Physician Assistant

NHS Jobs; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The NHS Jobs in Wakefield is seeking a Physician Assistant to support the Adult ADHD pathway, delivering high-quality outpatient and community care under supervision.

You will work with a Consultant, Senior Advanced Specialist Practitioner and a clinical team, develop diagnostic and management plans, undertake assessments, and participate in professional development within a structured supervision framework.

Qualifications

• Qualified Physician Assistant with eligibility to practice.
• Experience in Adult ADHD not required.

Responsibilities

• Undertake patient consultations, assessments and examinations.
• Recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment.
• Request and interpret results of laboratory investigations when necessary.
• Refer to other health professionals as needed to discuss or refer specific patients and coordinate care.
• Develop management and treatment plans in collaboration with supervising clinicians.
• Perform diagnostic/therapeutic procedures subject to training and competency.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Diagnostics support

Team collaboration

CPD

Education

Physician Assistant qualification

Job description

JOB SUMMARY The PA will provide expert assistance to the Adult ADHD pathway in the provision of a high quality service to patients. The post holder will work under the direction of a supervising Consultant and Senior Advanced Specialist Practitioner and with other members of the clinical team within the organisations policies and clinical guidelines. The job will involve outpatient and community work. Successful appointees will perform delegated duties with a high degree of clinical skill and knowledge. It is not mandatory that the Physician Assistant has prior experience of a relevant speciality. The post-holdes will undergo training, supervision relevant to the required clinical tasks. The candidate will be trained in a broad range of skills as part of our diagnostic pathway for Adult ADHD and will be expected to liaise with other professionals and specialities as required and complete necessary documentation relating to their patients. PAs will be clinically supervised by a designated Consultant and line managed by the Medical Clinical Lead. The Service will aim to offer dedicated formal and informal clinical supervision each week together with half a day for professional development. It is expected that the Physician Assistant may become involved in all activities of the Service including clinical governance, quality improvement projects, research and teaching as requested. The post holder will be involved with initial assessment for adult ADHD including taking medical histories; administering structured diagnostic instruments; assessing and examining patients; initiating and interpreting investigations as appropriate; developing management plans in consultation with the patients. The range of duties will be developed over the course of a planned 12 months in conjunction with the post holders capability and development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care

Perform, duties with regards to the adult ADHD diagnostic pathway delegated and agreed by the supervising clinician(s). With clinical supervision as considered appropriate:

• Undertake patient consultations, assessments and examinations
• Recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment
• Request and interpret results of laboratory investigations when necessary
• Consult and refer as appropriate to other health professional/specialists in order to discuss or refer specific patients, plan and co-ordinate activities or exchange information in order to improve the quality of patient care
• Determine a list of differential diagnoses
• Recommend a management / treatment plan
• Perform diagnostic / therapeutic procedures, subject to training / experience and competency assessment

Act with empathy and consideration, involving the patient in decisions about their care. Ensure provision of good clinical care at all times using established clinical guidelines. Liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team and allied services such as Community Nursing, dietician, community mental health team. Maintain accurate and appropriate documentation for legal and administrative purposes.

Management and Leadership

Develop own leadership skills within the clinical environment and team. Contribute in the development of the service and act as a change agent and facilitate the change process whilst encouraging others to be innovative and adaptable in the approach to change.

Networking and maintaining relationships with other PAs

Promote a positive image of PAs both externally and internally. Support and influence the development of new models of care. Implement evidence based policies and procedures specifically required by the Team. Develop and maintain effective communication with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of care. Work collaboratively with representatives of other clinical areas, disciplines and services to provide a seamless pathway of care. Be conversant with all policies and procedures and ensure they are correctly implemented. Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the Whistle Blowing policy and supporting practices.

Training, Education and Development

Ensure continuing education, training and development is undertaken to meet clinical governance guidelines for Continuing Professional Development and a Personal Development Plan. Keep up to date with relevant medical research and evidence-based medical practice by attending continuing education courses and professional meetings, reading journals etc. Undertake 50 hours of continuing medical education (CPD) every year. A minimum of 25 hours must be in accredited direct learning programmes. Take the UK PA National Re-certification Examination every six years, as required for Physician Assistants. Undertake the acquisition and development of new skills, knowledge and experience based on curriculum framework. Help identify, plan and assist in the implementation of goals for clinical development Physician Assistants. Assist in clinical instruction and supervision of medical and nursing students as well other learners that may periodically be attached to the practice/department, including the educational development and mentoring of Physician Assistant students. Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings organised by the Service in order to discuss and learn from recent significant events relating to clinical practice occurring within the Practice/department. Regularly reflect on own practice (and keep a record of learning encounters) in order to identify learning needs and encourage self-directed lifelong learning and continued professional development. Deliver and share updates in clinical practice to the whole team. Support as appropriate other clinical and non-clinical staff members. Complete all necessary mandatory and statutory training. Attend, and prepare for, all scheduled academic and clinical teaching and assessments Engage with feedback mechanisms to evaluate own learning experience both during academic and clinical placements.