Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Medical Examiner (LLR ME)

Job overview

We are looking to recruit and train practising LLR GPs*  and UHL Consultants* or recently retired (within previous 12 months) to join our LLR Medical Examiner service

*with 5 year's experience as either a GP or Consultant

You will be joining an experienced team of senior Consultant and GP Medical Examiners.    The national training programme will be supplemented by local support and mentoring.  Work will initially be based in the ME office at Leicester Royal Infirmary or  Glenfield Hospital.

Our medical examiners all work part-time, with variable commitments but typically an average of one day per fortnight. The pattern of work can be adjusted by mutual agreement on an individual basis to ensure there is a Medical Examiner at either the Glenfield or LRI office between 8:30 and 5:30 Monday to Fridays (excluding bank holidays).  Participation in an out of hours rota to be discussed at interview.

Since September 2024, all deaths not investigated by a Coroner have to be scrutinised by a Medical Examiner. The aim is to facilitate the ‘Learning from Deaths’ programme, in addition to improving the quality of death certification and Coroner referral.

Main duties of the job

Medical Examiner scrutiny includes reviewing and/or discussing proposed causes of death by certifying doctors;  speaking to bereaved relatives (unless delegated to one of the Clinical Medical Examiner Officers) and proportionate review of the deceased’s clinical records (electronic and paper).

The LLR MEs will be appropriately trained, experienced doctors who will undertake scrutiny of deaths in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland,  initially to both determine whether an MCCD can be issued or referral to the Coroner is indicated and to identify potential learning for feeding back to clinical teams or further more detail review is required

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Ensure that in each case the cause of death is scrutinised in a way that is robust, proportionate and consistent, ensuring compliance with the relevant legal and procedural requirements, local and national protocols;

Be able to distinguish between natural and unnatural causes of death and to decide where a death must be reported to a coroner. Additionally, the post holder must have detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and processes which apply to:

• deaths abroad where bodies are returned to England and Wales for disposal;
• deaths where relatives wish to transport the body abroad for disposal;
• certifying and registering deaths; and the regulations to authorise cremation or stillbirths abroad;

• Coroners and death certification;

In relevant cases the ME will agree with the Attending Practitioner (AP) the most appropriate way to complete the medical certificate of the cause of death (MCCD).

Speak to the bereaved to explain / respond to questions about the cause of death and also to provide an opportunity for the bereaved to ask questions or raise any concerns about care provided to the deceased.

The ME will also undertake proportionate scrutiny of the deceased’s clinical records in order to identify those deaths which would benefit from further review by the relevant mortality review process (or other appropriate agency) to take forward associated learning and quality improvement actions.

Before applying for this post you should:-

• Be aware that Interviews will be held on Thursday 24th July
• Start the National Online ME training before attending for interview, (if short listed):
• This is a very rewarding form of medical work. Information about the role and the training required is available at https://www.rcpath.org/profession/medical-examiners.html .

• Arrange a visit to the ME Office either at the LRI or Glenfield to get a good understanding of what is involved in the role
• Clarify that this role will be acceptable as part of your Job Plan with your Head of Service/GP Lead;
• For more information or to arrange a visit to the ME Office contact Rebecca                   Broughton on 07971 745188 or [email protected]