Job description
The Medical Examiner Service has been introduced by NHS England to provide independent scrutiny of all deaths that are not investigated by the coroner. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Medical Examiner Service is now established at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, and is currently expanding to deliver the service throughout the region. We are looking for doctors to join our diverse team of hospital consultants and general practitioners.
Medical Examiners are experienced doctors (GPs and hospital doctors) who have undergone extra training in the legal and procedural requirements associated with the processes of certification, investigation by coroners and registration of deaths - most work with the Medical Examiner Service for 1 session each week, alongside other clinical roles. Successful candidates will have at least 5 years full registration with the GMC.
A previous interest in governance or mortality review would be an advantage, and good IT skills are essential. The Medical Examiner team is based at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro; there may be an opportunity for Medical Examiners to work some sessions remotely on a rota basis.
Main duties
1. To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements
2. To scrutinise the certified causes of death offered by attending doctors in a way that is proportionate, consistent and compliant
3. To discuss and explain the cause of death with next of kin/informants in a transparent, tactful and sympathetic manner.
4. To ensure that all users of the ME system are treated with respect and are not discriminated against
5. To maintain comprehensive records of all deaths
6. To maintain up to date working knowledge of all necessary IT systems.
7. To participate in relevant clinical governance activities
8. To support the training of junior doctors in their understanding of death certification
9. To work with medical examiner officers (MEOs), delegating duties as appropriate.
10. To engage with lead ME and lead MEO for the region.
11. To adopt a collaborative working relationship with other MEs
12. To participate in the ME rota and show flexibility in filling rota gaps, working both on site and remotely.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the biggest provider of healthcare services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our three main sites are Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro, St Michael’s Hospital Hayle, and West Cornwall Hospital Penzance, our staff and services are available across the region.
The Trust employs 5,000+ staff, has a budget of £380 million and 750 beds
We work with health and social care organisations including ¬NHS Kernow and NHS England ¬to ensure local healthcare needs are met. We provide acute medical, surgical and specialist services to around 500,000 ¬ which can increase significantly during busy holiday periods.
The Trust has teaching hospitals status as part of the University of Exeter Medical School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we continually developing clinical services and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally.
We can offer you a rewarding career in a supportive working environment. We have extensive educational links to help you realise your full potential and develop skills to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community.
Enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a place that offers surfing beaches and fishing harbours to beautiful countryside and historic towns. With clean air, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and excellent schools, colleges and universities (including adult education) it is the ideal place for families and for you to develop your own career
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Work health assessments
- Criminal record check standards
- Right to work checks
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