Job summary To support Medical Examiners in their role in scrutinising the circumstances and causes of death. To be a point of contact and source of advice for relatives of deceased patients, healthcare professionals and Coroner and Registration services. Main duties of the job To act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patient's death. Work with Medical Examiners to aid them in their responsibility for overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients in the organisation. To establish the circumstances of individual patient deaths by performing a preliminary review of medical records to identify clinical and circumstantial information, sourcing additional details where required, for scrutiny by the medical examiner. To assist in highlighting cases for assessment by the Structured Judgement Review team (SJR), Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), Clinical Governance teams and the Learning Disability Review Teams (LeDeR). To send Medical Certificate of cause of death (MCCD) to registration services and discuss causes of death with the bereaved. Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the medical examiner system to ensure equality to any particular group defined by sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. The Medical Examiner Officer at Stockport NHS FT and East Cheshire Trust will support the Medical Examiner team with the roll out and implementation of the service across Stockport, East Cheshire and High Peak. About us We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers. Our mission is to make a difference every day. Our values are that we care, we respect, and we listen We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population. We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you. We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service. The salary for the role is only one part of the excellent package of benefits we offer to you: Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays NHS pension scheme membership Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further NHS Staff discounts Cycle to work scheme Salary finance - for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt Stockport Credit Union- for local financial advice Date posted 08 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 362-A-24-6863465 Job locations Stepping Hill Hospital/Macclesfield District General Hospital Stockport/Macclesfield SK2 7JE Job description Job responsibilities The Medical Examiners Team is based at Stepping Hill Hospital and Macclesfield District General Hospital on a rota basis. We are a hard working, experienced team from a variety of backgrounds. You can be assured that you will be fully supported as you work to become accredited as an MEO. It is a highly responsible, challenging and involved role which will require close teamwork with the existing MEO's, ME's and Bereavement Team. Whilst the role can be demanding it is also hugely rewarding. This is an exciting time to join the team as the service has expanded to cover community deaths within Stockport, East Cheshire and High Peak. Act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patients death. Work with Medical Examiners to aid them in their responsibility for overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients. Carry out the initial screening of medical notes of deceased patients to identify cases that clearly requires referral to the coroner on approval from the ME. Establish the circumstances of individual patient deaths by performing a preliminary review of medical records to identify clinical and circumstantial information, sourcing additional details where required, for scrutiny by the Medical Examiner. Work with the ME(s) to ensure proper and proportionate scrutiny of medical records. Discuss the findings of the ME on medical cause of death with the qualified attending practitioners. Ensure any concerns raised by the relatives are passed on the ME in a timely fashion before the MCCD is released to relatives. Discuss the content of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) with relatives of the deceased and in all cases, collect additional information. This may include the need to communicate sensitive information and offer explanations. To assist in highlighting cases for assessment by the Structured Judgement Review team (SJR), Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), Clinical Governance teams and the Learning Disability Review Teams (LeDeR). Offer support and pastoral care to families and colleagues and to facilitate effective communication between families and health care professionals alongside Bereavement Office staff. Assist relatives in identifying appropriate information and additional / further advice and support e.g. Patient Advice Liaison Service contacts, Bereavement Office information. Establish clear and effective channels for communicating and co-operating with all departments, wards, and relevant professionals. Participate in the development and introduction of protocols, guidelines, and policy as appropriate. Manage own workload ensuring project timescales are adhered to. Continually monitor ones own performance in the provision of care; ensuring professional standards are met at all times. Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the medical examiner system to ensure equality to any particular group defined by sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. Management Provide documentation and quality data as required for audit and evaluation Provide surveillance data for the Lead Medical Examiner Officer as required. Attend departmental meetings as required Education Participate in education and training appropriate to the role, including trust mandatory training. Participate in sharing outcomes of the reforms though the publication of papers and presentations of findings at a local and national level. Governance Maintain a safe environment with due regard to the Trust Health and Safety & risk management policies and procedures. Follow the Trust complaints policy, ensuring solutions are achieved and learning is shared and disseminated as appropriate Initiate evidence-based practice and update own knowledge related to current practice. Participate in audit activity Professional and Legal Standards Maintain accurate records having due regard to legal aspects, confidentiality, and managerial information / project requirements. Maintain an effective and valid professional registration. Fulfil the role in accordance with the relevant Code of Professional Conduct. Seek regular appropriate supervision and to participate in regular process of appraisal, monitoring own performance, ensuring professional standards are met at all times. Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the Medical Examiner system to ensure equality Knowledge skills and experience Bachelor's degree or evidence of study at a higher level or equivalent experience. IT skills - Microsoft excel, Word Ability to work across professional boundaries with medical staff in different specialities. Completed E-LfH MEO training ( or within 3 months of start date). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Highly evolved empathetic and self-awareness skills Understanding of medical terminology Knowledge of the statutory process around death certification legal frameworks and how the medical examiner system aligns with other related organisations and NHS initiatives. Specialist knowledge of various faith groups funeral wishes/practices Communications Act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patients death. Deal with bereaved families who may have barriers to understanding information due to their grief or disability. Understanding medical terminology to enable informed discussions about causes/circumstances of death with bereaved families, clinicians, coroner and registration service staff. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trusts policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately. If successful this vacancy will require a Standard DBS check at a cost of £26.50. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary. In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £13. Job description Job responsibilities The Medical Examiners Team is based at Stepping Hill Hospital and Macclesfield District General Hospital on a rota basis. We are a hard working, experienced team from a variety of backgrounds. You can be assured that you will be fully supported as you work to become accredited as an MEO. It is a highly responsible, challenging and involved role which will require close teamwork with the existing MEO's, ME's and Bereavement Team. Whilst the role can be demanding it is also hugely rewarding. This is an exciting time to join the team as the service has expanded to cover community deaths within Stockport, East Cheshire and High Peak. Act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patients death. Work with Medical Examiners to aid them in their responsibility for overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients. Carry out the initial screening of medical notes of deceased patients to identify cases that clearly requires referral to the coroner on approval from the ME. Establish the circumstances of individual patient deaths by performing a preliminary review of medical records to identify clinical and circumstantial information, sourcing additional details where required, for scrutiny by the Medical Examiner. Work with the ME(s) to ensure proper and proportionate scrutiny of medical records. Discuss the findings of the ME on medical cause of death with the qualified attending practitioners. Ensure any concerns raised by the relatives are passed on the ME in a timely fashion before the MCCD is released to relatives. Discuss the content of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) with relatives of the deceased and in all cases, collect additional information. This may include the need to communicate sensitive information and offer explanations. To assist in highlighting cases for assessment by the Structured Judgement Review team (SJR), Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), Clinical Governance teams and the Learning Disability Review Teams (LeDeR). Offer support and pastoral care to families and colleagues and to facilitate effective communication between families and health care professionals alongside Bereavement Office staff. Assist relatives in identifying appropriate information and additional / further advice and support e.g. Patient Advice Liaison Service contacts, Bereavement Office information. Establish clear and effective channels for communicating and co-operating with all departments, wards, and relevant professionals. Participate in the development and introduction of protocols, guidelines, and policy as appropriate. Manage own workload ensuring project timescales are adhered to. Continually monitor ones own performance in the provision of care; ensuring professional standards are met at all times. Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the medical examiner system to ensure equality to any particular group defined by sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. Management Provide documentation and quality data as required for audit and evaluation Provide surveillance data for the Lead Medical Examiner Officer as required. Attend departmental meetings as required Education Participate in education and training appropriate to the role, including trust mandatory training. Participate in sharing outcomes of the reforms though the publication of papers and presentations of findings at a local and national level. Governance Maintain a safe environment with due regard to the Trust Health and Safety & risk management policies and procedures. Follow the Trust complaints policy, ensuring solutions are achieved and learning is shared and disseminated as appropriate Initiate evidence-based practice and update own knowledge related to current practice. Participate in audit activity Professional and Legal Standards Maintain accurate records having due regard to legal aspects, confidentiality, and managerial information / project requirements. Maintain an effective and valid professional registration. Fulfil the role in accordance with the relevant Code of Professional Conduct. Seek regular appropriate supervision and to participate in regular process of appraisal, monitoring own performance, ensuring professional standards are met at all times. Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the Medical Examiner system to ensure equality Knowledge skills and experience Bachelor's degree or evidence of study at a higher level or equivalent experience. IT skills - Microsoft excel, Word Ability to work across professional boundaries with medical staff in different specialities. Completed E-LfH MEO training ( or within 3 months of start date). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Highly evolved empathetic and self-awareness skills Understanding of medical terminology Knowledge of the statutory process around death certification legal frameworks and how the medical examiner system aligns with other related organisations and NHS initiatives. Specialist knowledge of various faith groups funeral wishes/practices Communications Act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patients death. Deal with bereaved families who may have barriers to understanding information due to their grief or disability. Understanding medical terminology to enable informed discussions about causes/circumstances of death with bereaved families, clinicians, coroner and registration service staff. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trusts policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately. If successful this vacancy will require a Standard DBS check at a cost of £26.50. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary. In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £13. Person Specification Education Qualification Essential Educated to degree level or relevant experience in healthcare or related field A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities. The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including the recently bereaved. Completed free 'e-learning for health' MEO core training modules prior to starting in the post Knowledge Essential Knowledge of the statutory process around death certification legal frameworks and how the medical examiner system aligns with other related organisations and NHS initiatives. Desirable General knowledge of clinical/medical terminology. Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity of issues around formalities following a death. Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009 reference to the medical examiner system. Full understanding of the medical examiner system operational remit when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office Experience Desirable Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations. Experience of working in a healthcare setting with multi-disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries. Skillls & abilities Essential Excellent interpersonal and communication skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism with all stakeholders. Ability to work as part of a team and organise fluctuating workload around competing priorities in a fast paced environment. Competent in the use of IT software systems such as excel, and handling sensitive personal identifiable data. Approachable and supportive to all levels of staff and bereaved families in a non-judgemental and discreet manner. Professional appearance, manner and awareness of impact of own behaviour on others. Ability to maintain a calm manner in a range of challenging and emotive circumstances. Use of/or own car for travel between Stepping Hill Hospital and Macclesfield District General Hospital Person Specification Education Qualification Essential Educated to degree level or relevant experience in healthcare or related field A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities. The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including the recently bereaved. Completed free 'e-learning for health' MEO core training modules prior to starting in the post Knowledge Essential Knowledge of the statutory process around death certification legal frameworks and how the medical examiner system aligns with other related organisations and NHS initiatives. Desirable General knowledge of clinical/medical terminology. Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity of issues around formalities following a death. Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009 reference to the medical examiner system. Full understanding of the medical examiner system operational remit when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office Experience Desirable Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations. Experience of working in a healthcare setting with multi-disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries. Skillls & abilities Essential Excellent interpersonal and communication skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism with all stakeholders. Ability to work as part of a team and organise fluctuating workload around competing priorities in a fast paced environment. Competent in the use of IT software systems such as excel, and handling sensitive personal identifiable data. Approachable and supportive to all levels of staff and bereaved families in a non-judgemental and discreet manner. Professional appearance, manner and awareness of impact of own behaviour on others. Ability to maintain a calm manner in a range of challenging and emotive circumstances. Use of/or own car for travel between Stepping Hill Hospital and Macclesfield District General Hospital 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). 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). Employer details Employer name Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Address Stepping Hill Hospital/Macclesfield District General Hospital Stockport/Macclesfield SK2 7JE Employer's website http://www.stockport.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)