University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Medical Examiner
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Permanent
We encourage candidates to apply before 1 April 2026 to ensure consideration.
Main duties of the job
This post has been created by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in response to observations made in the Third Report of the Shipman Inquiry. The introduction of the medical examiner system promotes robust, transparent and independent scrutiny of death certification processes.
Post to commence as soon as recruitment process allows – looking for someone who can work a specified day.
You need to have sound medical experience, an investigative nature, clear communication and a passion for people.
Small team who work closely but network widely.
The role is the last opportunity to care for someone following death.
Job responsibilities
* Perform proportionate scrutiny of the deceased’s case by reviewing the case notes, interrogating historical patient notes and, where appropriate, speaking to the qualified attending practitioner (AP).
* Agree to the proposed cause of death and accuracy of the Medical Certificate for the Cause of Death (MCCD).
* Sign the completed MCCD verifying the accuracy of the cause of death and be in a position to sign MCCD on behalf of colleague Medical Examiners.
* Establish whether the case warrants referral to HM Coroner for further action.
* Offer medical advice (but not act as an expert witness) to HM Coroner.
* Discuss cause of death with the deceased nominated contact in conjunction with the Medical Examiner Officers (MEO) when appropriate.
* Establish whether the case needs internal referral to patient safety or specialty morbidity and mortality meetings.
* Report any identified trends where clinical care falls short of what would be normally expected.
For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training & Experience
* Medical Practitioner with GMC registration and a licence to practise.
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of the cause of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification processes.
* Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity.
* Knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems and an understanding of how the ME can work collaboratively to improve patient safety by identifying sub‑optimal clinical and organisational performance.
* Ability to identify available data sources to support the detection and analysis of concerns and to recognise gaps in available knowledge.
* Ability to identify and disseminate examples of good practice amongst relevant colleagues.
* Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems.
Aptitudes and skills
* Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi‑professional teams.
* Evidence of willingness to participate in a multi‑disciplinary team environment to provide an integrated service.
* Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff.
* Ability to integrate the care of a patient by many and various other clinical staff.
* Ability to participate on on‑call rota.
* Willingness to work flexibly to deliver clinically effective and cost‑effective healthcare.
* Respect Diversity – seeks to develop an understanding of different groups and individuals and ensures equitable and appropriate treatment for all.
* Ability to manage high pressure situations (e.g. clinical crisis).
* Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
* Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English).
Living Trust Values
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
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.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
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