Consultant in Palliative Care

Job responsibilities

Knowledge, Training, Experience And Skills Required

The postholder will be required to have full GMC registration, have a higher postgraduate membership qualification e.g. MRCP/MRCGP, and be entered on the GMC specialist register in Palliative Medicine (or be within 6 months of CCT).

The postholder must be able to work autonomously and have experience of working in a palliative care team within an acute hospital setting.

They must have experience in being oncall and providing specialist palliative care telephone advice out of hours at Consultant level.

Being able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and being a good team player is essential.

The postholder must have an understanding of clinical governance structures and audit processes.

They must have experience of teaching in a variety of settings and to different trainees, and be willing to teach others as part of the role.

The post holder must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills to both patients and colleagues, as well as clinical leadership skills

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Post

(i) Clinical Duties

The postholder will be responsible for relevant aspects of the clinical management of patients referred to the team. The postholder will be responsible for a combination of triage and initial assessment of all new patients and ward reviews for medical advice for patients already known to the team. Where possible these reviews are undertaken jointly with the CNSs.

The Palliative Care team works in an advisory capacity with a shared care model and does not have inpatients under their direct care. Close liaison and good working relationships with the patient's consultant and team are an essential and established part of our daily practice. Although we work in an advisory role, the team has full access to all diagnostic and therapeutic services.

We currently do not run formal outpatient clinics but endeavour to support our colleagues if they feel our input is needed for their patient. We receive ad hoc outpatient referrals through our electronic referral system and co-ordinate with teams to find most appropriate time and setting to see the patients.

As well as the clinical and educational responsibilities the postholder will actively contribute to our clinical governance structures including QI projects and audit.

(ii) Teaching and Supervision of Postgraduate doctors in training & Students

The postholder will be responsible for the professional supervision and management of postgraduate doctors in training. Where appropriate, the postholder will be named in the educational contract as the person responsible for overseeing their training and as an initial source of advice to such doctors regarding their careers. This may include educational supervision of a speciality registrar.

The postholder will be able to attend the required training sessions to support them in this role. Additional SPA allowances are made to support supervision of post graduate doctors in training.

In liaison with the Director of Postgraduate Medical Education the postholder will be required to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate education.

The Palliative Care Team would expect the postholder to be fully involved in teaching and support of medical students and post graduate doctors in training both formally, during placements and with regular teaching sessions and informally on a day to day basis on the wards.

(iii) Study & Research

The postholder can request up to a maximum of 30 days study leave within a 3-year period (pro rata for part-time posts) as stated in the Terms and Conditions of Service.

The Trust is committed to ensuring that support is given for Continuing Medical Education. The postholder will be required to fulfil the requirements laid down by the relevant Royal College, and to fulfil the requirements for revalidation laid down by the General Medical Council.

The postholder will not necessarily be expected to undertake research. However, opportunities do exist and encouragement is given to develop collaborative projects with other departments within the Trust or with the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. The post-holder will be required to submit all research development plans which have resource implications to the Clinical Director prior to implementation.

There are professionally staffed Medical Libraries in the Medical Postgraduate Centre at Southmead Hospital, with a rapid service between this and the University Library situated in the centre of Bristol city. A computer literature search facility is available for which a charge is made and the library has links with other networks. The libraries are at the forefront of developments in electronic knowledge delivery.

(iv) Audit

The postholder will be required to take part in a Clinical Audit Programme. The Trust has an audit department which supports and monitors such activity. There is an active Trust Clinical Audit Committee.

(v) Appraisal and Revalidation

The postholder is responsible for maintaining their CPD diary and for their annual appraisal and PDP. There is a Trust Revalidation Officer to support this process.

(vi) Mentoring

The Trust is introducing a mentoring system for all new consultants to support them through their first year as a consultant. This is led by the needs of the newlyappointed consultant.

(vii) Office Facilities and Secretarial Support

The Palliative Care team two shared offices in the Brunel building all with hot desks. SPA/ nonclinical work can be completed from home/ off-site and a NHS laptop will be provided to support this.

(viii) Professional and legal responsibilities

Maintain accurate and relevant documentation and patient records.

Participate in education, research, quality improvement and risk management activities

Take the responsibility for ones own Professional Development by undertaking appropriate activities to update clinical knowledge and skills.

Undertake appropriate audit and research projects and as appropriate support papers for publication.

Be aware of and work within the policies of North Bristol NHS Trust carrying out such duties as may be required and are consistent with the responsibilities of the Grade.

Be aware of and comply with Health and Safety regulations, cardiac resuscitation procedures, fire procedures and equipment safety.

To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity.

To have responsibility for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others and to comply at all times with the requirements of the Health and Safety Regulations.

Promote equal opportunities for staff and clients in accordance with NBTs Healthcare Policies, to ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of sex, marital status, race, religion, colour, creed, nationality, ethic or national origin or sexual orientation.

(viiiI) SPA Allocation

There is a 1.5 core SPA allocation for this post. Additional responsibilities, such as educational supervision of juniors, a lead role within the team (clinical governance/ audit/ education), or trust roles will attract additional SPA time. Any additional roles will be discussed with the Specialty Lead and Clinical Director.

Qualifications & Registration

Essential

• MBB,BS or equivilent
• Maintain Full registration with the GMC.
• Must have CCT in Palliative Medicine and have been entered on the GMC Specialist Register at the time of the appointment.
• Have passed Specialty Certificate Exam In Palliative Medicine

Desirable

• Higher academic qualification (e.g. MD or MS).

Training and Experience

Essential

• Recent experience and familiarality of Uk Hospital systems and practice ( or equivilent )
• Training in the management of the palliative care of patients with cancer and a wide variety of non-malignant conditions.

Further Training Management Au

Essential

• Evidence of recent CME/reasonable training progression at this stage of career
• Experience in audit projects, written up & presented

Desirable

• Completion of a general management course or programme.
• Demonstration of involvement in clinical directorate management.

Research Teaching & Publicatio

Essential

• Proven teaching ability

Desirable

• Teaching qualification
• Proven track record in research.
• Evidence of relevant publications in peer reviewed journals.

Personal Requirments

Essential

• Excellant verbal and written communication skills.Evidence of the ability to communicate with patients , colleauges & staff on all levels.

Further Training, Management,

Essential

• Experience in audit projects, written up & presented
• Knowledge of contemporary NHS management issues.
• Knowledge of political context within which we operate.

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake further research.
• Ability to gain the trust and confidence of colleagues and patients.
• Evidence of relevant publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Ability to teach effectively.
• Demonstration of involvement in clinical directorate management.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).