Job Description

We are keen to develop the role of the Physician Associate which we see as important in supporting the medical staffing model and the delivery of our future services. The successful applicants will require a Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Associate Studies (or equivalent) and have valid certification by the UKPA National Examination or the NCCPA (If US trained). Applicants should be member of Faculty of Physician Associates at the RCP, which includes registration on the PAMVR.

These posts have been developed to facilitate the clinical care of medical patients looked after by the four medical teams cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology and endocrinology at Bedford Hospital. The posts represent an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic clinical teams in the specialty medical unit. We are seeking enthusiastic PAs to help play a key role in the management of patients admitted to the medical wards under the care of these teams. The post holder is accountable for ensuring that patient care is of a high standard at all times and that standards of care and treatment meet the department\'s requirements. The post holder is expected to work within the Specialty Medical Team to take forward best practice and is expected to be an excellent role model and ambassador for Physicians Associates and to represent the department at local and external meetings as appropriate. The PA will be supervised by a designated consultant with individual mentor to overview career development.
Main duties of the job

The main duties associated with these posts include

oAssess and examine patients, present them, initiate and interpret investigations and recommend treatment.oEnsure that patients are properly assessed and safely transferred in and out of the respective departments.oExercise a high degree of personal autonomy when assessing and planning care for an agreed caseload of patients with a range of presenting complaints.oTo take a lead on communication with GPs and other health professionals that may have had contact with patients. o Organisation of investigations by liaison with the Radiology and Cardiac Physiology departments. oTo take and pass the national re-certification examination every five years, as recommended by the National Examination Sub Committee of the UKUBPAE (UK Universities Board of Physician Associate Education) and subsequently as required by the statutory regulating body when in place.In return you\'ll receive from us the opportunity to:o Be part of a supportive clinical mentorship programme linked with our Consultant team which will help you develop your skills and clinical practiceo Join our medical staffing teaching programme for junior doctorso Actively participate in clinical audit programme to enhance your learning o Learn as part of a hard working team of staff o Gain experience in emergency and acute medicine across a broad range of presentations.
About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A& E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job description
Job responsibilities

CLINICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY

• The post holder will be expected to attend the relevant business unit meetings (Directorate) and contribute to projects.
• Together with the team, develop plans to ensure implementation of National Service Frameworks, NICE guidance, and emerging NHS policy relevant to the clinical area of responsibility.
• Ensure there is excellent adherence to infection control policies and practice.
• To participate in monitoring of standards of medical and nursing care using quality scorecards

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• To participate in the departments strategic approach towards education, training and development for the Directorate, taking into consideration the requirements of individual staff, the requirements of the service, and the availability of in-house and commissioned education programmes.
• Ensure use of evidence based practice within the department/unit.
• To facilitate an effective learning environment for both medical and pre-registration nursing/midwifery students.
• To participation in research activities when opportunities arise

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree at 2:2 level or above OR equivalent
• PG Dip in Physician Associate Studies from a UK PA programme OR equivalent
• Current and valid certification or re-certification by the UK Physician Associate National Examination OR current and valid certification or re-certification with the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Member of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the RCP, which includes registration on the UK Physician Associate Register (the PA Managed Voluntary Register)

Desirable

• MSc Degree in Physician Associate Studies or Physician Assistant Studies

Experience
Essential

• Clinical examination skills
• Management of patients with common acute medical conditions
• Conducting clinical audits
• Assist in the educational development of Physician Associate students through student shadowing and/or assist in the development of the role of Physician Associate in the UK
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively
• Ability to manage and lead a working group
• Ability to motivate and develop the multi-disciplinary team

Knowledge / Skills
Essential

• Interpreting and implementing policies and procedures
• Evidence of continual learning and development
• IT skills for records, reports and presentations
• Maintaining confidentiality and protect patient data
• Good knowledge of medical procedures & terminology
• Good verbal and written communication skills, able to relate to patients, relatives and staff at all levels

Employer details
Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

418-AHP5215-GT

Company

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was formed on 1 April 2020 following the merger of Bedford Hospital and the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.Previously the hospitals were run by two separate NHS trusts, Bedford hospital NHS Trust and Luton and Dunstable University Hospitals Foundation Trust.By combining the two hospitals we have been able to ensure the clinical sustainability of both sites and ensure that key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics can remain at both sites.Both hospitals deliver a full range of acute hospital services to a population of around 700,000.The new integrated Trust employs a combined workforce of approximately 8,000 staff, the largest NHS employer in Bedfordshire. The hospitals are supported by an army of 500 volunteers whose invaluable work helps the delivery of services.

Bedford Hospital

Working at Bedford Hospital

The Trust\'s ethos is \'every patient matters\', our vision is to provide patient focused high quality acute hospital care to meet the needs of our local community and we are constantly working with our staff to find new ways of working to ensure that our vision is achieved.

About Bedford

Whether you like high-octane thrills or you\'re interested in history and the arts, if you want to entertain the family, or simply want to relax and enjoy quiet, unspoilt countryside, come and visit Bedford and north Bedfordshire.

The county town of Bedford is in one of England\'s smallest counties, flanked east and west by tourist hotspots like Oxford and Cambridge and just a 35 minute train journey from central London.

Renowned as having one of the finest riverside settings in the country, enjoy panoramic views of the River Great Ouse from the restored Castle Mound; all that remains of Bedford castle, which was destroyed in the siege of 1224.

Bedford Borough is a vibrant area to live in with an abundance of leisure opportunities for residents and visitors. We pride ourselves on offering a fantastic programme of cultural events throughout the year, and providing a wide range of affordable health opportunities, through our quality parks, award winning leisure centers\' and sports development work.

The nearby town of Milton Keynes has a large shopping mall and is a short bus or train ride away. Road and transport links are fantastic from Bedford to the whole of the UK and Europe.

Luton airport is only 30 minutes by car or direct by train, other airports nearby are Stanstead, Birmingham, Heathrow and Gatwick, all within 1hour and 30 minutes by train or car.

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital is a top performing hospital and we are proud to care.

The Trust employs a diverse range of people in many different roles. In addition to doctors, nurses and therapy staff we employ people in a variety of other areas including administration, scientists, estates, technicians and support staff who all work together to deliver the best patient care. Our focus on excellence and patient safety remains our highest priority.

Staff are our most valuable asset and central to the delivery of safe, effective, excellent patient care.

The Trust strives to ensure staff feel valued, empowered, confident, motivated and focuses on developing staff to maximise their potential.

As an employee of the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital you can take advantage of a number of benefits that are available for all L&D staff which can be .

Why work for us?

Our way of working at Bedford Hospital NHS Trust is about providing great patient care but it\'s also about attracting and retaining excellent staff to provide that care. It\'s about the qualities, knowledge and skills you bring to your role in the Trust and the support, development and job satisfaction you expect in return. It\'s about sharing common priorities for improvement and embracing our Trust values while caring for our patients but also while working together as colleagues.

British Medical Journal