Job summary The Medical Examiner (ME) system was introduced in 2019 to independently review and confirm cause of death in all patients who died within the Trust. Medical Examiners are supported in this role by medical examiner's officers (MEO) who administer the service and are a point of contact and a source of expertise and advice for healthcare professionals, relatives, the coroner and Registration services. Since September 2024, it has been a statutory requirement to include the review of all deaths in the local health community of West Northamptonshire - covering all healthcare providers (NGH, primary care, community hospitals and mental health providers). The medical examiner officer team consists of 3 MEOs and 1 lead MEO. We are looking to recruit 1 lead MEO to fill a vacancy we have due to our current lead MEO'S retirement. We are looking for someone with outstanding communication skills, especially under pressure, who demonstrates leadership qualities and is comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility. We are looking for a great team player who is confident speaking to the recently bereaved and interacting with stakeholders including HMC Coroner, Regional and National Medical Examiner Teams and clinical teams from all healthcare settings. Main duties of the job To lead a team of Medical Examiner Officers to support the Medical Examiner team to deliver a high quality, timely service to the bereaved (issue of death certificate) To communicate compassionately with the bereaved To communicate with other stakeholders including the Bereavement Service at NGH, HM Coroner and health care providers in all settings To maintain accurate records for local and national use About us Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire. Our Excellence Values CompassionAccountabilityRespectIntegrityCourage We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals. Date posted 22 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Dependant on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 265-7135026 Job locations Northampton General Hospital Cliftonville Northampton NN1 5BD Job description Job responsibilities Professional The role requires knowledge and experience of the statutory process around death certification, legal frameworks and the relationship between the ME service and other related organisations. The post holder will work alongside the Lead ME to develop protocols, guidelines and policies for service development and expansion of the service, particularly expansion of the service into the community. The post holder will work alongside the NGH Bereavement team to ensure timely and correct completion and communication of death certification (for deaths at NGH). The post holder will work closely with community healthcare providers in all settings to ensure timely and correct completion and communication of death certification (for deaths in the community). The post holder will be required to provide documentation and quality data for audit of the ME system for internal and external purposes, including collecting and analysing data to maximise learning from deaths. The post holder should have knowledge and experience of quality and service improvement to be able to develop the service. The post holder should be familiar with the Datix system. The post holder will support the Lead ME to monitor the quality of the service provided including process data, next of kin experience and feedback and interactions with relevant governance processes. The post holder will be expected to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at all levels and lead discussions on highly sensitive and emotive issues with bereaved families, clinicians and coroners Key Responsibilities Support and facilitate the development of practice relating to the ME service as directed by national organisations. Support the Lead ME to produce reports to the Trusts committees and commissioners regarding the ME service. Develop and implement a framework to support monitoring of quality standards and performance. Prepare staff rotas of MEs and MEOs and work schedules (including OOH cover) to address service and training needs. Work with the lead ME in reviewing or developing guidelines, processes or SOPs. Communicate with relatives/next of kin in a professional and compassionate way and listen to any concerns raised. Act as a source of expertise, advice and knowledge for relatives and health care professionals involved in the ME process. When relevant, discuss with relatives the involvement of the Coroner and its implications. Clinical Responsibilities Work with all MEs to support them in their role in overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients in the organisation, including providing specific and varied advice and guidance in relation to administrative duties. Communicate with and support doctors who are completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Perform a preliminary review of medical records to identify potential Coroners referrals. Identify relatives concerns and escalate appropriately - supporting relatives and ensuring links with bereavement, PALS and clinical staff with feedback of any issues including acting as an intermediary to establish and resolve any concerns raised. Participate in relevant clinical governance activities relating to death certification including audits, mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care. To collate and feedback examples of excellent care. Data collection and scrutiny responsibilities Ensure all deaths and activities of the ME office are recorded and kept up to date. Develop, establish and maintain appropriate data systems to record the activities of the ME office. To track referrals of cases sent for further review, to collate lessons learnt and present this to the team. Ensure systems are in place to provide statutory information and reports to the National ME team. Financial responsibilities Responsible for procuring supplies and equipment necessary for efficient functioning of the ME office. Management responsibilities Provide leadership to and supervision of the other band 5 MEOs within the team, including yearly appraisal, identifying their training and CPD needs. Work with the Lead ME to develop the strategy for the service, including supporting the lead ME in implementation and roll out of the ME functions in the organisation and the community. Provide training to all levels and disciplines of staff in the functions of the MEs office across the whole organisation, including presentations and teaching sessions. Ensure full compliance with secure handling of all patient identifiable data. Ensure that all staff are aware of and adhere to Trust policies. Job description Job responsibilities Professional The role requires knowledge and experience of the statutory process around death certification, legal frameworks and the relationship between the ME service and other related organisations. The post holder will work alongside the Lead ME to develop protocols, guidelines and policies for service development and expansion of the service, particularly expansion of the service into the community. The post holder will work alongside the NGH Bereavement team to ensure timely and correct completion and communication of death certification (for deaths at NGH). The post holder will work closely with community healthcare providers in all settings to ensure timely and correct completion and communication of death certification (for deaths in the community). The post holder will be required to provide documentation and quality data for audit of the ME system for internal and external purposes, including collecting and analysing data to maximise learning from deaths. The post holder should have knowledge and experience of quality and service improvement to be able to develop the service. The post holder should be familiar with the Datix system. The post holder will support the Lead ME to monitor the quality of the service provided including process data, next of kin experience and feedback and interactions with relevant governance processes. The post holder will be expected to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at all levels and lead discussions on highly sensitive and emotive issues with bereaved families, clinicians and coroners Key Responsibilities Support and facilitate the development of practice relating to the ME service as directed by national organisations. Support the Lead ME to produce reports to the Trusts committees and commissioners regarding the ME service. Develop and implement a framework to support monitoring of quality standards and performance. Prepare staff rotas of MEs and MEOs and work schedules (including OOH cover) to address service and training needs. Work with the lead ME in reviewing or developing guidelines, processes or SOPs. Communicate with relatives/next of kin in a professional and compassionate way and listen to any concerns raised. Act as a source of expertise, advice and knowledge for relatives and health care professionals involved in the ME process. When relevant, discuss with relatives the involvement of the Coroner and its implications. Clinical Responsibilities Work with all MEs to support them in their role in overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients in the organisation, including providing specific and varied advice and guidance in relation to administrative duties. Communicate with and support doctors who are completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Perform a preliminary review of medical records to identify potential Coroners referrals. Identify relatives concerns and escalate appropriately - supporting relatives and ensuring links with bereavement, PALS and clinical staff with feedback of any issues including acting as an intermediary to establish and resolve any concerns raised. Participate in relevant clinical governance activities relating to death certification including audits, mortality review processes and investigations regarding formal complaints about patient care. To collate and feedback examples of excellent care. Data collection and scrutiny responsibilities Ensure all deaths and activities of the ME office are recorded and kept up to date. Develop, establish and maintain appropriate data systems to record the activities of the ME office. To track referrals of cases sent for further review, to collate lessons learnt and present this to the team. Ensure systems are in place to provide statutory information and reports to the National ME team. Financial responsibilities Responsible for procuring supplies and equipment necessary for efficient functioning of the ME office. Management responsibilities Provide leadership to and supervision of the other band 5 MEOs within the team, including yearly appraisal, identifying their training and CPD needs. Work with the Lead ME to develop the strategy for the service, including supporting the lead ME in implementation and roll out of the ME functions in the organisation and the community. Provide training to all levels and disciplines of staff in the functions of the MEs office across the whole organisation, including presentations and teaching sessions. Ensure full compliance with secure handling of all patient identifiable data. Ensure that all staff are aware of and adhere to Trust policies. Person Specification Education, Training & Qualifications Essential Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience Completed e learning MEO core training Desirable Management qualification/post graduate diploma Knowledge & Experience Essential Proficient in Microsoft packages and skills in report writing Experience of NHS systems Experience in managing/supervising staff Experience of working to targets in a busy and demanding environment Desirable Experience in implementing HR and departmental policies and maintaining associated records Project management Experience in conducting appraisals Skills Essential Proven administration and organisational skills Ability to analyse data and present in an appropriate format Excellent verbal and written communications skills Experience of developing a new process and adapting to change Person Specification Education, Training & Qualifications Essential Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience Completed e learning MEO core training Desirable Management qualification/post graduate diploma Knowledge & Experience Essential Proficient in Microsoft packages and skills in report writing Experience of NHS systems Experience in managing/supervising staff Experience of working to targets in a busy and demanding environment Desirable Experience in implementing HR and departmental policies and maintaining associated records Project management Experience in conducting appraisals Skills Essential Proven administration and organisational skills Ability to analyse data and present in an appropriate format Excellent verbal and written communications skills Experience of developing a new process and adapting to change Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) . From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) . Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) . From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) . Employer details Employer name Northampton General Hospital Address Northampton General Hospital Cliftonville Northampton NN1 5BD Employer's website https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab) Employer details Employer name Northampton General Hospital Address Northampton General Hospital Cliftonville Northampton NN1 5BD Employer's website https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab). Location : Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, NN1 5BD Northampton, United Kingdom