Exciting opportunity has arisen to join the existing team of Medical Examiners to assist in supporting the expansion of the service across the Isle of Wight, we are looking to appoint an ME to join the existing team of four.
In 2007, in response to the recommendations of the Shipman Inquiry, the Department of Health called for reform of the current death certification process. Based upon the Inquirys findings, the DH proposed that a new role of Medical Examiner be established within healthcare environments. The Island Medical Examiner team was established in 2019. Since September 2024 the Isle of Wight Medical Examiner Service has been in place as a statutory function.
Applications are encouraged from Consultants, General Practitioners and senior career-grade doctors of all specialties, particularly those with experience of community medicine. This is a three-year tenure; the appointment is subject to three months notice of termination by either party in writing. Subject to mutual agreement, this contract may be extended for one further three-year term. The PA allowance will be up to 1PA/session. The successful post holder will be expected to hold a job plan of not more than 12 PA if a Hospital doctor or equivalent for GPs unless explicitly agreed with the Medical Director; please seek support from your clinical line manager for taking on the role before application.
Main duties of the job
Medical examiners are appropriately trained senior doctors who perform a scrutiny of the medical records of all deceased patients, they discuss the proposed cause of death with the qualified attending practitioner and they explain the cause of death to the bereaved families, and ascertain if there are any family concerns. Medical Examiners also help to identify when a case requires referral to the Coroners.
About us
Working for our Trust brings a variety of benefits, including an onsite day nursery, cycle-to-work scheme, discounts at local businesses and gyms, and the opportunity to hire Trusts beach hut in Ryde. We offer many flexible working opportunities; speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement for you and if it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
The Isle of Wight is a unique and stunning gem located off the South Coast of England, a short ferry journey from Portsmouth and Southampton, with journey times taking from as little as 10 minutes. London can be reached in 90 minutes by rail from Southampton or Portsmouth. The island offers an amazing coastline with beautiful countryside, year-round events, festivals and award-winning attractions.
Job responsibilities
* Proportionate scrutiny of the case records (paper and electronic) of patients who have died on the Isle of Wight.
* Ensure consistent and appropriate referral by the qualified attending practitioner to the Coroners Services where indicated. You must be able to distinguish between natural and unnatural causes of death and be familiar with National and local Guidance on when to advise that deaths be reported to the Coroner.
* Supporting doctors to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD); providing scrutiny and opportunity to discuss the circumstances leading to death. The ME will be expected to comply with national protocols and guidance to ensure that in each case the cause of death is scrutinised in a way that is robust, proportionate and consistent.
* Comply with local protocols to ensure that each death is assessed and screened in a way that is robust, proportionate and consistent.
Contacting the deceaseds next of kin to explain the cause of death in a transparent, tactful and sympathetic manner, which respects different faith, cultural, ethnic and diversity considerations. The ME must be able to communicate with the bereaved of all faiths and communities in a sensitive and understanding manner.
* Asking the next of kin if they have any questions around the death certificate, the quality of care provided or any other matters relating to the patients death.
* Maintaining comprehensive records of all deaths screened and provide input to analysis of mortality data.
* Liaising with other local MEs to arrange cover for holidays and other periods of absence and
* Liaising with the other local MEs to ensure that there is no potential conflict of interest between the medical examiner and the death being scrutinised.
* Support Trust training of junior doctors in completion of MCCDs.
Attend Coroners Court as required.
* The ME must have detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and processes which apply to the role; examples include:
coroners and death certification;
deaths abroad where bodies are returned to England and Wales for disposal;
deaths where relatives wish to transport the body abroad for disposal;
certifying and registering deaths; and the regulations to authorise cremation or burials of stillbirths abroad.
* Take responsibility for their own continuing professional development and to take part in continuing medical education activities, in accordance with any relevant standards for maintaining GMC licence to practice and membership of any relevant professional body.
* Be committed to the concept of lifelong learning and include the Medical Examiner role in the appraisal discussion.
* Attend relevant local, and national activities in order to maintain up to date knowledge and to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements associated with the current processes of certification, investigation (by coroners) and registration.
* Participate in any relevant governance activities relating to in-hospital deaths and confirmation of cause of death. This will include participating in audits and investigations where appropriate and responding to complaints within the Trusts expected timescale.
Person Specification
* GMC registration and licence to practice
* Currently practicing as consultant, General Practitioner or 3 years as Speciality doctor
* Successful completion of the approved components of the national on-line training curriculum prior to undertaking case record scrutiny as a IWNHST Medical Examiner
* Current and Satisfactory ongoing yearly appraisal.
* Membership with the relevant Royal College for their speciality
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.
£109,725 to £145,478 a year - Dependent on experience
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