The Specialist Palliative Care department at Swansea Bay are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual who has already completed their 12 month internship to join our team to undertake an 18 month fixed term post.

This is the first post in Wales for a Physician Associate to work in Specialist Palliative Care and if successful could see the expansion of the grade within the department and within Palliative Care in Wales. The post holder will have the opportunity to either work as part of the Community Palliative Care team seeing patients as outpatients in clinic or in the patients' homes or as part of the Hospital Palliative Care advisory team seeing patients in hospital settings in Swansea Bay.

The Specialist Palliative Care department provides holistic care for patients who have a palliative diagnosis whose needs cannot be met by generalist teams. It aims to provide support for physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs experienced by people with a palliative diagnosis at any point following their diagnosis, this includes but is not limited to end of life care.

The 18-month post will be paid on a competitive salary at Band 7. A minimum of 28 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays per year depending on previous NHS service.

All applicants must be a graduate of an accredited Physician Associate Training Programme and Registered with the UK Faculty of Physician Associates Managed Voluntary Register.

Main duties of the job

The PA will be part of the multi-disciplinary team working together with the wider clinical teams consisting of Junior and Senior Medical Staff, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Specialist Palliative Care Paramedics, Pharmacists and other Allied Health Professionals (Specialist Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists) to provide high quality, safe and effective clinical care.

The PA will work under the supervision of a named Consultant who will provide excellent training and support throughout the 18-month post, to allow the PA to develop sound clinical knowledge and skills within the Specialist Palliative Care department. The PA will have access to departmental and HB teaching and time towards Continuing Professional Development opportunities.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.

As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.

You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.

There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.

Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.

If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.

Job description
Job responsibilities

In general, the Physician Associate will undertake clinical work autonomously and practice under the (direct and indirect) supervision of a named Consultant within a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient, patients homes including nursing homes and inpatient wards. The full scope of practice will be agreed with the supervising consultant, and will be reviewed and expanded upon, depending upon satisfactory progress and skills.

The Physician Associate will meet regularly throughout the year with their supervising consultant to discuss their educational needs and development. The Physician Associate will be expected to take a history from patients and perform appropriate physical examination, order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests and make an appropriate assessment and diagnosis.

The Physician Associate will have duties within the following settings (set out below). These are not exhaustive and may be added to upon future clinical skills and competencies.

1. Within Palliative Care clinics

2. In patients homes including care homes

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential

• Degree in a life science and, or a significant experience or background in healthcare.
• Postgraduate PA diploma and, or Masters degree in Physician Associate Studies from a recognised UK training programme or equivalent experience i.e. evidence of undertaking Service improvement projects or QIPs.
• Evidence of successful completion of the national exam
• Registration with the UK Managed Voluntary Registry for Physician Associates and, or Faculty of PA's
• Membership of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians.
• Undertakes continuing medical examinations to maintain on-going certification with the PA managed voluntary register or equivalent.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working within a medicine environment
• Completion of 12 month post or internship post qualification

Aptitude and Abilities
Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills with patients and other healthcare professionals
• Ability to communicate complex information both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work using own initiative to manage own workload.
• Ability to demonstrate skills and knowledge in areas of risk assessment
• Commitment to lifelong learning and personal development
• Ability to adapt according to changing service needs
• IT skills - e-mail, basic word processing, ability to search inter and intranet
• Ability to work as part of a multi- disciplinary team.
• Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner.
• Indemnity Insurance required for GP practice.

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker

BMJRef: BMJ-77780/130-PST038-0522