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- Tasks: Support Medical Examiners in scrutinising deaths and liaising with bereaved families.
- Company: Join the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, a progressive healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping families understand their loved ones' circumstances during difficult times.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; enthusiasm and a passion for helping others are key.
- Other info: Participate in rostered weekend work and enjoy a free shuttle bus between hospital sites.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen to become part of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) Medical Examiner Service, as a Medical Examiner Officer (MEO).
The ME Service has recently been established across England and Wales to improve the quality of death certification and provide an independent layer of scrutiny when somebody passes away. This system is designed to give bereaved families a voice and better understand the circumstances surrounding a death. As of the 9th September 2024 this service has become statutory meaning it will be mandatory for all deaths to be scrutinised by the Medical Examiner Service or investigated by HMC.
We recognise that MEOs are integral to the service and are fundamental in allowing Medical Examiners to conduct timely scrutiny of deaths that occur at our acute hospitals or in the community. This role is cross-site, meaning the successful candidate will work at both Queen\’s Hospital and King George Hospital on a rostered basis (a free staff shuttle bus can be used to transit between sites).
This is a small, collaborative team where every member feels valued and is encouraged to innovate and perform at their best. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and passionate about contributing to our growing service. Additionally, due to the nature of the role the successful candidate
Role
This role is primarily focused in supporting Medical Examiners (ME) to complete a timely, independent scrutiny of deaths which occur in our remit. On a day-to-day basis this usually involves:
- Entering patient data into our IT systems
- Conducting a \’pre-scrutiny\’ to ensure all relevant information has been provided and summarise key clinical or circumstantial information regarding the patient
- Contacting relatives on behalf of the medical examiner of deceased patients before the death certificate is issued to establish if they have any concerns or questions about the death
- Escalating concerns/issues to the relevant service or person
- Submitting the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to the Registration services upon completion
- Liaising with other stakeholders e.g. bereavement staff, doctors, the coroners office etc
As we operate in a culturally diverse population, we have established a seven-day service to enable respectful compliance with tight timescales in accordance with the funeral wishes/practices of various faith groups. This means the successful candidate will be expected to participate in rostered weekend work, in addition to standard Monday-Friday work.
We’re an organisation that is getting better and better and our improvements are driven by a determination to deliver care we’re proud of and our patients are happy with. We’re no longer in special measures; we’ve opened two new theatres at our Elective Surgical Hub in King George Hospital (KGH); and Matthew Trainer, our Chief Executive, was named the top CEO by the Health Service Journal in 2024.
We operate from two main sites – KGH in Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. We have two busy emergency departments with more than 330,000 people visiting them last year. We’re campaigning to secure the £35m we need to transform the A&E at Queen’s and get rid of corridor care.
Our patients are benefitting from our Women’s Health Hub in Ilford; an Ageing Well Centre in Hornchurch; and Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) at Barking Community Hospital and at St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hornchurch.
These CDCs are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and are providing an extra 94,000 scans a year.
The majority of our 8,000 staff – who come from 146 different countries – live in the three diverse London boroughs we serve and are from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. Many can work flexibly and more than 400 of them are on our Ofsted accredited apprenticeship programmes. We’re proud to be a London Living Wage employer.
We’re looking forward to introducing an electronic patient record that will be transformative for our staff and beneficial for our patients.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Rozana Bera Job title: Medical examiner officer Email address: rozana.bera@nhs.net Telephone number: 01708435000
Ext. 3307 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Band 5 Medical Examiner Officer employer: Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 5 Medical Examiner Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Medical Examiner Service and its role in death certification. Understanding the statutory requirements and the importance of this service will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current Medical Examiner Officers or professionals in the field. Engaging with them can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which you can reference in your conversations with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with data entry and liaising with families or stakeholders. Highlighting relevant skills in communication and attention to detail will be crucial, as these are key aspects of the MEO role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your understanding of cultural sensitivity and the diverse population served by BHRUT. Being able to articulate how you would approach working respectfully with different communities will set you apart as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 5 Medical Examiner Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Medical Examiner Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as data entry, liaising with bereaved families, and submitting medical certificates.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work in healthcare, data management, or roles that required strong communication skills, especially in sensitive situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the organisation. Mention why you are passionate about contributing to the Medical Examiner Service and how your values align with those of BHRUT.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Medical Examiner Officer does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as conducting pre-scrutiny and liaising with bereaved families. This will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Passion for Patient Care
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to the Medical Examiner Service. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that highlight your commitment to improving patient care and supporting bereaved families.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving sensitive topics like death and bereavement. Think about your approach to communication and empathy, and be ready to provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working within a small, collaborative team, be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and support colleagues, as well as your adaptability in a cross-site environment.
