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About the role

This post is for a Specialty Doctor in Palliative Care. It would be suitable for doctors who are fully registered with a license to practice, and who have at least 2 years clinical experience post-registration. Essential and desirable criteria are listed under 'person specifications' below. This post is particularly suitable for doctors who have an interest in any of the following: Pursuing a career in Palliative Medicine and/or Frailty and/or Elderly Care Working across the interface between hospital and community care Acquiring excellent advanced communication skills Working in a dynamic environment Working within a multi-disciplinary team

Working collaboratively with other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT): MDT working is a key component of working in the department. The post holder will work closely with the palliative care Clinical Nurse Specialists, with the End of Life Care Nurses, and with any other members of the MDT. Reviewing patients referred to the Specialist Palliative Care Team (SPCT) on any ward (including ED) within Luton & Dunstable Hospital (LDH). This will include new patient assessments and reviews of patients on the team's caseload. As needed, reviewing patients alone or with another member of the SPCT. Electronic prescribing of medications for symptom management for patients on the SPCT caseload. Leading and/or attending family meetings as required. Managing complex communication including breaking bad news, advance care planning, managing the dying phase and more. Promptly escalating and/or highlighting the need for senior support and/or review for any of the patients on the SPCT caseload. Liaising with medical and surgical teams within LDH. This could include discussing patients on the SPCT caseload, discussing new or potential referrals, and providing SPC advice.

Person specification

Essential

oMBBS or equivalent medical qualification
oRelevant postgraduate qualification MRCP Part 1 or equivalent
oFull GMC Registration (GMC Licence to Practice is mandatory before employment commences)
oEvidence of achievement of Foundation competencies by time of appointment in line with GMC standards in Good Medical Practice including: -Good clinical care -Maintaining good medical practice -Good relationships and communication with patients -Good working relationships with colleagues -Good teaching and training -Professional behaviour and probity -Delivery of good acute clinical care
oEvidence of achievement of ST1/CT1 competences in a relevant specialty at time of application and likelihood of achieving ST2/CT2 competences in a relevant specialty by the start date of the post.
oTo be eligible to work at this grade the appointee must have a minimum of 2 years clinical experience, with broad medical experience and some experience with managing palliative care patients.
oEligibility to work in the UK.
oApplicant's knowledge is up to date and fit to practise safely
oAll applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues, which could be demonstrated by one of the following: -Applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English -Applicants have scores in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent equal to those required for recruitment to MMC specialty training programmes.
oIf applicants believe that they have adequate communication skills but do not fit into one of the examples they need to provide evidence.
oMeets professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards in Good Medical Practice)
oRelevant specialty clinical knowledge: capacity to apply sound clinical knowledge relevant to the job.
oClinical judgement: experience in making clinical decisions and managing risk. Knows when to seek help, able to prioritise clinical need.
oPractical skills: shows aptitude for practical skills, required for the job.
oProven ability to work effectively in different clinical settings required in the job.
oGood understanding of the principles underlying palliative care practice.
oBasic or higher knowledge of 1st line palliative care symptom management steps.
oExcellent communication skills, including in difficult circumstances.
oAbility to summarise and present clinical cases for effective handover.
oCompetent and safe prescriber, including of controlled drugs.
oAbility to cooperate in a democratic team environment.
oClinical governance: Capacity to be alert to dangers or problems. Demonstrates awareness of good decision making. Aware of own limitations. Track record of engaging in clinical governance: reporting errors, learning from errors.
oAudit: evidence of active participation in audit.
oTeaching: evidence of interest and experience in teaching where required in the job.

Desirable

oMRCP Part II Written or PACES or equivalent.
oPostgraduate qualification relevant to palliative medicine or related specialty
oExperience working in a specialist palliative care team (in hospital, community or hospice settings)
oDemonstrates understanding of the principles of research, evidence of relevant academic and research achievements.

Specialty Doctor in Palliative care

About the role

Person specification