Job summary The Medical Examiner role has been created by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in response to observations made in the Third Report of the Shipman Inquiry. The introduction of the Medical Examiner system promotes robust, transparent and independent scrutiny of death certification processes. NHS England announced that all organisations in England should institute a Medical Examiner (ME) role in secondary care from April 2019. The Medical Examiner system is now developed in Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. This post is a replacement post due to the vacancy arising following the resignation of the current incumbent. The Lead Medical Examiner will support the current service, providing leadership to the Medical Examiner team. Main duties of the job To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the current and proposed reformed processes of certification, investigation by Coroners and registration of deaths. To ensure that all users of the ME system are treated with respect and are not discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. To maintain comprehensive records of all deaths scrutinised and undertake analysis to provide information to the National Medical Examiner's office. To participate in relevant clinical governance activities relating to death certification including audits, mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care. To support the training of junior doctors in their understanding of death certification and promote good practice in accurate completion of MCCDs. To work with Medical Examiner Officers (MEOs), delegating duties as appropriate. To engage with Lead ME and Lead MEO for the region. To adopt a collaborative working relationship with other MEs by sharing experiences and expertise to support peer learning and set uniform standards of service delivery. To provide leadership to the Medical Examiner team. To ensure that there is always appropriate Medical Examiner cover in place, accounting for planned leave. About us As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents - it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south. Date posted 08 April 2025 Pay scheme Hospital medical and dental staff Grade Consultant Salary £105,504 to £139,882 a session Salary commensurate with substantive salary Contract Fixed term Duration 3 years Working pattern Part-time Reference number 382-DOC30-25 Job locations Blackpool Victoria Hospital Whinny Heys Road Blackpool FY3 8NR Job description Job responsibilities Behavioural attributes The Lead Medical Examiner should be aware of how their personal communication style impacts on others and be able to adapt their approach to suit a variety of situations and audiences. This will require: Highly evolved self-awareness and empathetic skills to liaise effectively and sympathetically with bereaved families. The ability to demonstrate and combine appropriate levels of compassion with professionalism and discretion. Being open to constructive criticism, ideas and solutions. Acting as a positive role model and interacting appropriately with all stakeholders including MEOs, other MEs, the bereaved and the coroner. Having the integrity to gain trust and comply with the independent nature of the ME role in the context of other clinical specialty duties. Accountability The Lead medical Examiner will have professional independence in scrutinising deathsbut will be accountable to the employing organisations Board for achieving agreed standardsor levels of performance.The Lead Medical Examiner will have an independent professional line of accountabilityto a regional structure of NHS England outside the employing organisation and immediateline management structure.The Lead Medical Examiner will comply with guidance issued by the National Medical Examiner when carrying out ME duties. Knowledge The Lead Medical Examiner must have up to date knowledge of medical conditions and treatments and must be able to exercise judgement about when to seek specialist advice.The Lead Medical Examiner must have detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and processes which apply to: The determination of whether a death is a natural or unnatural death that must bereported to the coroner. Deaths abroad where bodies are returned to England and Wales for disposal. Deaths where relatives wish to transport the body abroad for disposal. Certifying and registering deaths and the regulations to authorise cremation or burials of stillbirths abroad. Safety and Quality Clinical Governance The Lead Medical Examiner will be required to participate in any relevant governance activities relating to scrutiny and confirmation of the cause of death where concerns have been raisedby the next of kin/informant of the deceased and/or clinical staff and ME scrutiny.The Lead Medical Examiner will facilitate routine analysis of MCCD information to identifytrends, patterns and unusual features of deaths and report, as required, firstly to the regional Lead ME and ultimately to the National Medical Examiners office.The Lead Medical Examiner will provide information to local Child Death Overview panels in respect of all child deaths which are not being investigated by the coroner. Independence Medical Examiners must avoid any potential conflicts of interest. In cases where they have a personal or professional relationship with the deceased person, next of kin/informant, or with the attending doctor preparing the MCCD, they must transfer any scrutiny of the death toanother ME. Continuing professional development The Lead Medical Examiner is expected to take responsibility for their own continuing professional development in accordance with any standards for maintaining a GMC licence to practice and membership of any relevant professional body. The ME role should beincluded in the whole practice appraisal.The Lead Medical Examiner should maintain a Personal Development Plan in agreement with their appraiser.There will be opportunities to attend local and national activities to maintainup to date knowledge. Job description Job responsibilities Behavioural attributes The Lead Medical Examiner should be aware of how their personal communication style impacts on others and be able to adapt their approach to suit a variety of situations and audiences. This will require: Highly evolved self-awareness and empathetic skills to liaise effectively and sympathetically with bereaved families. The ability to demonstrate and combine appropriate levels of compassion with professionalism and discretion. Being open to constructive criticism, ideas and solutions. Acting as a positive role model and interacting appropriately with all stakeholders including MEOs, other MEs, the bereaved and the coroner. Having the integrity to gain trust and comply with the independent nature of the ME role in the context of other clinical specialty duties. Accountability The Lead medical Examiner will have professional independence in scrutinising deathsbut will be accountable to the employing organisations Board for achieving agreed standardsor levels of performance.The Lead Medical Examiner will have an independent professional line of accountabilityto a regional structure of NHS England outside the employing organisation and immediateline management structure.The Lead Medical Examiner will comply with guidance issued by the National Medical Examiner when carrying out ME duties. Knowledge The Lead Medical Examiner must have up to date knowledge of medical conditions and treatments and must be able to exercise judgement about when to seek specialist advice.The Lead Medical Examiner must have detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and processes which apply to: The determination of whether a death is a natural or unnatural death that must bereported to the coroner. Deaths abroad where bodies are returned to England and Wales for disposal. Deaths where relatives wish to transport the body abroad for disposal. Certifying and registering deaths and the regulations to authorise cremation or burials of stillbirths abroad. Safety and Quality Clinical Governance The Lead Medical Examiner will be required to participate in any relevant governance activities relating to scrutiny and confirmation of the cause of death where concerns have been raisedby the next of kin/informant of the deceased and/or clinical staff and ME scrutiny.The Lead Medical Examiner will facilitate routine analysis of MCCD information to identifytrends, patterns and unusual features of deaths and report, as required, firstly to the regional Lead ME and ultimately to the National Medical Examiners office.The Lead Medical Examiner will provide information to local Child Death Overview panels in respect of all child deaths which are not being investigated by the coroner. Independence Medical Examiners must avoid any potential conflicts of interest. In cases where they have a personal or professional relationship with the deceased person, next of kin/informant, or with the attending doctor preparing the MCCD, they must transfer any scrutiny of the death toanother ME. Continuing professional development The Lead Medical Examiner is expected to take responsibility for their own continuing professional development in accordance with any standards for maintaining a GMC licence to practice and membership of any relevant professional body. The ME role should beincluded in the whole practice appraisal.The Lead Medical Examiner should maintain a Personal Development Plan in agreement with their appraiser.There will be opportunities to attend local and national activities to maintainup to date knowledge. Person Specification Communication and Teamwork Essential Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism. Ability to work effectively and efficiently within own team and also closely with people in other disciplines Ability to work as part of a team and organise a fluctuating workload around competing priorities and numerous interruptions. Ability to manage and deliver effective education to relevant healthcare providers. Safety and Quality Essential Knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems and an understanding of how the ME can work collaboratively to improve patient safety by identifying sub- optimal clinical and organisational performance. Ability to identify available data sources and interpret their meaning in order to support the detection and analysis of concerns and to recognise gaps in available knowledge. Ability to identify and disseminate examples of good practice amongst relevant colleagues. Knowledge, Skills and Performance Essential Full registration with the General Medical Council with at least five years standing. A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities. Candidates must have successfully completed the mandatory e-learning modules and attended a face-to-face training session. Up-to-date knowledge of causes of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification processes. Knowledge of quality improvement tools and techniques to support emergent widespread learning across organisations. Have good IT skills including use of databases, spreadsheets, electronic patient records, email, and commonly used software. Ability to manage and comply with sensitive information- based processes under tight timescales with a proportionate approach. Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity Have the ability and experience to lead and manage a service across multiple healthcare settings. Desirable Can demonstrate previous experience as a Medical Examiner. Personal Qualities and Behavioural Attributes Essential Proactive and self-motivated with a flexible working approach Have the resilience to manage own reaction to frequently distressing situations and support others within the team. To always sustain professional integrity and independence, particularly where there is the potential for a conflict of interest. Person Specification Communication and Teamwork Essential Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism. Ability to work effectively and efficiently within own team and also closely with people in other disciplines Ability to work as part of a team and organise a fluctuating workload around competing priorities and numerous interruptions. Ability to manage and deliver effective education to relevant healthcare providers. Safety and Quality Essential Knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems and an understanding of how the ME can work collaboratively to improve patient safety by identifying sub- optimal clinical and organisational performance. Ability to identify available data sources and interpret their meaning in order to support the detection and analysis of concerns and to recognise gaps in available knowledge. Ability to identify and disseminate examples of good practice amongst relevant colleagues. Knowledge, Skills and Performance Essential Full registration with the General Medical Council with at least five years standing. A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities. Candidates must have successfully completed the mandatory e-learning modules and attended a face-to-face training session. Up-to-date knowledge of causes of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification processes. Knowledge of quality improvement tools and techniques to support emergent widespread learning across organisations. Have good IT skills including use of databases, spreadsheets, electronic patient records, email, and commonly used software. Ability to manage and comply with sensitive information- based processes under tight timescales with a proportionate approach. Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity Have the ability and experience to lead and manage a service across multiple healthcare settings. Desirable Can demonstrate previous experience as a Medical Examiner. Personal Qualities and Behavioural Attributes Essential Proactive and self-motivated with a flexible working approach Have the resilience to manage own reaction to frequently distressing situations and support others within the team. To always sustain professional integrity and independence, particularly where there is the potential for a conflict of interest. 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). 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. 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). Employer details Employer name Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Blackpool Victoria Hospital Whinny Heys Road Blackpool FY3 8NR Employer's website https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)