Job Summary
The North Midlands Medical Examiner Service was first established in 2019 and provides independent scrutiny of the causes and circumstances of a patient's death. The service became a statutory function in September 2024 in England and Wales, therefore all deaths now need either to be scrutinised by a Medical Examiner or referred to a Coroner.
Due to internal promotion, we have a rare opportunity to join our team on a permanent basis. We're looking for a highly skilled individual with the ability to blend compassion and diplomacy, along with strong administration, interpersonal and decision-making skills. A level of empathy is required, as the deceased and their loved ones are at the heart of everything we do. Strong mental resilience is also key, as you will deal with various circumstances of death on a daily basis.
The ideal candidate would have:
* Significant experience in a patient or customer facing role
* Experience of current death certification systems (although not essential)
* An understanding of medical terminology to enable discussion with medical professionals, the bereaved, Coroner & Registration Services
* Strong communication skills and be comfortable working with the bereaved
* The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
Working hours
Working hours are compressed over 4 days, usual day off will be Thursdays (some flexibility will be required). Weekends and bank holidays are covered on rotation with other MEOs.
Main duties of the job
You will need excellent organisational and case management skills, as you will be working in a busy team dynamic, managing fluctuating workloads within pressurised time constraints. The day-to-day duties are:
* To support Medical Examiners in their role of scrutinising patient deaths
* To receive medical records and facilitate case discussion between Attending Practitioners and Medical Examiners
* To co-ordinate the office workload and ensure that cases progress appropriately within agreed timescales
* To liaise with bereaved relatives, explain causes of death, provide signposting as necessary and advise on the practical steps to be taken following a loved one's death
* To be a point of contact and source of advice for incoming queries to the Medical Examiner's Office
* Calling on your highly advanced administrative skills; to ensure that legal paperwork is completed accurately, and using various bespoke software systems/databases requiring a meticulous approach to accurate data input - all whilst dealing with large volumes of correspondence and queries within pressurised time constraints
* To be flexible and provide cover across the department as required to ensure an effective, efficient and sensitive service is offered to the bereaved at all times (you will work at different hospital sites dependent on service needs)
About Us
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.
All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by our staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.
At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.
Date posted
12 March 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
205-7047491
Job locations
Royal Stoke University Hospital
Newcastle Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 6QG
Job Description
As part of the recruitment/on-boarding process, you will be required to complete mandatory e-learning modules prior to commencement in post. There will be a period of induction and training to help you settle into your new role, and a life-long commitment in general is required to learning and continuous professional development in this demanding role.
Person Specification
Essential
Education & qualifications
* Educated or currently working to degree level, or equivalent working knowledge in a related field
Knowledge & experience
Essential
* Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations
* Experience of working with people from differing cultural and religious backgrounds
* Substantial experience of detailed administrative work
* An understanding of medical terminology to enable discussion with medical professionals, bereaved people, Coroner & Registration Service staff
Desirable
* Experience working within the NHS in a patient/carer facing role
* Experience working within a customer services focused environment
* Professional experience with grief and loss or work of a similar nature
* Full understanding of the Medical Examiner Service operational remit, when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office
* Working knowledge of NHS patient information & management systems
* Awareness of the regulations of the Human Tissue Act, and other relevant legislation
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.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust
Address
Royal Stoke University Hospital
Newcastle Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 6QG
Employer's website
https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr