Job summary
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated and professionally driven Physician Associate to join our team of existing Urgent Care Physician Associates.
The post-holder will work within Acute Medicine and amongst a multidisciplinary team, typically Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
The role will include supporting the Consultant-led ward rounds on the assessment units, clerking medical patients in the Emergency Department and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), and helping run the Covid Medicines Delivery Unit, and the Acute Virtual Ward.
The post-holder will play a key role in contributing to the ongoing development of clinical services, ensuring high-quality patient care, supporting the acute medical take, managing patient flow and providing an exemplary patient experience.
Physician Associates are highly valued members of the multidisciplinary team and form the stable medical workforce providing continuity of care for patients.
** When applying for this post, please clearly state:-
1) Whether you have successfully completed and passed the PA National Exam yet, and when this was.
2) If you have already sat the PA National Exam and are awaiting the results, please mention when these results are due.
3) If you have not yet sat the PA National Exam, please mention when you are due to sit it.
Thank you. **
Main duties of the job
The role of the Physician Associate is integrated into our forward-thinking and evolving model of clinical care in General Medicine at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. The postholder will be based in the Urgent Care Directorate and will enhance the existing team of three Physician Associates in the department, with their principle role being to support the Consultant-led ward rounds on the assessment units, clerking medical patients in the Emergency Department and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), and helping run the COVID Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) and the Acute Virtual Ward. They will play a key role in contributing to the ongoing development of clinical services, ensuring high-quality patient care, supporting the acute medical take, managing patient flow and providing an exemplary patient experience. Physician Associates are highly valued members of the multidisciplinary team and form the stable medical workforce providing continuity of care for patients.
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Physician Associates in Urgent Care work as part of the Acute Medicine Team. The post-holder would be expected like the other Physician Associates to rotate cyclically on a weekly basis between the different areas of Acute Medicine. These areas include the 2 Assessment Units (Esther White Ward and Walter Tull Ward), clerking medical patients in the Emergency Department, and SDEC. On the assessment units the role involves attending Consultant Ward Rounds and completing any tasks generated from these, while as clerking duty and working in SDEC involves assessing new acute medical patients and then presenting them to a Consultant who will then review them. The post-holder will be expected to exercise a high level of professional clinical judgement when delivering care.
In addition to working in the above areas the post-holder will be expected to work like the other Physician Associates in the CMDU service and the upcoming new Acute Virtual Ward service. The Urgent Care Physician Associates have been instrumental in running Northamptonshire's CMDU service since it was set up in December 2021. This service provides access to treatment for eligible high-risk non-hospitalised Covid positive patients.The Acute Virtual Ward service is another exciting new initiative which is being introduced in the Urgent Care department soon and the Physician Associates will be very involved in helping to run this service also. The aim of this service is supporting early and safe discharge and providing a safe, effective monitoring and follow-up service for patients.
The Urgent Care Physician Associates are line-managed by a Senior Physician Associate and also each have a Consultant Clinical Supervisor. They are well supported in terms of developing their knowledge, practical skills and competencies. It is anticipated that the postholder will become involved in the activities of the Directorate and they will have theopportunity to help shape the working practices within Acute Medicine / Urgent Care. In addition, the post-holder will be expected to be an excellent role model and ambassador for the Physician Associate profession and to represent the department at internal and externalmeetings as appropriate. There is a possibility in the future once sufficient Physician Associate numbers exist, for Physician Associates to rotate to other speciality areas within the Trust according to individual interests. This will then involve them working under the Clinical Lead andConsultant team for that speciality with the aim of supporting the ward function, integrating within a wider multidisciplinary team and developing local speciality expertise as the role and the model of working evolves.
The post-holder will be required to:Organise and implement decisions made on ward rounds, reporting to the on-duty Consultant.Take patient histories and perform physical examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, initiate and interpret investigations, initiate treatment and management plans under Consultant supervision overall.Fully document all aspects of patient care, and complete all required paperwork.Perform other tasks, not prohibited by law, in which the Physician Associate has been trained and is proficient to perform.Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary clinical team, i.e. Consultants, junior doctors, nursing staff, therapy staff, pharmacists etc. to encourage and ensure good working relationships.Communicate effectively with patients and their relatives, and involve them in shared decision making.Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care in accordance with current best practice and national guidelines.Support and contribute to timely discharge planning including completing discharge summaries and support optimising bed capacity.Be responsible for a recognised caseload of patients in the day to day management of care.Potentially be part of an on-call rota covering unsociable hours in the future.Report all actual and potential clinical incidents involved in, in accordance with the Trusts reporting procedures for untoward events using the electronic reporting system (DATIX).Together with the team, develop plans to ensure implementation of National Service Frameworks, NICE guidance, and emerging NHS policy relevant to the clinical area of responsibility.Ensure there is excellent adherence to infection control policies and practice.Ensure that patients are properly assessed and safely transferred in and out of the department.Ensure that patients receive compassionate care, respecting their privacy and dignity at all times.Contribute to environmental safety and cleanliness.Attend relevant specialty meetings and contribute to projects.Maintain knowledge and proficiency in medical practices through continuing education, staff meetings, workshops, mandatory training.Assist in the development and mentoring of Physician Associate Students, Medical Students, Student Nurses, etc.Take an active role in the departmental clinical audit and governance activity.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Physician Associates in Urgent Care work as part of the Acute Medicine Team. The post-holder would be expected like the other Physician Associates to rotate cyclically on a weekly basis between the different areas of Acute Medicine. These areas include the 2 Assessment Units (Esther White Ward and Walter Tull Ward), clerking medical patients in the Emergency Department, and SDEC. On the assessment units the role involves attending Consultant Ward Rounds and completing any tasks generated from these, while as clerking duty and working in SDEC involves assessing new acute medical patients and then presenting them to a Consultant who will then review them. The post-holder will be expected to exercise a high level of professional clinical judgement when delivering care.
In addition to working in the above areas the post-holder will be expected to work like the other Physician Associates in the CMDU service and the upcoming new Acute Virtual Ward service. The Urgent Care Physician Associates have been instrumental in running Northamptonshire's CMDU service since it was set up in December 2021. This service provides access to treatment for eligible high-risk non-hospitalised Covid positive patients.The Acute Virtual Ward service is another exciting new initiative which is being introduced in the Urgent Care department soon and the Physician Associates will be very involved in helping to run this service also. The aim of this service is supporting early and safe discharge and providing a safe, effective monitoring and follow-up service for patients.
The Urgent Care Physician Associates are line-managed by a Senior Physician Associate and also each have a Consultant Clinical Supervisor. They are well supported in terms of developing their knowledge, practical skills and competencies. It is anticipated that the postholder will become involved in the activities of the Directorate and they will have theopportunity to help shape the working practices within Acute Medicine / Urgent Care. In addition, the post-holder will be expected to be an excellent role model and ambassador for the Physician Associate profession and to represent the department at internal and externalmeetings as appropriate. There is a possibility in the future once sufficient Physician Associate numbers exist, for Physician Associates to rotate to other speciality areas within the Trust according to individual interests. This will then involve them working under the Clinical Lead andConsultant team for that speciality with the aim of supporting the ward function, integrating within a wider multidisciplinary team and developing local speciality expertise as the role and the model of working evolves.
The post-holder will be required to:Organise and implement decisions made on ward rounds, reporting to the on-duty Consultant.Take patient histories and perform physical examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, initiate and interpret investigations, initiate treatment and management plans under Consultant supervision overall.Fully document all aspects of patient care, and complete all required paperwork.Perform other tasks, not prohibited by law, in which the Physician Associate has been trained and is proficient to perform.Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary clinical team, i.e. Consultants, junior doctors, nursing staff, therapy staff, pharmacists etc. to encourage and ensure good working relationships.Communicate effectively with patients and their relatives, and involve them in shared decision making.Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care in accordance with current best practice and national guidelines.Support and contribute to timely discharge planning including completing discharge summaries and support optimising bed capacity.Be responsible for a recognised caseload of patients in the day to day management of care.Potentially be part of an on-call rota covering unsociable hours in the future.Report all actual and potential clinical incidents involved in, in accordance with the Trusts reporting procedures for untoward events using the electronic reporting system (DATIX).Together with the team, develop plans to ensure implementation of National Service Frameworks, NICE guidance, and emerging NHS policy relevant to the clinical area of responsibility.Ensure there is excellent adherence to infection control policies and practice.Ensure that patients are properly assessed and safely transferred in and out of the department.Ensure that patients receive compassionate care, respecting their privacy and dignity at all times.Contribute to environmental safety and cleanliness.Attend relevant specialty meetings and contribute to projects.Maintain knowledge and proficiency in medical practices through continuing education, staff meetings, workshops, mandatory training.Assist in the development and mentoring of Physician Associate Students, Medical Students, Student Nurses, etc.Take an active role in the departmental clinical audit and governance activity.
Person Specification
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Ability to realise own limitations and seek help when needed.
- Strong PA advocate.
- Demonstration of own self-development.
- Caring and empathic attitude toward patients and their relatives.
- Have an inquiring and critical approach to work. Eager to learn.
- Ability to identify potential areas of risk; takes action to minimize the risk.
- Professional demeanour.
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Has excellent knowledge of fundamental medical sciences.
- Has excellent knowledge of medical conditions, treatments and clinical management. Ability to support doctors in decision-making..
- Knowledge and experience of Emergency/Acute Medicine (as a student = 1, as a qualified PA = 2).
- Knowledge of some medical/clinical procedures.
- Experience working in Secondary Care (as a student = 1, as a qualified PA = 2).
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively.
- Ability to work cohesively within the multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to exercise sound judgements when faced with conflicting pressures.
Desirable
- Experience working as a qualified Physician Associate.
- Experience of conducting clinical audit/QIPs.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and appreciation of various healthcare roles.
- Phlebotomy, Cannulation, ECG interpretation, ABG sampling and interpretation, Urinary catheterisation.
- Excellent patient assessment skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Excellent documentation.
- IT literate.
Desirable
- Experience of additional skills or clinical procedures.
Education, Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of a BA/BSc Degree prior to undertaking the Physician Associate programme.
- PG Dip / MSc in Physician Associate Studies from a UK training programme.
- Current and valid certification or re-certification by the Physician Associate National Examination (OR: If US trained, Current and valid certification with the National Commission on Certification for Physician Associates (NCCPA).
- On the UK Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (PA MVR).
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
Desirable
- ILS or ALS certified.
- Member of the Faculty of Physician Associates.
Person Specification
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Ability to realise own limitations and seek help when needed.
- Strong PA advocate.
- Demonstration of own self-development.
- Caring and empathic attitude toward patients and their relatives.
- Have an inquiring and critical approach to work. Eager to learn.
- Ability to identify potential areas of risk; takes action to minimize the risk.
- Professional demeanour.
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Has excellent knowledge of fundamental medical sciences.
- Has excellent knowledge of medical conditions, treatments and clinical management. Ability to support doctors in decision-making..
- Knowledge and experience of Emergency/Acute Medicine (as a student = 1, as a qualified PA = 2).
- Knowledge of some medical/clinical procedures.
- Experience working in Secondary Care (as a student = 1, as a qualified PA = 2).
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively.
- Ability to work cohesively within the multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to exercise sound judgements when faced with conflicting pressures.
Desirable
- Experience working as a qualified Physician Associate.
- Experience of conducting clinical audit/QIPs.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and appreciation of various healthcare roles.
- Phlebotomy, Cannulation, ECG interpretation, ABG sampling and interpretation, Urinary catheterisation.
- Excellent patient assessment skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Excellent documentation.
- IT literate.
Desirable
- Experience of additional skills or clinical procedures.
Education, Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of a BA/BSc Degree prior to undertaking the Physician Associate programme.
- PG Dip / MSc in Physician Associate Studies from a UK training programme.
- Current and valid certification or re-certification by the Physician Associate National Examination (OR: If US trained, Current and valid certification with the National Commission on Certification for Physician Associates (NCCPA).
- On the UK Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (PA MVR).
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
Desirable
- ILS or ALS certified.
- Member of the Faculty of Physician Associates.
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).
