About this role
Job summary
We are looking to recruit a Physician Associates to join the medical team on two inpatient wards (Jupiter and Ward 3), both are an adult acute general psychiatric ward. These roles will be based at Springfield Hospital and will work alongside a Consultant, specialty doctor, junior doctor as well as a team of nurses, a psychologist and an occupational therapist.
Applications are invited from Physician Associates who are keen to work in a mental health setting. Informal enquires are welcomed and encouraged.
Main duties of the job
The Physician Associate will be required to assess and examine patients, initiate and interpret investigations and recommend treatment within a defined scope of practice. They will be supported in developing their psychiatric assessment skills and completing necessary documentation relating to their patients.
They will work collaboratively with the ward MDT to encourage and ensure good working relationships, as well as having effective communication in liaising with other professionals and specialties as required.
The successful candidates will need to be dynamic, hardworking, exhibit excellent standards of communication and be expected to deliver high quality of evidence-based care and treatment. The Physician Associate will be supported in their professional development and will have regular clinical supervision with the Consultant Psychiatrist.
About us
Unless expressly stated in the job advert this role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Job description Job responsibilities
To provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking and clinicalassessment through to the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care.
They will demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical decision making process, including assessment and diagnostic skills, leading to the delivery of safe care for all patients.
They will work collaboratively with the mental healthcare team to meet the needs of the patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures.
The PA will provide a holistic and clinical service, with support from doctors as required, implementing agreed management plans and following approved protocols as appropriate.
The PA will be expected to respond to requests from ward staff to assess and treat physical illness in the patients on the ward, and to work proactively under the direction of the Consultant Psychiatrist on that ward with certain patients to manage long-term conditions, prevent deterioration and progression of disease, and to promote healthy living.
The PA will also review and act appropriately on blood results andreferrals/correspondence regarding their patients.
In exceptional circumstance to provide additional services on an emergency basis under the direction and responsible supervision of a doctor, as are within the postholders clinical competence and which would not otherwise jeopardise the delivery of services to patients.
In emergency situations, administer basic life support, intermediate life support (MET) and medications pending availability of a doctor.
Contribute to the achievement and maintenance of key performance indicators for the service.
Have, develop and maintain extensive specialist knowledge and experience in general medicine, acting as a resource for the clinical team, fellow PAs and allied health professionals.
To be accountable for care given and to comply with the Fitness to Practice and Code of Conduct standard as established by the UK Managed Voluntary Register for Physician Associates (and subsequently the appropriate statutory regulating body GMC when in place). To work within the framework of the scope of professional practice.
To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtainedduring the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its amendments.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications Essential
BA / BSc Degree prior to undertaking Physician Associate Programme Graduate of an accredited UK Physician Associate training programme with PG Diploma Successfully passed national PA National Exam Registration on the GMC register, or ability to so register before commencing employment Equal opportunity training in the last 3 years.
Desirable
Certified CPR / ALS and PALS
Experience Essential
Demonstrable patient assessment skills. Phlebotomy, cannulation and ECG recording. Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of all relevant and related aspects of anatomy and physiology. Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of related medical conditions, treatments and Pharmacology. Proven ability to support Doctors in clinical decision making Ability to work both autonomously and in a team. Detailed knowledge of maintaining confidentiality and implementing data protection legislation requirements including information governance
Desirable
Experience of working as a Physician Associate in General Practice and / or Secondary Care for 2 years Proven track record of successful local project or initiative Experience of chairing meetings. Previous education or leadership experience. Experience of report writing.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
Address Springfield University Hospital
Springfield Drive
London, Tooting
SW17 0YF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)