Band 4 - Physician Assistant, Urology in Watford

The Physician Assistant (PA) in the urology team plays a key role in supporting patient care across the ward, clinic, and emergency settings. The role involves assisting with ward rounds, reviewing and managing inpatients, requesting and interpreting investigations such as blood tests, completing discharge summaries, and ensuring continuity of care. The PA works closely with urology consultants, registrars, on-call doctors, nursing staff, and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, efficient, and patient-centred care, contributing to the smooth running of the urology service.

• Assist consultants and registrars on daily ward rounds, documenting reviews and updating patient management plans.
• Review and manage urology inpatients, including monitoring clinical progress, ordering and interpreting investigations (e.g., blood tests, imaging, urinalysis), and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Support the on-call and inpatient teams in assessing new admissions, post-operative patients, and urological emergencies.
• Prepare and complete discharge summaries, ensuring accurate documentation and effective communication with primary care and community services.
• Participate in clinics (e.g., HOT clinics), taking patient histories, performing examinations, and supporting procedures where appropriate.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions, liaising with nurses, allied health professionals, and other specialties to coordinate holistic patient care.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records in accordance with hospital policies and professional standards.
• Engage in continuing professional development, audits, and quality improvement initiatives within the urology department.

Education and qualifications:

• Level 3 healthcare qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support, BTEC, or equivalent).

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy & physiology.
• Understanding of urological procedures.
• Knowledge of nursing/clinical care fundamentals.
• Knowledge of patient privacy, dignity & communication.
• Knowledge of NHS policies & documentation standards.

Experience:

• Experience working as a Healthcare Assistant, Support Worker, or Nursing Assistant, ideally in Urology Surgical wards or Outpatients/procedures.
• Experience performing basic clinical tasks such as observations, chaperoning, specimen handling, catheter care, etc.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of N. London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire. As an employer of nearly 6,000 people, the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.