Job Description

The post-holder will hold a science-related degree prior to graduating from the recognised Physician Associate (PA) training program either from the UK or recognised PA course from elsewhere. You will work to the medical model, with the attitudes, skills and knowledge base to deliver holistic care and treatment within the Oncology Department under defined levels of supervision. This includes the supervision by a Consultant Oncologist in a 1:1 model, working collaboratively with other members of the clinical team within the Trust\'s policies and clinical guidelines. The job will principally be directed towards the management of uro-oncology patients in an outpatient setting. This includes patients with prostate, bladder, renal and testicular cancer. You will also have the opportunity to be involved with clinical trials for these patients. You will not be expected to have in depth knowledge of these cancers before you start and you will be trained in the management of uro-oncology cancers under the direction of the supervising consultant. You will be fully supported so you can gradually build your confidence, and skills in managing uro-oncology patients.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as \'Priority\' and \'At Risk\' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
Main duties of the job

• After the appropriate training, and with supervision, undertake outpatient reviews (telephone or face to face) of uro-oncology cancer patients.
• After the appropriate training, and after building up some experience, to see new patients under the direct supervision of the supervising consultant.
• To deal with clinical queries from patients, GPs, nurses, and secretaries. These can be escalated or discussed with the supervising consultant as needed.
• To deal with all the patient related admin for these patients and on behalf of the supervising consultant within your level of competence. This would include but not be limited to reviewing letters sent from other consultants regarding patients, reviewing scan reports to check for any required actions, reviewing the waiting list (PTL) with the secretary, drafting medical reports and signing off letters on behalf of the supervising consultant.
• To develop extensive specialist knowledge and experience in Uro-Oncology acting as a resource to other clinical team(s) and allied health professionals
• To build up a high degree of personal and professional autonomy when assessing, managing and planning care for a caseload of specific uro-oncology patients
• To support work streams related to clinical governance and audits.
• To contribute to achieving and maintaining targets and standards for treatment in the Oncology Department, specifically within Uro-Oncology

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job description
Job responsibilities

Clinical / professional

• To facilitate the treatment and assessment services of the oncology department as and when requested, and work within the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Take patient histories and perform physical examinations of a patient. Record the history and examination in the medical records.
• Perform clinical tasks, not prohibited by law, in which the physician associate has been trained and is proficient to perform.
• Work collaboratively with the clinical team, i.e. consultants, doctors in training, nursing staff, therapy staff etc. to encourage and ensure good working relationships.
• Support the assessment of patients who are ward-based in-patients, urgent elective and same day emergency care admissions.
• To communicate with GPs / primary care and other health and social care professionals the outcome of clinical episodes in a timely fashion.
• To contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care in accordance with current best practice and national guidelines.
• To contribute to the Oncology clinical governance programme by supporting the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), audit and morbidity and mortality reviews.

Organisational

• To take a proactive approach in the prevention and management of complaints and when they occur to investigate and respond in accordance with the UHP complaints and improvements policies.
• To monitor and ensure the appropriate use of clinical supplies and equipment within the specialist role.
• To ensure effective and up to date IT skills are maintained in order to be able to fully use Trust IT systems as appropriate.
• Safeguarding Patients and Vulnerable Adults - All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding patients and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.

General

• 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 when in place). To work within the framework of the scope of professional practice.
• To 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.
• All staff are required to be appraised by their line managers at least once a year at a personal development review meeting where progress made over the last year is discussed and agreed. Focus on the following years departmental and personal objectives will be identified, discussed and agreed. Where necessary, help and support will be provided and development opportunities agreed in line with service provision and knowledge and skills competency framework.
• All staff must ensure that they are fully compliant with the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures, which includes attendance at Mandatory Training.
• In addition to any responsibilities specified within your job description, it is your duty to take all reasonable care to minimise the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections occurring to patients, visitors and staff (including yourself) as a consequence of actions and / or omissions at work.

Person Specification
Training and qualifications
Essential

• BA/BSc Degree prior to undertaking PA program
• PG Dip/MSc in Physician Associate Studies from a UK PA programme, and current certification by the national commission on Certification for Physician Associates
• Valid certification of Physician Associate National Exam
• Evidence of post registration learning and development including undertaking 50 hours of CPD every year
• Full membership at the Faculty of Physician Associates at the RCP (or proof of awaiting membership to be finalised)
• Registered on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register

Desirable

• Any Oncology qualification
• Certified CPR, ALS & PALS

Experience
Essential

• Have worked as a Physician Associate in medical specialities in UK hospitals

Desirable

• Previous demonstrable experience working with Oncology patients

Knowledge
Essential

• Proven knowledge of medical drugs, procedures and terminology
• Proven knowledge of common medical conditions and how to manage common medical presentations
• IT literate

Desirable

• Proven knowledge of Oncology terms and conditions

Skills
Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced organisational skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to respond to questions in a tactful and professional manner
• Ability to adhere to regulations
• Clinical assessment skills

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Energy and enthusiasm and the ability to work under pressure
• An inquiring and critical approach to work
• Caring attitude towards patients
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, relatives, nurses, other staff and agencies
• Commitment to CPD

Employer details
Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

216-ML-M5555554

British Medical Journal