Physician Associate | South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust

We are looking to recruit Physician Associates to join the medical team on two inpatient wards (Jupiter and Ward 3), both of which are adult acute general psychiatric wards. 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.

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 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.

To provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking and clinical assessment 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 and referrals/correspondence regarding their patients. In exceptional circumstances, they will provide additional services on an emergency basis under the direction and responsible supervision of a doctor, as are within the postholder’s clinical competence and which would not otherwise jeopardise the delivery of services to patients. In emergency situations, they will 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 obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its amendments.