MERIT Consultant Doctor
The closing date is 28 May 2026.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Medical Emergency Response and Intervention Team (MERIT) is a consultant‑led doctor‑paramedic service based in Sandwell. This NHS‑commissioned service operates 24 hours a day, responding by road to emergencies across the West Midlands. The team’s principal workload is major trauma, including hyper‑acute transfer and retrieval, while also providing specialist support to selected medical emergencies. MERIT plays a key role in the Trust’s planned response to major incidents.
We are seeking experienced specialists in pre‑hospital emergency medicine to join our Consultant Bank. Successful candidates will deliver expert clinical care and provide leadership across quality improvement, education, patient safety and clinical governance.
Key Working Relationships
* Executive Medical Director
* WMAS MERIT Clinical Lead
* Consultant Paramedic for Specialist & Advanced Practice
* WMAS Critical care paramedics (trainees and qualified)
* WMAS MERIT Doctors
* Other regional pre‑hospital services
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience in pre‑hospital emergency medicine in keeping with current requirements for sub‑specialist accreditation from the Intercollegiate Board for Training in Prehospital Emergency Medicine (IBTPHEM)
* Minimum 6 months experience in emergency medicine
* Minimum 6 months experience in anaesthesia
* Wide experience of teaching and training
* Evidence of participation in clinical audit, quality improvement or academic research in the specialty of pre‑hospital emergency medicine
Qualifications
* Primary medical qualification (MBBS, MBChB or equivalent)
* Full GMC registration with a licence to practise
* Completion of postgraduate specialty training programme in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia or Intensive Care Medicine
* Substantive consultant appointment in base specialty
* Fellowship in Immediate Medical Care (FIMC RCSEd)
Skills and Knowledge
* Expertise in resuscitation, critical care and the management of both acute illness and injury in adults and children
* Excellent communication and organisational skills
* Ability to motivate others and demonstrate leadership
* Ability to perform effectively under stress
* Ability to reflect upon own strengths and weaknesses
* Demonstration of continued commitment to the specialty of pre‑hospital emergency medicine
Job Responsibilities
* Be prepared to provide medical expert input in the response to a major incident across a range of possible roles
* Support the development and training of MERIT paramedics and sub‑specialty PHEM trainees on attachment with the service
* Engage constructively with the service’s clinical governance system
* Practice in accordance with local standards, protocols and operating procedures as well as the principles of Good Medical Practice
* Demonstrate engagement with continuing professional development relevant to pre‑hospital emergency medicine
* Provide immediate health input to the initial assessment of the scene to meet the needs of the patient, the Ambulance and Health Services, including casualty confirmation, triage and management
* Participate as part of a crew in the provision of care, assistance and support as appropriate to patients with illness, injury, impaired mobility or any other physical or mental handicap
* Lift and carry patients in and out of homes, from incident scenes, or to and from casualty clearing areas or transport platforms, using appropriate lifting devices
* Transfer patients from bed to stretcher, chair to chair or similar, both in and out of hospital
* Assess and diagnose patients’ conditions to provide effective use of equipment and medications supplied to offer treatment appropriate to the patients’ needs
* Undertake the role of Casualty Clearing Medical Lead at large/major incidents
* Decide on appropriate destination based on patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and regional distribution matrices such as the Trauma Triage Tool and WMAS mass casualty distribution plan
* Hand over patients to appropriate staff on arrival at treatment centres, ensuring, as far as practicable, the safety, comfort and well‑being of patients; act in a courteous and sympathetic manner
* Maintain a smart appearance incorporating current regulations relating to wearing of uniforms and personal protective equipment in line with WMAS policy
* Maintain GMC registration, appraisal and revalidation as required by the GMC and follow the principles of the GMC’s Good Medical Practice
* When indicated, provide anaesthesia and deliver emergency surgical procedures inline with policy directed by the MERIT Clinical Lead
* Maintain communication with the Regional Coordination Centre (incorporating the Incident Command Desk, Regional Trauma Desk and Air Operations Desk) utilising current radios and systems in place
* Ensure documentation to support patient care is completed in line with Trust Policy and Procedures
* Adhere to the code of conduct, operational instructions, quality procedures and other verbal or written instructions set out by West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust currently or in the future
* Ensure accurate maintenance of all records as required by WMAS
* Participate in the selection and training of new staff
* Mentor new staff
* Undertake work‑based training and operational assessment of all MERIT staff to ensure competence and appropriate development
* Accurately complete training and development documentation as required
* Maintain systems in accordance with current WMAS/MERIT policies and procedures at base level
* Undertake an annual review process with the Clinical Lead or nominated doctor and provide evidence to support all areas of practice
* Support research and audit projects
* Assist in all base domestic and admin duties including daily checks and cleaning where appropriate
* Contribute to risk management processes as required
* Demonstrate safe working practices in accordance with the European Working Time Directive alongside both primary employer and WMAS rules
* Subject to consultation with postholders, duties may be subject to alteration on occasion after an induction period following appointment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exclusion Order) 1975 and requires submission of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to confirm against the Independent Safeguarding Authority barred lists for work with children, adults or both.
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