Following the successful implementation of the statutory Medical Examiner System in September, the Trust now seeks to ensure the ME service remains fully established into this very interesting and important role.
The Trust's Medical Examiner team was established in 2019. During the following 18 months, the team grew in numbers and by August 2021 had reached their target of scrutiny of 100% of all adult in-hospital deaths. Since the 9th September 2024, the ME service has been reviewing 100% of all community deaths in addition to the acute hospital deaths. We are looking to appoint 1 to 2 Medical Examiners to join the team on a minimum of 1PA (4 hours) sessional basis. The role will be based at Pilgrim and Lincoln. The ME service is responsible for reviewing all natural deaths that occur in Lincolnshire (excluding NLAG).
Main duties of the job
Medical examiners perform a scrutiny of the notes of all deceased patients, discuss the proposed cause of death with the attending team, and explain the cause of death to the bereaved families while ascertaining if there are any family concerns. Medical Examiners can also help to identify whether a case requires referral to the Coroners Office.
An electronic form is completed for each case handled by the ME. MEs will be expected to share full information to inform mortality reviews and clinical governance systems to support the learning from deaths process.
One of the strengths of the ME system is the increased engagement with bereaved families, identifying potential areas of concern in terms of care delivered at the outset.
About us
What's the hospital like?
Pilgrim Hospital is situated in beautiful countryside and serves the communities in the South Lincolnshire area. It provides all major specialties and a 24-hour major accident and emergency service.
Grantham and District Hospital serves the communities of Grantham and the local area. It provides ambulatory paediatric and accident and emergency services.
Lincoln Hospital is a thriving university city, and with the opening of the new medical school, it provides all major specialties and a 24-hour major accident and emergency service.
If you want to make a difference and be part of something new and exciting, then we would love to hear from you!
Excellence in rural healthcare, delivered by people who put patients at the heart of everything they do
One Trust, Endless opportunities
Job description
Job responsibilities
Ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the current processes of certification, investigation (by coroners), and registration of deaths within a Local Authority area. Support those doctors who call for medical advice on suspected natural causes of death before they prepare a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and provide general medical advice to the coroner. Scrutinise the certified causes of all in-scope deaths in a way that is compliant with the national protocol. Maintain comprehensive records of all deaths scrutinised and undertake analysis and provide information as required locally for clinical governance purposes and referring, where appropriate, to MorALS, Lincolnshire Mortality Collaborative, and Risk Management (for investigation as Serious Incident). Work with other medical examiners to arrange reciprocal cover for holidays and other periods of absence and to ensure that there is no potential conflict of interest between the medical examiner and the death being scrutinised.
Complete ME MCCDs when authorised by the Coroner to do so. Contact bereaved people by telephone as soon as possible after the medical certificate is completed to explain the cause of death in a transparent, tactful, and sympathetic manner, which respects different faith, cultural, ethnic, and diversity considerations. Develop and improve training materials and sessions for Medical Examiners in ULHT. Lead training and development of Medical Examiners in ULHT. Liaise with Medical Director/Associate Medical Director as required to ensure ongoing development and improvement of completion of Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Registered licence to practice in the UK by the GMC
* Evidence of recent ongoing personal portfolio
* Minimum of five years' experience at consultant level.
* Experience of undertaking clinical case note reviews as part of Mortality and Morbidity or Serious Incident process
Skills
Essential
* Up to date knowledge of clinical causes of death, together with death certification requirements and processes
* Ability to distinguish between natural and unnatural causes of death and when death must be reported to, and investigated by, a coroner
* Ability to analyse complex clinical issues/problems, identify solutions and necessary actions
* Ability to communicate effectively and with sensitivity with the relatives or representatives of the deceased when explaining the cause of death and to communicate with the bereaved of all faiths and communities in a sensitive and understanding manner.
Desirable
* Detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and processes which apply to coroners registering deaths, cremations, and burials
Experience
Essential
* Able to work to tight deadlines when managing workload of self or motivating others
* Highly developed computer skills over a range of Microsoft packages and organisational software
* Ability to travel between work sites when required
Desirable
* Experience using SystmOne
357-MLN-1570-24
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