McClintock@nhs.net.
This is a fixed term contract for 24 months. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
