Medical Examiner

• provide independent scrutiny of non-coronial deaths
• ensure the appropriate referral of deaths to the coroner
• contribute towards a better service for the bereaved, including an opportunity for them to raise any concerns
• improve the quality of death certification
• support local learning and improvement by identifying matters that require escalation to local clinical governance and other processes
• improve the quality of mortality data

• ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the current processes of certification, investigation (by coroners) and registration of deaths
• support hospital doctors and primary care doctors who call for medical advice on suspected natural causes of death
• scrutinise the certified causes of all in-scope deaths
• maintain comprehensive records of all deaths scrutinised and undertake analysis for clinical governance purposes
• explain to bereaved relatives cause of death in a transparent, tactful and sympathetic manner
• support the training of junior doctors in completion of MCCDs
• engage with relevant governance activities relating to death certification
• support the Medical Examiner Officers in carrying out their role and with their continuing professional development
• Attend catch-up meetings for all MEs and MEOs which are currently 6 per year (4 x remote, 2 x face to face on either RHCH or BNHH site, and 1 'Away Day' (in-house training off site face to face).

Essential

• Medical Practitioner registered and licensed to practise in the UK by the GMC for five continuous years at point of taking up the post; and familiarised themselves with the mandatory e-learning modules as successful candidates will have to complete all the modules before the start of the role

Essential

• Experience of caring for and/or reviewing a broad cross-section of patients
• Up to date knowledge of medical conditions, treatments and medicines which may or may not have contributed to death
• Knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems and an understanding of how the ME can work collaboratively to improve patient safety by identifying sub optimal clinical and organisational performance
• Ability to exercise judgement to determine the appropriate level of scrutiny required

Desirable

• Be familiar with the role and function of the Coroner and be able to present complex medical information in such a way as to assist the Coroner to decide whether to investigate a death about which they have been notified
• Hospital doctors - experience of mortality review and related departmental divisional or Trust governance processess. General practitioners - experience of case review and response to significant events in the context of team meetings
• Up to date knowledge of causes of death and an understanding of the legal frameworks associated with death certification
• Knowledge of special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity

Essential

• Ability to assimilate information quickly and to write clearly and succinctly
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism
• Commitment to lifelong learning and undertaking personal development opportunities
• Evidence of teamwork and in particular supporting team learning and quality initiative
• Ability to give and respond to constructive feedback