Medical Examiner Officer

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job description

We are recruiting to our small Medical Examiner Officer Team. The Medical Examiner Officers support the Medical Examiners in their role reviewing the circumstances and causes of all deaths in the Trust and Community in our local boroughs.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of the ME service and will act as a point of contact and source of advice for relatives of deceased patients, healthcare professionals, and coroner and registration services. Internally you will also work closely with the Bereavement Team.

If you are empathetic, a good communicator with an ability to deal with difficult conversations as well as able to work under pressure, then please consider applying. This role would suit a candidate who is already familiar with iCare, the Trust's patient administration system.

Please note this is a cross-site role working at both University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich on a rotational basis (there is an internal shuttle bus service available).

Previous applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

Ensuring internal and external qualitative and quantitative key performance indicators are managed and achieved and that medical and administrative staff involved in the process are appropriately trained and supported to fulfil their responsibilities relating to the Medical Examiner and learning from death agenda. With some cross working.

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

• Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
• Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
• Improving the experience of staff with disability
• Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
• Making equalities mainstream

Job responsibilities

Ensure accurate input of information to and maintenance of required database and information systems.

The post holder is expected to be able to work on his/her own initiative. Judgment is required involving matters and concerns which are complex that will require consideration of the options available.

To work as part of the team towards department and Trust deadlines as necessary and help cover during absences and at times of extra pressure.

Work with all staff to provide a culture that is developmental, flexible and supportive for all, facilitating effective multidisciplinary relationships.

Support new starters, students and volunteers to settle into the team/dept.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Educated to Bachelor's degree level or equivalent working knowledge in 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.
• Formal MEO training provided by the Royal College of Pathologists (successful candidates will be expected to enrol on this and complete the course during the first six months of employment if they do not already have this qualification.)

Experience

• Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations.
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting with multi-disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries.
• 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.

Knowledge

• 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.

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.

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum plus HCAS