Palliative Care Doctor

We are excited to offer a new palliativedoctor position to support the inpatient unit at Halton Haven Hospice.

This is an excellent opportunity for a doctor with the appropriate qualifications and experience to further develop their career in palliative medicine within a supportive, multidisciplinary hospice environment.

Main duties of the job

You will work alongside experienced palliative care doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to deliver holistic, person-centred care to patients living with life-limiting illness, and to support their families and carers.

KeyResponsibilities

Provide high-quality medical care to patients admitted to the inpatient unit

Participate fully in themed medical on-call and weekend rota supporting the 24-hour service

Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic palliative and end-of-life care

Contribute to clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement activity

Participate in teaching and education programmes, including clinical supervision and formal teaching

Support junior colleagues and contribute to a culture of learning and continuous improvement

About us

At Halton Haven, our hospice team is united by a shared commitment to compassion, dignity and excellence in care. Every member of our team clinical and non-clinical alike brings a strong work ethic, professionalism and genuine kindness to everything they do. We support one another, work collaboratively, and always place patients and families at the heart of our decisions.

The atmosphere at Halton Haven is one of respect, warmth and encouragement. We understand the emotional nature of hospice care and foster a supportive environment where staff feel valued, listened to and empowered. Open communication, teamwork and mutual trust create a workplace where people can thrive, grow and feel proud of the care they provide.

Working at Halton Haven offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day. Alongside the reward of delivering outstanding palliative care, we offer a range of benefits designed to support wellbeing, development and work-life balance. From ongoing training and professional development to flexible working and a strong sense of community, Halton Haven is a place where dedication is recognised and people truly matter.

Job responsibilities

Working under the direction and support of the Hospices Medical Director the postholder will be expected to;

Promote the Hospices values and demonstrate personal commitment to providing quality palliative care.

Provide specialist palliative care, knowledge and expertise to patients and their families, working in partnership with the medical, nursing and wider multidisciplinary teams.

Liaise on behalf of the hospice with other health professionals and outside agencies to support patient care.

Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Take part in hospice based educational activities and in conjunction with other agencies as determined by the hospice.

To ensure medical care provided is based on best practice guidelines and subject to clinical audit and review.

Engage in clinical audit and quality improvement activity in line with Hospice Clinical Governance policy.

To undertake the initial assessment and ongoing review of patients medical needs within the hospice inpatient unit.

To ensure the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of medical care is recorded and maintained.

To arrange investigations into the patient's condition with a review of treatment based upon results.

To perform procedures as agreed by the Hospice and based upon individual competency following the necessary training.

To ensure consent is obtained before any procedure is carried out and that a record of this is maintained.

To maintain appropriate clinical records and have a knowledge of using electronic patient systems.

To liaise with relatives and carers throughout the duration of patient treatment ensuring they are fully appraised of the patient's condition.

To provide on call cover as determined by the duty roster.

To provide advice to on duty nursing staff by telephone and prescription changes by email when on call, if a visit is not required.

To liaise with or seek advice from a Consultant in Palliative Medicine or other specialists as required.

To complete required documentation related to death

Demonstrate advanced communication skills with patients, families and colleagues

To contribute to the communication process within the hospice attending relevant meetings including the Hospices weekly multidisciplinary team meetings.

To act responsibly at all times ensuring that any actions do not bring the hospice into disrepute.

To contribute to the team working and efficient functioning of the hospice.

To ensure compliance with the policies and procedures of the hospice.

To attend and participate in such meetings and events as may be reasonably required.

Person Specification Personal Attributes

• Recognition that team working is more important than autonomy whilst capable of autonomous practice.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage priorities.
• Clear patient/family focus.
• Enthusiastic & hardworking.
• Keen & willing to learn.
• Reflective.
• Enthusiastic teacher.
• Effectively handles emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrates diplomacy and tact.
• Demonstrates ability to use learning opportunities.
• Able to cope with own stress and emotions appropriately.
• Commitment to continuing personal development.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to undertake thorough holistic assessment of patients and families.
• Ability to undertake clinical care of patients with support where necessary.
• Awareness of own limitations.
• Excellent and clear documentation skills.
• Excellent clinical skills.
• Excellent inter-personal skills.
• Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Understanding of hospice and palliative care philosophy
• Understanding and experience of clinical governance
• Good organisational skills
• Experience in teaching
• Evidence of Management training
• Advanced Communication skills Training

Qualifications

• MB or ChB or equivalent
• Full GMC Registration
• Revalidation / License to Practice
• Palliative Medicine Qualification
• Teaching Qualification

Experience

• 5 years post registration experience
• Experience of primary care / specialist training programme
• Completion of core medical training, or equivalent
• Experience in primary care
• Experience of multi-professional working
• Experience of varied teaching situations
• Experience in palliative medicine

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.

£49,920 a year Pro Rata should the position be part time