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JOB DESCRIPTION
FOR
GP with a Special Interest (GPSI)/ Clinical assistant
IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
At Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent
SUMMARY
These permanent posts are suitable for doctors who wish to develop a special
interest and skills in Palliative Medicine. Posts are available immediately at each of
the three Pilgrims Hospices sites (Ashford, Canterbury, Margate).
Applicants may apply for one or two regular weekly days + an out of hours OOH
commitment to a 1 in 13 rota. Not all posts will include routine OOH working.
The posts will attract 2 Programmed Activities (PAs) payment for each regular
weekday worked + 2 PAs for the OOH commitment, on the Specialty Doctor pay
scale (£4405pa for each PA initially).
PILGRIMS HOSPICES
General information
Pilgrims Hospices serves a population of 670,000 (approximately 20% over the age
of 65). The population is spread across a geographical area of over 700 square miles
of a largely rural area with main urban population in Ashford, Folkestone, Canterbury,
Dover, Margate, and Ramsgate.
Local authority population figures are as follow: Ashford (111,200), Canterbury
(146,200), Dover (106,400), Shepway (99,600) and Thanet (128,600).
Ashford is an expanding business and agricultural centre and has an International
Station linking it to the Continent via the Channel Tunnel. It is a designated area for
growth. Canterbury is an ecclesiastical and business centre and the University of
Kent is based in the city. Margate and the surrounding coastal towns have a high
proportion of elderly and disadvantaged people and the population increases in the
summer with the influx of visitors. Thanet is an area of regeneration receiving
European funding and Manston airport is being developed to serve Kent.
There are many areas of unspoilt countryside and a wide variety of quiet secluded
beaches. The countryside is mainly arable farm land, but in the immediate vicinity of
Canterbury fruit and hop farming predominate. The Stour valley runs through the
area and there are areas of great natural beauty and charm. The Thanet coast is on
a list of best wildlife sites in Europe. Places of historic interest include Canterbury
Cathedral and Dover, Deal and Walmer castles.
There are excellent schools, both private and state. Regular train services and the
M2 and M20 motorways provide easy access to London, and the Continent is within
immediate reach through the Channel ports and Channel Tunnel. There are also
outstanding sporting facilities, both indoor and outdoor. Sports associated with the
coast such as sailing and windsurfing are well served and golfers can enjoy many
courses, including championship golf courses.
HOSPICE SERVICES
Pilgrims Hospices provides inpatient specialist Palliative Care on 3 sites with
a total of 48 beds. The medical team is supported by Advanced Nurse
Practitioners in Specialist palliative Care and Palliative Care Specialist
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Nurses. The hospice provides a multi professional community service,
undertaking outpatient clinics, home visits and support for families.
A hospice at home service staffed by senior Healthcare Assistants serves the
whole area and is currently managed from the Canterbury site. Each site
runs Day Hospice, staffed by Associate Practitioners running full days and
programmes of activities with support from other members of the MDT.
Full multiprofessional Palliative Care is delivered by a well-resourced
multiprofessional team on each site including: social work, counselling,
chaplaincy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, complementary therapy.
MEDICAL STAFFING
CONSULTANTS
Dr Claire Butler (PHC), Director of Medicine and Research
Dr Pauline Dand (PHC)
Dr Andrew Thorns (PHT)
Dr Declan Cawley (PHA)
Dr Jane Marshall (PHA)
Dr Ben Kennedy (PHC/PHA)
NON CONSULTANT STAFF
One SpR at each site – London and KSS Deanery rotation
Specialty doctors (0.8/1.0) at PHC/PHA
GP Specialist Trainees at each site
Clinical assistants/GPSI posts – these posts
The hospice hosts medical students on attachment from St George’s Hospital
Medical School.
DUTIES OF THE POST
Duties and Responsibilities will include:

To take part in the admission and management of hospice inpatients under the
supervision of the Consultant.

To offer specialist palliative care advice to medical and nursing staff in hospitals and
in the community.

To review patients in the day hospice, hospice outpatients and offer domiciliary
visiting in hours and infrequently out of hours

To keep adequate clinical records and case notes for each patient.
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
To be aware of and comply with clinical governance procedures in Pilgrims Hospices.

To undertake training in Palliative Care as appropriate by agreement with the
Consultant. Time and costs of agreed training will be borne by the Hospice.

To participate in annual appraisal and fulfil revalidation requirements.

Other duties which may arise from time to time, to be negotiated with the Consultant.
ON CALL ARRANGEMENTS
The rota runs with internal cover arrangements.
A 1:13 rota will operate for weekday nights Monday-Friday 5pm-9am. Particular
weekday nights on call can be negotiated to fit in with other work commitments.
The rota in addition includes 2 weekends in a 13 week cycle as follows:
Saturday
One site ward round (1PA)
One site ward round + 24h OOH (3.5PA)
Sunday
One site ward round + 24h OOH (3.5PA)
One site ward round (1PA)
The duties and responsibilities in this job description may need further
discussion in the future to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the
service, future service developments and the post holder.
PATIENTS SAFETY, CLINICAL GOVERNANCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The PH is fully committed to improving patient safety and experience. Doctors are
expected to comply with the hospice’s Clinical Governance Programme, audit their
own clinical outcomes, report clinical incidents, alert the trust to risk, participate in
annual appraisal and work to foster good team relationships.
Training specific to this post and its role in the coordination centre will be provided
and funded.
An annual review of the job plan will take place. This will include discussions
regarding the needs of the service, with agreement of objectives for clinical
standards, goals and workload.
All Specialty Doctors have responsibilities for teaching doctors, students and nonmedical healthcare professionals.
RESEARCH
PH has an active research programme. Research is encouraged and supported by
Comprehensive Local Research Networks.
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MAIN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
The post is covered by the Terms and Conditions of Service for Specialty Doctors –
England (2008). The post-holder is required to be fully registered with the General
Medical Council.
The passing of a medical examination is a condition of employment.
Annual leave
The annual leave entitlement is six weeks pro rata. Applications for leave are subject
to approval by the Consultant. A minimum of eight weeks notice of leave
arrangements is requested so that adequate cover arrangements can be made
VISITING ARRANGEMENTS
Further details and information may be obtained by contacting Dr Claire Butler on
01227 459700.
Visits by prospective applicants are encouraged and may be arranged through
Human Resources (01227 459700).
CONTROL OF INFECTION
In accordance with the Health Act (2006) all staff are expected to comply with
National and local Infection Control policies and procedures, and any other related
infection prevention policies or procedures. In addition, all staff whose normal duties
are directly or indirectly concerned with patient care should ensure they have
received annual mandatory training (including hand hygiene).
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SPECIALTY DOCTOR – GPSI/Clinical assistant
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Post:
January 2012
Specialty Doctor – Palliative Medicine
Reference Number:
Mandatory Requirements
1. Qualifications
Essential
 Full GMC registration
 Completion of
Foundation
competencies
 Completion of ST1/CT1
and ST2/CT2 or
equivalent SHO
experience
 MRCGP part 1 or
equivalent
Desirable
MRCGP or
equivalent
Generic Requirements
2. Clinical/Technical
expertise
Essential
 Possesses range of
clinical knowledge, skills
& information technology
expertise.
 Concerned to maintain &
develop this knowledge.
 Displays sound
professional judgement
 Sees patients within a
holistic context
 Shows an approach
based on critical enquiry
and evidence-based
medicine
 Embraces evidencebased practice & audit
 Interest in research &
development
 Shows breadth of
awareness & a range of
problem-solving skills
 Encourages ongoing
learning & an educative
culture, both for self and
others
 Understands the issues
of risk management & of
operating within a
litigious & complaints
culture
 Shows self-discipline e.g.
record-keeping &
legibility
 Able to juggle a large
number of demands by
Desirable
Experience in
specialist palliative
care/hospice
3. Intellect and Education
4. Organisation &
planning
(both personal &
departmental)
Postgraduate
qualification
Assessment
Method
Application
form/CV
Assessment
Method
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
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
5. Communication &
Interpersonal Skills





6. Teaching skills

setting priorities &
planning effectively
Able to manage
conflicting &
unpredictable demands
Ability to direct &
organise colleagues
Able to communicate
clearly, avoiding jargon,
with a range of different
people
Builds strong & effective
relationships with
patients, families &
colleagues with the
ability to gain their trust &
confidence
Ability to cope with
considerable pressure as
well as to adapt to
constant change & new
demands
Demonstrates energy,
enthusiasm & initiative in
pursuing innovation and
the highest standards for
patients, juniors, others,
colleagues & the
organisation
Able to operate within a
teaching/training culture
Application
form/CV
Interview
References



7. Ability to operate
within wider NHS
context



8. Decisiveness and
Accountability


9. Partnerships with
Patients


Understands the NHS
system: nationally,
regionally & locally
Aware of the issues
affecting current & future
NHS practice
Understands the
concepts & principles of
clinical governance
Is able to justify
decisions
Recognises clinical
constraints & the realities
of rationing of care
Works with patients as
individuals & not purely
as a collection of
symptoms
Able to manage patient
Willing to
supervise other
staff, spots
talent &
nurtures it
Evidence of
teaching
experience
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
7

10. Physical requirements

expectations
Able to negotiate
treatment plans with
patients
Meets professional
health requirements
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
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