Resident Medical Officer

A professional approach must be adopted with all patients, staff and visitors. RMOs must work within their level of experience and competence and highlight verbally and in writing to the nurse in charge if they are being asked to work outside the level of their competences. To provide medical cover, routine and emergency, during hours of duty and work in conjunction with the other RMO to provide a 24-hour service to the hospital. To clerk in and assess urgent admissions as required when the relevant consultant is not immediately available.

To undertake a morning and evening ward round daily and if possible, with a member of the nursing staff when available ensuring patients are visited where appropriate. To make an entry in the patients notes as appropriate following ward rounds or any other patient examinations, communication or procedures. To receive a hand-over report on patients from the alternative RMO when commencing duty and to attend the ward areas on arrival and before completing the shift to ensure effective communication. The RMO can spend time in theatre, observing procedures if agreed by the Consultant and Ward Manager.

The RMO must be available to return to the ward and departments if required. The RMO is the resuscitation lead while on duty so must remain resident, therefore prepared for their shift prior to arrival. Consultants Under no circumstances should RMOs seek consent for operations or procedures on behalf of a Consultant RMOs must seek consent for any procedures that they intend to undertake. To communicate any medical problems or concerns to Consultants.

To act, as may be reasonably required, on behalf of the Consultant in their absence when requested. To undertake within their level of experience and competence certain medical procedures required by the Consultants. Nursing staff and patients To liaise with nursing staff regularly (at least every 3-4 hours) to check on patient progress, or more frequently if their condition necessitates. To see patients at the request of nurses in charge and carry out examinations of patients.

To undertake relevant clinical investigations, including ECG and blood samples from patients as may be required from time to time and to undertake arterial blood sampling as necessary. To supervise the daily clinical management of all patients in conjunction with the nurse team leaders and under the guidance of Consultants and attend all post operative patients on day of operation and every day following. To respond to calls from the ward relating to patient care. To discuss medication on discharge with patients and write a discharge summary if requested.

To assist in the day-to-day functions at the hospital and any other reasonable tasks, within their level of experience, requested by the hospital. To administer intravenous medications / therapy if required All patient information is confidential and must be respected as all times. The RMO should be able to interpret Consultant and nursing staff requests. Hospital To be familiar with the hospitals corporate care pathways.

To provide urgent medical attention and urgent treatment to staff or visitors in case of accident or sudden illness in liaison with the senior nurse on duty To undertake emergency procedures as required (including resuscitation), taking the lead as necessary. Advance Life Support Certification is essential. The RMO must at all times abide by the Data Protection Guidelines. The night RMO will undertake a patients records audit as indicated by the Ward Manager and will review pre- admission questionnaires / NHS notes.

To ensure that all consumables used during procedures shall be correctly charged to patient accounts and that all policies regarding revenue capture are adhered to. To remain on the hospital premises whilst on duty. In the event of an RMO not attending for duty, the previous RMO must remain until a replacement is found ensuring continuous cover. To comply with all hospital policies and procedures in particular those relating to Health and Safety at Work.

To attend meetings to discuss issues, incidents and accidents with leadership team The RMO will need to work with and enhance a multi-skilled clinical team under direct supervision of the Head of Clinical Services and with the Ward nursing team. Dress must be neat and smart in accordance with the hospital dress code. Jewelry and watches should be worn in accordance with the hospitals dress code to comply with infection control guidelines. RMOs have no admitting rights to the hospital.

All patients admitted must be under the care of a Consultant with admitting rights to the hospital. The environment will include the Wards, Outpatients, Theatre, Pharmacy and any other clinical or non-clinical areas if appropriate. No smoking is allowed in the hospitals, RMO accommodation or hospital grounds and car parks. Hospital Pharmacy To countersign any drug instructions given by consultants over the telephone and satisfy prescribing requirements throughout the hospital, as requested by nursing staff by checking their validity, safety and need.

To communicate as often as necessary with the hospitals Pharmacist in relation to the patients prescription and to adhere at all times to the British National Formulary (BNF). In exceptional circumstances, the RMO may be called to dispense drugs. The RMO must therefore be aware of the necessary procedures.