Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen in Neurosurgery at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The role of Physician Associate has been established within the department for several years and we are now looking to recruit following internal promotion.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidates willbecome an integral part of the Neurosurgical MDT. Applicants must hold a science related degree prior to having attained a Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Associate/Assistant Studies from an accredited UK training program. They must also be registered with the Managed Voluntary Register for Physician Associate's. Applicants who do not meet these criteria need not apply.
The Neurosurgery department is a fast paced and clinically interesting but demanding department which will suit someone who is quick thinking, professional and dedicated to working as part of a strong clinical team. You will be patient focusedwith a desire towork to a high standard and develop professionally. Fully supported by the MDT with access to regular supervision and CPD opportunities we will work with you to ensure that your development needs are met. There is the opportunity for the posts to develop with the post holders area of interest and expertise.
About us
Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UKs largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team Kings to another level.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
Kings is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyones contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trusts carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES
- To conduct daily ward rounds with the medical team, reviewing patients and formulating appropriate clinical plans.
- To perform physiological assessment of critically ill patients and respond appropriately
- To ensure effective timely review and management of unwell patients referred by ward staff and ensure appropriately and timely escalation of care when indicated.
- To ensure continuity of a high standard of care, assessing the health needs of the patients and taking appropriate actions including:
o Ordering diagnostic tests
o Making and receiving referrals
o Discharging patients within agreed protocols
- To provide advice and support to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals following diagnosis through to treatment.
- To accept responsibility for own caseload, ensuring all patients have an accurate plan of care recorded, which reflects the assessments undertaken and incorporates the issues and recommendations made, ensuring clear documentation in the patients records.
- To be actively involved in in-patient care, liaising with ward staff and other members of the clinical team as appropriate.
- To assess patients in the neurosurgical pre-assessment clinic and arrange appropriate investigations including neuroradiological imaging.
- Work with the wider MDT in the pre-assessment of elective or planned Neurosurgical admissions.
- To review patients for discharge and prepare appropriate documentation of their in-patient stay for the information of their family practitioner.
- To carry out procedures which will include:
- Venepuncture
- Intravenous cannulation
- Blood gas sampling and analysis
- ECG
And subject to satisfactory demonstration of competence within the department:
- Lumbar punctures
- Setting up and maintenance of a ventricular access device
- Sampling of cerebrospinal fluid from a ventricular access device or lumbar drain
- Insertion and maintenance of an intracranial pressure monitor.
- To work with the supervising physician(s) to ensure appropriate medications are prescribed to patients being discharged from the unit.
- To liaise with referring units regarding the transfer of neurosurgical patients and ensure appropriate transfer of clinical information and imaging for patients moving between institutions.
- To be accountable for care given and to comply with the Fitness to Practice and Code of Conduct standard as established by the UK Managed Voluntary Register for Physician Associates (and subsequently the appropriate statutory regulating body when in place). To work within the framework of the scope of professional practice.
Service Development
- To participate in departmental service reviews and initiatives in terms of clinical effectiveness, clinical excellence and best use of resources.
- To audit and present data as required in order to identify areas of success/for improvement within the department.
- To participate in the delivery of training programmes to hospital staff as appropriate.
Education and Training/Self-Development
- Identify own training and development needs and undertake appropriate training/education as required e.g. attendance at least one annual conference such as the FPARCP conference or Society of British Neurological Surgeons conference.
- Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.
- To take and pass the national re-certification examination every five years, as recommended by the National Examination Sub Committee of the UKUBPAE (UK Universities Board of Physician Associate Education) and subsequently as required by the statutory regulating body when in place.
- To be trained in and demonstrate fair employment practices, in line with trust policies.
- Act responsibly in respect of colleagues health, safety and welfare following safe work practices and complying with the Trusts Health and Safety Policies.
- Adhere to all Trust Policies as applicable.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES
- To conduct daily ward rounds with the medical team, reviewing patients and formulating appropriate clinical plans.
- To perform physiological assessment of critically ill patients and respond appropriately
- To ensure effective timely review and management of unwell patients referred by ward staff and ensure appropriately and timely escalation of care when indicated.
- To ensure continuity of a high standard of care, assessing the health needs of the patients and taking appropriate actions including:
o Ordering diagnostic tests
o Making and receiving referrals
o Discharging patients within agreed protocols
- To provide advice and support to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals following diagnosis through to treatment.
- To accept responsibility for own caseload, ensuring all patients have an accurate plan of care recorded, which reflects the assessments undertaken and incorporates the issues and recommendations made, ensuring clear documentation in the patients records.
- To be actively involved in in-patient care, liaising with ward staff and other members of the clinical team as appropriate.
- To assess patients in the neurosurgical pre-assessment clinic and arrange appropriate investigations including neuroradiological imaging.
- Work with the wider MDT in the pre-assessment of elective or planned Neurosurgical admissions.
- To review patients for discharge and prepare appropriate documentation of their in-patient stay for the information of their family practitioner.
- To carry out procedures which will include:
- Venepuncture
- Intravenous cannulation
- Blood gas sampling and analysis
- ECG
And subject to satisfactory demonstration of competence within the department:
- Lumbar punctures
- Setting up and maintenance of a ventricular access device
- Sampling of cerebrospinal fluid from a ventricular access device or lumbar drain
- Insertion and maintenance of an intracranial pressure monitor.
- To work with the supervising physician(s) to ensure appropriate medications are prescribed to patients being discharged from the unit.
- To liaise with referring units regarding the transfer of neurosurgical patients and ensure appropriate transfer of clinical information and imaging for patients moving between institutions.
- To be accountable for care given and to comply with the Fitness to Practice and Code of Conduct standard as established by the UK Managed Voluntary Register for Physician Associates (and subsequently the appropriate statutory regulating body when in place). To work within the framework of the scope of professional practice.
Service Development
- To participate in departmental service reviews and initiatives in terms of clinical effectiveness, clinical excellence and best use of resources.
- To audit and present data as required in order to identify areas of success/for improvement within the department.
- To participate in the delivery of training programmes to hospital staff as appropriate.
Education and Training/Self-Development
- Identify own training and development needs and undertake appropriate training/education as required e.g. attendance at least one annual conference such as the FPARCP conference or Society of British Neurological Surgeons conference.
- Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.
- To take and pass the national re-certification examination every five years, as recommended by the National Examination Sub Committee of the UKUBPAE (UK Universities Board of Physician Associate Education) and subsequently as required by the statutory regulating body when in place.
- To be trained in and demonstrate fair employment practices, in line with trust policies.
- Act responsibly in respect of colleagues health, safety and welfare following safe work practices and complying with the Trusts Health and Safety Policies.
- Adhere to all Trust Policies as applicable.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Experience/Skills
Essential
- Qualifications
- Experience
Desirable
- ILS Qualification
- Ability to motivate and develop the multi-disciplinary team
Person Specification
Qualifications/Experience/Skills
Essential
- Qualifications
- Experience
Desirable
- ILS Qualification
- Ability to motivate and develop the multi-disciplinary team
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).
