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Lead Medical Examiner Officer
| Posting date: | 22 April 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,338.00 to £44,962.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £37338.00 - £44962.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 06 May 2025 |
| Location: | Northampton, NN1 5BD |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9265-25-0220 |
Summary
Professional The role requires knowledge and experience of the statutory process around death certification, legal frameworks and the relationship between the ME service and other related organisations. The post holder will work alongside the Lead ME to develop protocols, guidelines and policies for service development and expansion of the service, particularly expansion of the service into the community. The post holder will work alongside the NGH Bereavement team to ensure timely and correct completion and communication of death certification (for deaths at NGH). The post holder will work closely with community healthcare providers in all settings to ensure timely and correct completion and communication of death certification (for deaths in the community). The post holder will be required to provide documentation and quality data for audit of the ME system for internal and external purposes, including collecting and analysing data to maximise learning from deaths. The post holder should have knowledge and experience of quality and service improvement to be able to develop the service. The post holder should be familiar with the Datix system. The post holder will support the Lead ME to monitor the quality of the service provided including process data, next of kin experience and feedback and interactions with relevant governance processes. The post holder will be expected to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at all levels and lead discussions on highly sensitive and emotive issues with bereaved families, clinicians and coroners Key Responsibilities Support and facilitate the development of practice relating to the ME service as directed by national organisations. Support the Lead ME to produce reports to the Trusts committees and commissioners regarding the ME service. Develop and implement a framework to support monitoring of quality standards and performance. Prepare staff rotas of MEs and MEOs and work schedules (including OOH cover) to address service and training needs. Work with the lead ME in reviewing or developing guidelines, processes or SOPs. Communicate with relatives/next of kin in a professional and compassionate way and listen to any concerns raised. Act as a source of expertise, advice and knowledge for relatives and health care professionals involved in the ME process. When relevant, discuss with relatives the involvement of the Coroner and its implications. Clinical Responsibilities Work with all MEs to support them in their role in overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients in the organisation, including providing specific and varied advice and guidance in relation to administrative duties. Communicate with and support doctors who are completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Perform a preliminary review of medical records to identify potential Coroners referrals. Identify relatives concerns and escalate appropriately - supporting relatives and ensuring links with bereavement, PALS and clinical staff with feedback of any issues including acting as an intermediary to establish and resolve any concerns raised. Participate in relevant clinical governance activities relating to death certification including audits, mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care. To collate and feedback examples of excellent care. Data collection and scrutiny responsibilities Ensure all deaths and activities of the ME office are recorded and kept up to date. Develop, establish and maintain appropriate data systems to record the activities of the ME office. To track referrals of cases sent for further review, to collate lessons learnt and present this to the team. Ensure systems are in place to provide statutory information and reports to the National ME team. Financial responsibilities Responsible for procuring supplies and equipment necessary for efficient functioning of the ME office. Management responsibilities Provide leadership to and supervision of the other band 5 MEOs within the team, including yearly appraisal, identifying their training and CPD needs. Work with the Lead ME to develop the strategy for the service, including supporting the lead ME in implementation and roll out of the ME functions in the organisation and the community. Provide training to all levels and disciplines of staff in the functions of the MEs office across the whole organisation, including presentations and teaching sessions. Ensure full compliance with secure handling of all patient identifiable data. Ensure that all staff are aware of and adhere to Trust policies.