Medical Examiner Officer

The Medical Examiners Team is based at Stepping Hill Hospital and Macclesfield District General Hospital on a rota basis. We are a hard working, experienced team from a variety of backgrounds. You can be assured that you will be fully supported as you work to become accredited as an MEO. It is a highly responsible, challenging and involved role which will require close teamwork with the existing MEO's, ME's, GPs and Bereavement Teams at both hospitals trusts.
Whilst the role can be demanding it is also hugely rewarding. This is an exciting time to join the team as due to recent statutory legislation the service has expanded to covering all natural deaths within Stockport, East Cheshire and High Peak. Act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patients death. Work with Medical Examiners to aid them in their responsibility for overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients.
Carry out the initial screening of medical notes of deceased patients to identify cases that clearly requires referral to the coroner on approval from the ME. Establish the circumstances of individual patient deaths by performing a preliminary review of medical records to identify clinical and circumstantial information, sourcing additional details where required, for scrutiny by the Medical Examiner. Work with the ME(s) to ensure proper and proportionate scrutiny of medical records. Discuss the findings of the ME on medical cause of death with the qualified attending practitioners.
Ensure any concerns raised by the relatives are passed on the ME in a timely fashion before the MCCD is released to relatives. Discuss the content of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) with relatives of the deceased and in all cases, collect additional information. This may include the need to communicate sensitive information and offer explanations. To assist in highlighting cases for assessment by the Structured Judgement Review team (SJR), Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), Clinical Governance teams and the Learning Disability Review Teams (LeDeR).
Offer support and pastoral care to families and colleagues and to facilitate effective communication between families and health care professionals alongside Bereavement Office staff. Assist relatives in identifying appropriate information and additional / further advice and support e.g. Patient Advice Liaison Service contacts, Bereavement Office information. Establish clear and effective channels for communicating and co-operating with all departments, wards, and relevant professionals.
Participate in the development and introduction of protocols, guidelines, and policy as appropriate. Manage own workload ensuring project timescales are adhered to. Continually monitor ones own performance in the provision of care; ensuring professional standards are met at all times. Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the medical examiner system to ensure equality to any particular group defined by sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
Management Provide documentation and quality data as required for audit and evaluation Provide surveillance data for the Deputy Lead and Lead Medical Examiner Officer as required. Attend departmental meetings as required Education Participate in education and training appropriate to the role, including trust mandatory training. Participate in sharing outcomes of the reforms though the publication of papers and presentations of findings at a local and national level. Governance Maintain a safe environment with due regard to the Trust Health and Safety & risk management policies and procedures.
Follow the Trust complaints policy, ensuring solutions are achieved and learning is shared and disseminated as appropriate Initiate evidence-based practice and update own knowledge related to current practice. Participate in audit activity Professional and Legal Standards Maintain accurate records having due regard to legal aspects, confidentiality, and managerial information / project requirements. Maintain an effective and valid professional registration. Fulfil the role in accordance with the relevant Code of Professional Conduct.
Seek regular appropriate supervision and to participate in regular process of appraisal, monitoring own performance, ensuring professional standards are met at all times. Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the Medical Examiner system to ensure equality Knowledge skills and experience Bachelor's degree or evidence of study at a higher level or equivalent experience. IT skills - Microsoft excel, Word Ability to work across professional boundaries with medical staff in different specialities. Completed E-LfH MEO training ( or within 3 months of start date).
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Highly evolved empathetic and self-awareness skills Understanding of medical terminology