Band 7 Physicians Associate - FCAMHS

Job summary

The post holder will join multidisciplinary NHS mental health services dedicated to providing secure services nationally for CAMHS (FCAMHS). The post will give the post holder the opportunity to gain basic experience of psychiatry whilst developing new skills.The Physician Associate will undertake a key role in the organisation and delivery of physical health care in Ardenleigh an area which is increasingly recognised as essential in delivery of safe and effective mental health services.The post will involve liaising with the GP for the service and delivery of effective healthcare for the management of acute and chronic physical conditions.The Physician Associate role will compliment roles already developed within the service and strengthen the multi professional team. The post holders will also work with physiotherapy, dietetics and nursing colleagues and liaise as needed with local Acute Hospitals.Involvement in Clinical Governance and audit will be expected with an opportunity to influence and lead service improvement particularly in regards to physical health. There is a potential educational role in regards to physical health for both staff and patients.The post holder will be supported in development of skills in mental state examination and gain experience in working with young people with complex presentations.Reports to:Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinically accountable to Clinical DirectorHours of work:37.5 per week

Main duties of the job

Take part in all of the treatment and preventative healthcare services of the employing facility, as and when requested, and work within the policies and procedures of the organisation.

1. Practice under the supervision of the Consultant Psychiatrist
2. Conduct initial psychiatric evaluations, take histories and perform physical examinations of patients when required.
3. Establish differential diagnosis, making appropriate treatment plans and initiate treatment, escalating as appropriate.
4. Record or dictate the history and physical condition in the medical record according to Trust guidelines.
5. Initiate treatment protocols and provide follow up treatment
6. Order and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, radiological studies or various other therapies
7. Discriminate between normal and abnormal findings to recognise early stages of serious medical, emotional or mental problems in the patients.
8. Instruct and counsel patients regarding mental and physical health, including:

1. Nutritional advice
2. Disease prevention
3. Treatment
4. Normal development
5. Refer patients to appropriate community health facilities, agencies and resources.
6. Perform diagnostic/ therapeutic procedures, subject to PA training / experience
7. Teaching other staff groups e.g., nursing, Physician Associate students, medical students, junior doctors
8. Perform other tasks, not prohibited by law in which the PA has been trained and is proficient to perform

About us

Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.

Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.