Designated Doctor, Child Death (Merseyside)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the changing shape of NHS commissioning in Cheshire and Merseyside. Our current organisational structure supports effective working both locally and across Cheshire and Merseyside as we develop as an Integrated Care System.

The population of Cheshire and Merseyside is diverse and growing and we are keen to see that diversity recognised within our own workforce. As an employer we seek to open opportunities for our staff to gain new skills, gain knowledge and develop careers in heath and care.

We welcome students, staff, people of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientation, physical abilities, backgrounds, and philosophies and those who are accepting of others. Our goal is to support all of our workforce in their work, if you believe you can bring your skills and experiences and an open-minded approach into our fast paced and dynamic organisation, we are committed to providing a positive and supportive experience for all of our staff.

Job overview

Designated Doctor, Child Death (Merseyside)

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside

Contract: Permanent

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen in NHS Cheshire and Merseyside for an enthusiastic and innovative Designated Doctor for Child Death to join our ICB to be the strategic lead across our 5 Merseyside region and place areas (Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral).

The successful candidate will be supported by the ICB Director of Nursing and Care and Associate Directors of Quality and Safety Improvement in each of the place areas, to join a friendly supportive team who are keen to deliver a contemporary child death review service.

The post will be hosted in Sefton place on behalf of Merseyside. Please contact Kerrie France, Associate Director of Quality and Safety Improvement (Sefton place) 07721652347 or email [email protected]

For a full list of responsibilities please see the job description and informal discussions are welcome.

Main duties of the job

As a member of this team, the post holder will work at a strategic level to support the ICB in delivering its Child Death responsibilities and provide strategic clinical leadership to specific aspects of the Child Death Review/SUDIC programme.

The post holder must be clinically active (or active within the last 2 years) as a senior paediatrician or senior clinician within their substantive position (or equivalent). Whilst statutory guidance references the role being undertaken by a senior paediatrician it is acknowledged that the role could be fulfilled by other senior medical roles including Emergency department Consultants or General Practitioners in primary care who have undergone higher professional training in paediatrics.

In addition, the postholder must have substantial clinical experience in the field of safeguarding/child protection/child death and have substantial experience of the legislation and legal process relating to children and young people.

Working for our organisation

We are looking for an individual who demonstrates a compassionate and inclusive leadership style, the ability to build relationships and gain credibility whilst maintaining impartiality, and who is committed to creating an open and transparent organisational culture.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Designated Doctor is a clinical expert and strategic leader who will:

• Be a Senior paediatrician or equivalent with higher professional training in paediatrics
• Have substantial clinical experience in the field of safeguarding/child protection/child death and have substantial experience of the legislation and legal process relating to children and young people.
• Be clinically active (or have held an active clinical position in the previous two years) in the field of safeguarding/child protection.
• Have proven negotiating and leadership skills to develop and champion new initiatives as necessary.
• Collaborating with providers and clinical experts to ensure the workforce is trained and educated to deliver on its statutory duty for the ICB.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to join our friendly, supportive team, shaping and influencing the child death process across NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.

As a member of our system, you will actively demonstrate system values in all that you do. You will be driven to address health inequalities and create an environment that is inclusive for all people.

In return NHS Cheshire and Merseyside can offer you the opportunity to thrive and develop in a team that is supportive, ambitious, and inclusive. You will have plenty of opportunities to build your skills and experience, with a chance to collaborate with colleagues across Merseyside to truly effect change and add value.

We know that diversity fosters creativity and innovation and are committed to challenging discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity for all, being a fair and inclusive employer, and creating a place of work in which all of us feel we belong.

Person specification

Qualifications

• • Full GMC Registration and licensed to practice
• • Senior paediatrician or equivalent qualifications and experience (whilst statutory guidance references the role being undertaken by a senior paediatrician it is acknowledged that the role could be fulfilled by other senior medical roles including GPs in primary care)
• • Undergone higher professional training in paediatrics
• • Be clinically active (or have held an active clinical position in the previous two years) in the field of safeguarding/child protection, as part of their clinical commitments

• Evidence of legal knowledge in practice

Knowledge

• • Have substantial clinical experience in the field of multiagency safeguarding/child protection and substantial experience of the legislation relating to children and young people
• • In-depth understanding of RCPCH guidelines: Sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood (2016)
• • Previous experience of multiagency child death review processes

• • Sound knowledge of current NHS reforms and the development of future commissioning structures

Communication

• • Evidence of working closely with Professionals across all agencies involved in the care of Children and Young People

• • Ability to travel to various locations

**PLEASE NOTE**

Joining our inclusive and innovative team comes with a range of benefits including flexible & agile working arrangements, pension scheme and generous annual leave allowance.

With our training schemes and support networks, you will be empowered to play a leading role in the future of healthcare, whatever your specialism or interest.

In return, we provide a supportive environment in which to learn and develop, with the opportunity to further your skills and career within an exciting and evolving environment, with our training schemes and support networks, you will be empowered to play a leading role in the future of healthcare, whatever your specialism or interest, and as a member of NHS staff you will receive various discounts from a host of restaurants and high-street stores.

In the event of exceptionally high levels of response, we reserve the right to close the post before the date stated above in order to prevent the number of applications received being unmanageable. You are advised to submit your completed application form as soon as possible to have the best chance of being considered.

Additional information relating to the role can be found in the Job Description below. Please note that candidates will be shortlisted against the criteria outlined within the Person Specification (also below), therefore, to avoid disappointment please ensure you meet the requirements of the role before applying and that you are able to demonstrate these requirements throughout your application form.