We are seeking to appoint a full time Junior Clinical Fellow (formerly FY3 post) level to work within Palliative & End of Life Services to commence in August 2023.The post is to provide medical support to a 12 bedded palliative medicine in-patient unit, located within Walsall Palliative Care Centre, which is part of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in Palliative Medicine within a well-established multi-disciplinary team. You will gain experience in holistic assessment, symptom control, communication skills and multi-disciplinary working. You will have opportunity to work within the Day hospice in addition to the inpatient unit.

Experience with teaching or training is desirable as you will play a key role in supporting the development of colleagues eg nursing staff, allied health professionals, students who are on placement at the Hospice.

This is a full time 845 - 445 Monday to Friday job, working mainly on the Hospice ward. There is supervision and support from specialty doctors and consultants as well as an experienced nursing body and wider MDT. Postholder will be supported with skills and knowledge for ongoing career in Palliative Medicine, General Practice or allied specialties in traditional training grades and SAS careers.

Main duties of the job

This job is at Goscote Hospice and Fair Oaks Day Hospice in Walsall Community Palliative Care Centre. It involves the day to day medical care of inpatients mainly and Day Hospice patients sometimes. It is well supported by senior doctors and multidisciplinary team. It is an ideal post for applying and further developing skills and knowledge in symptom control, communication, compassion and teamworking.

About us

The working environment is purpose built and pleasant and the team culture is committed and positive.

Trust values are

RESPECT - COMPASSION - TEAMWORK - PROFESSIONALISM

Job description
Job responsibilities

• Admitting and reviewing patients on the inpatient unit and in the Day Hospice, with support from the wider team
• Undertaking daily/regular reviews of patients and family members with support from a senior doctor and Pharmacist
• Thorough documentation in medical notes with particular attention to: medical management plans, treatment escalation and limitation plans, patient stated hopes and fears.
• Teamworking with the MDT and other relevant colleagues to ensure multi-disciplinary holistic assessment and management of patients and their families
• Facilitating the medical aspects of discharges, completing Electronic Discharge Summary, ordering discharge medication, liaising with community teams and arranging follow up.
• Completing paperwork and liaison with the Medical Examiners after a death in a timely fashion
• Assessing VTE and other appropriate risk assessments as part of admission and discharge processes.
• Attending mandatory training, local Induction and IT training.
• Becoming acquainted with local policies and procedures. Familiarization with resources and guidelines available. Seek support of senior and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Foster a culture of learning for example by: Participating in clinical audit; Supporting the development of colleagues, non-medical prescribers, students on placement etc by formal and informal teaching; Learning from Excellence and incident reporting; reflective practice; Clinical Supervision etc.
• Attendance at daily MDT handover on the Hospice ward at 8.45 am.
• Currently out of hours medical cover (evenings and weekends) is provided by GP OOH service. We are aiming to extend the palliative care medical team days of work at hospice from 5 to 6 days, contingent on appointing ACPs to fill a rota with Trust Grade Doctor. It is anticipated that this would involve working approximately 1 in 4 Saturdays with telephone support from Consultant on call, day off in lieu and adjusted salary. Salary stated is for 5 day working.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• MBBS or equivalent
• FY competencies or equivalent
• GMC Registration and Licence

Experience
Essential

• Direct experience of NHS structures and processes (Gps, District nurses, admission and discharge processes)
• 2 years full time equivalent post graduate training and experience

Desirable

• Experience in Palliative Care or closely related specialties

Knowledge and skills
Essential

• Compassionate and clear communication, verbal, non verbal and written
• Basic knowledge of symptom assessment and control
• Understanding of MCA and application to clinical practice
• Commitment to holistic, patient centred, ethical approach to care

Personal qualities
Essential

• Insight into the impact of working with loss and grief has on self and how to manage this.

BMJRef: BMJ-115234/407-COMMUNITY-5061247