Overview
Lead Medical Examiner Officer (MEO) role leading a small team of MEOs and working with Medical Examiners (MEs), sharing innovative practice in data management, collating mortality reports and linking with NHS England Regional ME/MEO. You will be supported by the Group Head of Bereavement, Mortuary and ME Services to coordinate day-to-day office services, including rosters and line management of the team.
This national statutory service, led by NHS England, ensures accuracy of certification of the cause of death and involves bereaved people in the process. The aim is to scrutinise all deaths within acute hospitals and local communities, maintaining a responsive and fluid service adaptable to the needs of the trust, communities and workforce. The Medical Examiner system contributes to governance, accuracy and service to grieving friends and families, working closely with the Trust Bereavement Service.
Details
Role: Lead Medical Examiner Officer (LMEO).
Location: Royal Free Hospital (cross-site across the Royal Free Group), London. Post holder will be included in senior staff forums within Bereavement, Mortuary and ME Services and has access to development opportunities.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional weekend/public holiday hours as required.
Pay: Band 7, £56,276 to £63,176 per annum including HCAS. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time. Reference: 391-NMUH-7430078. Job locations: Cross site, Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2QG.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide leadership and oversight for strategic direction and management of MEOs and support to Medical Examiners (MEs) across the RFHNHSFT.
* Maintain the National Model across the RFHNHSFT.
* Unify and be accountable for mandated quarterly reports to the Regional ME office.
* Provide oversight and assurance reports for services provided.
* Be responsible to the Lead Medical Examiner for financial performance relating to delegated budgets and operational performance of the service.
* Foster innovation and new services (e.g., community services and extended hours).
* Oversee services to the bereaved with explanation, transparency and early opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns; liaise with Bereavement Officers.
* Ensure accuracy and quality in all aspects of medical certification of cause of death; ensure appropriate referral to the Coroner.
* Safeguard the public through consistent scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths.
* Support clinical governance in learning and improvement.
* Contribute to 7-day-a-week extended ME service delivery.
* Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Lead ME, Trust MEs, Bereavement Officers, hospital staff, Chaplaincy, Mortuary staff, Service managers and other stakeholders.
Key Working Relationships
* Lead Medical Examiner and direct reports
* Trust Medical Examiners, Bereavement Officers
* Hospital doctors and consultants, Chaplaincy, Mortuary staff
* Service managers, Group Head of Bereavement, Mortuary and Medical Examiner Service
* Nurses, Business Intelligence Unit, Clinical Governance Leads
* Quality Improvement Team, Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Experience staff
* Administration staff within the NHS, HM Coroner and their officers
* Spiritual/Faith community leads, Local Authorities and Public Health Departments
* GPs and practice staff, Bereaved relatives, carers and executors/solicitors
* Funeral directors, Crematoria Managers, Regional ME and Regional MEO, National Medical Examiner
* Clinical Outcomes & Effectiveness Team and Learning from Death and End of Life specialists
Person Specification
Education & professional Qualifications
* Essential: Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
* Desirable: Completed e-learning MEO core training modules prior to starting; Masters level or equivalent experience; experience in patient safety/patient experience/risk management/medical examiner system
Experience
* Essential: Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including the recently bereaved; experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations; leadership experience in healthcare or related settings with multidisciplinary teams; ability to assimilate complex information and make informed judgments; ability to compile large data for analysis
* Desirable: Introducing new ways of working; project management; budget management and experience with business planning; experience working with multi-disciplinary teams; knowledge of clinical terminology; knowledge of Coroner & Justice Act 2009; Knowledge of Notification of Deaths Regulation 2019; Knowledge or experience of Medical Certificate Cause of Death Regulations 2024 and Medical Examiners (England) Regulations 2024
Personal Qualities & attributes
* Essential: Proactive and self-motivated; approachable and supportive to all staff and bereaved families; compassionate, professional, and calm under challenging circumstances; ability to deputise for Lead ME at short notice
Skills & aptitudes
* Essential: Logical decision-making at service level; commitment to lifelong learning; strong interpersonal skills; ability to lead a multi-site team; operational management of a customer-facing service; experience in delivering training; experience in meetings; change and innovation; leading a team; competent in IT and handling sensitive data
Other Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: Post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975; a DBS check will be conducted.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. Guidance on overseas criminal records checks is available via the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer details: Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Cross site, Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2QG. Website: https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/
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