South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
We are seeking a Medical Examiner to join our established Medical Examiner Office.
The post holder will be an appropriately trained, experienced consultant (or equivalent) who will support and guide medical staff in death certification and serve as the primary contact for bereaved families with concerns prior to death. They will also review all in-hospital deaths to identify cases for further review by the Trust Stage 2 Mortality Review Panel or escalation to the Medical Director. The Medical Examiner will complete Part 2 of the Cremation Form where applicable and maintain professional independence when reviewing deaths.
Applicants must be registered with a license to practice in the UK by the GMC, with at least three years of experience at the consultant (or equivalent) level, and have been registered as a medical practitioner throughout the previous five years as at the date of appointment.
This role complements the Trust's mortality review process and supports the implementation of national guidance on learning from deaths.
Main Duties of the Job
The Medical Examiner Office currently comprises 9 Medical Examiners, 1 Lead Medical Examiner Officer, and 3 Medical Examiner Officers. It is responsible for reviewing all deaths not investigated by a coroner across South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Main duties include:
1. Reviewing case records of patients who have died within the Trust.
2. Supporting doctors in writing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) when natural causes are suspected.
3. Advising on appropriate referrals to the coroner.
4. Scrutinizing causes of death where an MCCD is completed or to be completed.
5. Contacting the deceased's next of kin to explain the cause of death with sensitivity, respecting diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.
6. Completing Part 2 of the Cremation Form where applicable.
7. Maintaining detailed records of all deaths reviewed and contributing to mortality data analysis.
8. Understanding the role of the Coroner and presenting complex medical information to assist death investigations.
Refer to the attached job description for a full outline of the role and duties.
About Us
Please add your telephone number to your application form for quick contact if required.
One Team One Trust - We are committed to putting people first, providing accessible services, and fostering a culture of research, innovation, and equality. We promote respect, fairness, and a compassionate working environment.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially underrepresented groups. We prioritize staff health and wellbeing and offer high-quality education, training, career progression, and flexible working options.
The Trust employs around 8,300 staff, providing a broad range of hospital services to approximately 430,000 residents, with some specialized services reaching up to 860,000 people. Benefits include a Fitness Centre, hospital libraries, chaplaincy, and childcare support. The Trust will not accept AI-generated applications.
Job Responsibilities
In line with national guidance, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) is establishing a Medical Examiner (ME) role to become a statutory position. MEs will support the Trust's mortality review process and assist in learning from deaths.
STSMFT MEs will be trained, experienced consultants providing support and guidance on death certification and serving as primary contacts for bereaved families. They will identify cases for further review or escalation as needed, complete Part 2 of the Cremation Form, and maintain professional independence when reviewing deaths.
Medical Examiners must avoid conflicts of interest and transfer responsibility for review if they have personal or professional relationships with the deceased, next-of-kin, or attending doctors.
Refer to the attached job description for full duties of the role.
Person Specification
Maintaining Trust
* Ability to explain causes of death transparently to families and facilitate raising concerns.
* Understanding of equality and diversity issues, including diverse faiths and cultural considerations.
Safety and Quality
* Knowledge of clinical governance and its impact on professionals and organizations.
* Ability to identify data sources for concern detection and knowledge gaps.
* Proportional and professional judgment in scrutinizing death certificates.
* Commitment to continuous learning and skills updating.
* Ability to analyze mortality data for governance and public health purposes.
Communication, Partnership, and Teamwork
* Effective communication within teams and with external disciplines (e.g., police, funeral directors, registrars).
* Sensitivity when discussing causes of death with families.
* Strong organizational and leadership skills.
* Ability to train and support colleagues and junior staff.
Experience
* Experience in a UK healthcare environment and knowledge of death certification processes.
* Judgment to determine when independent scrutiny is necessary.
* Commitment to professional development.
* Ability to manage information processes under tight deadlines.
* Understanding of legal frameworks related to death certification.
* Proficiency in IT for data analysis and record-keeping.
Qualifications
* Medical practitioner registered and licensed in the UK by the GMC, with at least five years of experience, registered throughout the past five years.
* Completion of approved national online training for Medical Examiners, with successful completion of the face-to-face component required for appointment.
Salary: £105,504 to £139,882 per year, pro-rata for part-time (1 PA).
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