Medical examiner (ME)
Medical examiners (MEs) are appropriately trained doctors who verify clinical information on Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs) and ensure that the right referrals are made to the coroner for further investigation. A practising medical practitioner who has been on the General Medical Council register for a minimum of five years post‑registration can apply to be an ME. It is recommended that MEs are consultant‑grade doctors from a range of disciplines, including GP principals. Accreditation as an ME is through the Royal College of Pathology and includes an e‑learning module and face‑to‑face training. The e‑learning must be completed prior to interview and face‑to‑face training, if not already completed, should take place within six months of starting the role.
Main duties
* Ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements for death certification, coroner investigation and registration.
* Scrutinise causes of death provided by attending doctors proportionately and consistently, in line with national protocols.
* Discuss and explain causes of death to next of kin or informants sensitively, transparently and tactfully, primarily by telephone when barriers to understanding exist.
* Ensure all users of the ME system are treated with dignity and without discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
* Maintain accurate records of all deaths reviewed and provide analysis and information to the National Medical Examiners Office.
* Identify deaths that may require reporting as serious incidents and refer for structured judgement reviews where appropriate.
* Participate in clinical governance activities, including audits, mortality reviews, investigations and complaints relating to patient care.
* Support and train junior doctors in death certification and promote accurate completion of MCCDs.
* Countersign AP MCCDs and issue ME MCCDs following receipt of CN1B forms from the Coroner.
* Work collaboratively with Medical Examiner Officers, site medical directors and fellow MEs to share expertise and support consistent service standards.
About us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with three acute hospitals and community sites serving a local population of around 800,000. We also provide specialist services for Kent and Medway. We are on an exciting journey of transformation, with a new Medical School at the centre of our community, a focus on research, clinical leadership and making our trust a rewarding and friendly place to work. At East Kent, we enable you to grow a career around you, your family and interests, offering flexible and fulfilling career solutions.
Qualifications and training
* Successfully completed the approved components of the national online training curriculum before applying.
* Registered as a medical practitioner with a licence to practise throughout the previous five years as at the date of appointment.
* Fully accredited as a medical examiner (RCPath ME).
Skills
* Broad medical knowledge to enable scrutiny of deaths and recognise learning opportunities.
* 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.
* Ability to manage and comply with sensitive information‑based processes under tight timescales with a proportionate approach.
Clinical governance
* Knowledge of systems that enable learning from errors and complaints.
* Experience of evidence‑based practice.
Personal and professional attributes
* Upholds and models the Trust Values.
* Adheres to the GMC code of conduct.
Other requirements
* Commitment to travel across sites.
* Resilience to manage own reaction to frequently distressing situations and support others within the team.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. As such, a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£109,725 to £145,478 a year pro rata, per annum
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