Job description

Job responsibilities

1. About East Cheshire Hospice

East Cheshire Hospice is an independent charity providing specialist palliative and end of life care across East Cheshire and the surrounding area. Services include a 15-bed Inpatient Unit, the Sunflower Living Well Centre, Hospice at Home, bereavement support and PACE (Palliative Advice Centre East), which provides specialist palliative care advice, coordination and support across 7 days. We work with NHS, primary care, community, care home and other partners, supported by shared electronic clinical records. The combination of specialist inpatient care, responsive community-facing support, multidisciplinary working, with a strong commitment to education gives the post holder the opportunity to influence care both within the hospice and across the wider local health and care system.

To provide high-quality, compassionate and person-centred specialist palliative care as part of the multidisciplinary team. The Specialty Doctor will work within the Inpatient Unit and contribute, where required, to outpatient, wellbeing and community-facing services, including PACE and other initiatives. The role includes medical first on-call duties, education, clinical governance, quality improvement, clinical leadership and service development. The post offers an opportunity for an experienced doctor to develop their practice in palliative medicine within a supportive learning environment, while contributing to the continued development of specialist palliative care across East Cheshire.

Medical Director, hospice medical team, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and nursing colleagues.

Therapy, psychosocial, spiritual care, pharmacy and other multidisciplinary colleagues.

GP Specialty Trainees, resident doctors and other learners.

Consultants and the Specialist Palliative Care Team at East Cheshire NHS Trust.

General practitioners, community services, care homes, hospital teams and wider system partners.

3. Principle duties and responsibilities:

This list is not exhaustive

Assess, diagnose, treat and review patients with advanced progressive illness and complex palliative care needs.

Provide day-to-day medical care, including admissions, ward rounds, handovers, multidisciplinary reviews and care planning.

Assess and manage pain and other physical, psychological and holistic needs within competence.

Lead sensitive discussions about prognosis, uncertainty, goals of care, treatment escalation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and preferred place of care or death.

Prescribe, review and deprescribe medicines safely, undertake relevant clinical procedures within competence and arrange investigations or referral when required.

Maintain clear, timely clinical records and complete death certification and associated documentation in accordance with legal and local requirements.

Recognise personal limits and seek senior or specialist advice appropriately.

Work with hospice and external colleagues to provide coordinated, holistic care and safe transfer between services.

Participate in relevant hospice and wider specialist palliative care multidisciplinary meetings.

Provide and review medical advice and support to hospice colleagues and, within competence, to healthcare professionals in primary care, community, care home and hospital settings.

Contribute to PACE and other community-facing services, supporting timely decisions, coordination, escalation and referral.

Support the development of responsive, integrated specialist palliative care across East Cheshire.

Participate in the non-resident medical first on-call rota, with a share of weekday nights, weekends and bank holidays. Duties include telephone advice, clinical decision-making and attendance at the hospice when clinically required. The post holder will work within agreed escalation arrangements and access senior support where appropriate.

Teach and support GP Specialty trainees, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and other healthcare professionals, undertaking formal supervision only when appropriately trained.

Participate in appraisal, revalidation, continuing professional development and mandatory training.

Maintain appropriate medical indemnity relevant to the role.

Contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement, service evaluation, policy development, incident learning and research where appropriate.

Promote evidence-based practice, patient safety, openness and organisational learning.

Work in accordance with safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act, information governance and other relevant legal, ethical and professional requirements.

Support clinical leadership, service planning and improvement, and promote a respectful, inclusive and supportive team culture.

Work in accordance with Good Medical Practice, as set out by the GMC, and all relevant Hospice policies and procedures.

Maintain confidentiality and promote equality, diversity, inclusion, dignity and respect.

Comply with safeguarding, infection prevention and control, health and safety and medicines-management requirements.

Demonstrate commitment to the hospices values and charitable purpose and undertake other appropriate duties agreed with the Medical Director.

This job description outlines the principal responsibilities of the role. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly and reasonably in response to changing service needs. The job description may be reviewed with the post holder to reflect service development, contractual requirements or organisational change.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• At least four years of postgraduate medical experience, including at least two years in a relevant specialty
• Experience of caring for people with advanced, progressive or life-limiting illness.
• Experience of multidisciplinary working.
• Ability to undertake independent clinical assessment and management, while seeking advice appropriately.
• Experience of safe prescribing and clinical record keeping.

Desirable

• Experience within a specialist palliative care or hospice service.
• Experience of outpatient or community-facing clinical work.
• Experience of non-resident on-call work.

Qualifications

Essential

• Primary medical qualification recognised by the GMC.
• Full GMC registration with a licence to practise.
• MRCGP, MRCP or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Member of a recognised Medical Defence Society

Desirable

• Diploma, MSc or other relevant qualification in palliative medicine or relevant specialty

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of holistic palliative and end of life care.
• Knowledge of pain and symptom assessment and management.
• Understanding of psychosocial, spiritual and family needs.
• Understanding of Advance Care Planning, capacity, consent and ethical decision-making.
• Ability to recognise clinical deterioration and manage uncertainty.
• Competence in relevant clinical procedures or willingness to develop these skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of local health and care services.
• Awareness of network and national guidelines relevant to Palliative Care
• Experience using EMIS or comparable electronic patient record systems.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire Hospice

Address

Millbank Drive

Macclesfield

Cheshire

SK10 3DR

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties

Professional and Clinical duties include:

• To practice as a professional nurse in direct patient care, ensuring that the dignity, safety and confidentiality of patients is always respected and that all patients receive the highest possible standards of holistic care
• To recognise nutritional and hydration needs of patients and liaise with catering staff to ensure the provision of appropriate meals; acknowledging and assisting patients that require assistance with diet and fluids
• To promote professional standards of behaviour and ensure that junior nursing staff are aware of their personal accountability and their responsibilities as articulated in the Code of Professional Conduct of the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)
• To be able to contribute to policies, procedures and service development, assisting in carrying out regular reviews and audits as appropriate
• To work closely with the multi-disciplinary team in creating a collaborative and planned approach to patient care
• To maintain personal contact with patients, relatives and carers ensuring that their psychological, spiritual and social needs are met
• To maintain custody and storage of controlled and other drugs, checking and witnessing administration procedures and strictly adhering to the Hospices Medicines Management policy
• To assist in fostering an atmosphere of reflective practice, where team members openly discuss the standards of individual practice and critical incidents are a learning opportunity for all
• To contribute to the development of professional nursing practice, demonstrating a commitment to disseminating information, sharing experiences and identifying opportunities for the development of services
• To take responsibility for the accuracy and legibility of patient care records
• To ensure the East Cheshire Hospice Safeguarding policy is adhered to by being committed to safeguarding the patients, staff and volunteers from harm, and uphold the responsibility as a member of staff, to ensure that any concerns are raised and acted upon immediately. Staff are expected to report concerns, participate in enquiries, and where appropriate develop a protection plan, reflecting on outcomes to develop further
• You will be required to rotate to other Hospice areas, based on clinical need, this will include Hospice@Home and when required the Sunflower Centre
• To undertake other duties as may be required

Management and Personnel duties include:

• To be able to deputise in the absence of the IPU Sister and be responsible for all patient support services if / when in charge of the unit by ensuring an equal and high quality of service for all aspects of care
• To assist with the induction, orientation and development of new or less experienced staff and volunteers within the team
• To ensure effective communication is maintained within the team, through formal and informal routes
• To identify and resolve specific managerial problems that may arise within a shift, when in charge. Reporting difficulties to the Inpatient Unit Manager, Sister and/or Head of Clinical Services
• To accept responsibility for specific administrative tasks as delegated by the Head of Clinical Services, Inpatient Unit Manager or Sister e.g. monitor systems for the ordering of clinical stores or equipment maintenance and repair
• To assist in promoting a healthy and safe working environment by ensuring compliance with all legislation and appropriate regulations. This includes establishing and maintaining systems for the conducting of Health and Safety Audits, the completion of risk and COSHH assessments and for the updating and communication of all relevant policies
• To record and monitor all accidents, untoward incidents etc. and report to the Sister, Inpatient Unit manager and/or Clinical Services Manage

Education & Auditing duties include:

• To contribute to the preparation of Care Quality Commission Annual Self-Assessments and to any inspections as required
• To be able to demonstrate a commitment to research-based practice and clinical excellence
• To attend/contribute to an education programme that consists of multi-disciplinary clinical sessions, attending conferences, educational programmes; being prepared to share any new knowledge with colleagues, Healthcare Assistants and student nurses
• To contribute to the development of East Cheshire Hospice as a centre of excellence, engaging with personal development plans
• To assist in investigating, in conjunction with the Head of Clinical Services and Unit Manager, complaints about aspects of patient care
• To attend statutory and mandatory training sessions at the request of the Head of Clinical Services.

Control of Infection

Prevention and management of infection is the responsibility of all members of staff and volunteers working at East Cheshire Hospice and forms an integral element of patient safety programmes. Where control of infection regimes are in force they are to be complied with at all times and staff are reminded of the importance of maintaining a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene and to follow local protocols.

Person Specification

Skills and knowledge

Essential

• Excellent time management.
• Excellent communication.
• Ability and desire to work independently and within a team.
• Commitment towards various quality and professional standards.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a similar environment.

Desirable

• Experience of delivering holistic care.
• Experience of mentoring staff.

Other

Essential

• Commitment to professional development Ability to work nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• Continuous access to your own car, with appropriate business use insurance cover.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse

Desirable

• Recognised post-registration Palliative Care Qualification

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire Hospice

Address

Millbank Drive

Macclesfield

Cheshire

SK10 3DR

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Due to service expansion, we are looking for kind, dedicated people to help deliver exceptional care to people in their own homes to join our Hospice@Home Team.

East Cheshire Hospice@Home supports patients and families in their own homes throughout East Cheshire. We take time to see beyond the patients condition to the whole person and their family. This essential and well supported team work closely with our community colleagues to complement existing local services.

• Staff Benefits Including subsidised staff meals, access to money saving offers via our very own ECH Sunflower Card and the NHS Blue Light Card
• 7 weeks paid holiday increasing upon length of service
• Free car parking at the Hospice
• NHS Pension scheme for existing members. Personal pension for non-NHS members
• Employee support and wellbeing We have a range of initiatives to support year health and wellbeing
• Comprehensive learning and development, with excellent training opportunities
• We will cover the cost of your DBS check
• Rotation programmes to support you to gain experience in different clinical specialitiesincluding the In-Patient Unit.
• Access to the shared Hospice@Home pool car / Mileage paid at 45p per mile when using own vehicle
• Pay across a whole shift including travel time.

• An interest in providing compassionate, high quality care to people with life limiting illnesses.
• An interest in furthering your training and development
• An appreciation that every patient, every home, every situation is unique
• A willingness to become a vital part of a persons daily routine to help them live with their illness
• An ability to travel independently throughout the Cheshire East and High Peak areas
• The ability to work rotational shifts across a 4-week shift pattern.
• Willingness to rotate to the In-Patient Unit this is a requirement for all Band 3 HCAs

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• The experience of working in a community setting or similar environment.
• Previous experience in healthcare.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of palliative care when nursing patients at end of life.

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 2 healthcare (e.g. NVQ)
• The willingness and ability to carry out further training and complete the Hospices competency assessment.

Desirable

• Level 3 healthcare qualification.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Good communication, numeracy, and IT skills.
• The ability and desire to work independently and within a team.
• Willing to demonstrate your flexibility to work unsociable hours on an advanced rota.
• Be able to demonstrate commitment towards various quality and care standards.
• The ability to work effectively in various emotionally and demanding situations.
• The ability to use your own initiative.
• Ability to travel freely/ daily across the East Cheshire Hospice catchment area.

Desirable

• Basic IT skills.
• Basic numeracy skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of palliative care when nursing patients at end of life.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire Hospice

Address

Millbank Drive

Macclesfield

Cheshire

SK10 3DR

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Providing administrative support in the Palliative care Advice Centre at the hospice

Providing secretarial support for the senior medical team and Community Consultant.

GENERAL DUTIES

To provide a comprehensive administrative support service to members of the hospice clinical team. This will include processing and managing new referrals, discharges and correspondence and entering data onto EMIS within specified timescales. This list is not exhaustive.

Ensure all administrative tasks are followed in an accurate and compliant manner following agreed protocols.

To support other administration teams as needed e.g. during periods of absence/ holidays.

To prioritise work ensuring that correspondence regarding patients is dealt with appropriately and in accordance with service quality standards and time limits.

To receive incoming telephone calls, determining the urgency of the call and use own initiative to deal with it.

To have knowledge of local services that are available for patients and their carers/families within East Cheshire.

To develop and promote efficiencies in administration processes to the wider clinical teams.

To attend, co-ordinate and minute MDT Meetings as required.

To support and guide any departmental volunteers and seek advice regarding their practice where required.

Communicating/liaising with all staff within partner organisations, health care professionals and East Cheshire Hospice staff, maintaining good communication/ referral processes with other health care professionals.

The confidentiality of information about patients must be upheld at all times as the post involves access to vulnerable adults. A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check is required.

Act as a welcome to the Palliative care Advice Centre/Hospice @home/In-patient service for all service users.

Dealing with distressed patients, carers, relatives and the bereaved in an empathetic manner, in person and via telephone.

To provide clear and professional communication at all times.

Effectively signpost colleagues within the Hospice or external contacts to other agencies or sources of help as appropriate.

To continuously seek to maintain and improve own level of skills and undertake learning and development as appropriate.

To contribute to the development of the Palliative care Advice & Coordination service.

Minute taking for the wider team as well as own team, as and when required.

Dealing with a combination of both computerised and paper-based information systems, including fault finding on non-complex office equipment.

Researching information for clinical colleagues on assorted topics from the Internet or external agencies.

Helping clinical colleagues by taking on all the administrative duties of audits and surveys and then collating the results in an easy-to-read format.

There will be a rotational element to the post including to the Inpatient unit and Hospice at home

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• See Job Description

Experience

Essential

• EXPERIENCE
• Significant administration experience.
• Experience of working in a secretarial role.
• Experience of developing/improving administrative processes and/or systems.
• SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
• Excellent communication, numeracy, literacy and IT skills.
• The ability and desire to work independently and within a team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills in a time-pressured environment
• Able to demonstrate commitment towards various quality and care standards.
• The ability to work effectively in emotionally and demanding situations.
• The ability to use your own initiative.
• Understand the importance of and adhere to Confidentiality & Information Governance
• IT competence to support members of the team and other staff through new processes and systems.
• Able to adapt to changing situations and demonstrate resilience when working under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience in a health care setting
• Knowledge of Specialist Palliative Care services & the working practices of the wider hospice environment
• Good word-processing ability & familiarity with Microsoft Office packages
• Ability to use several databases i.e. EMIS, SMI, Teams, secretarial software

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire Hospice

Address

Millbank Drive

Macclesfield

Cheshire

SK10 3DR

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)