Job Description

This is an exciting role in supporting the division to offer screening and follow up intervention for service users physical and mental health. The primary goal at present is to ensure all service users with a diagnosed Severe Mental Illness [SMI] have received physical health checks and follow up interventions in line with the Lester Tool. The role will seek to develop intervention pathways using quality improvement methodologies for service users physical health in order to both screen and intervene for a high risk cohort . The role is open to registered mental health nurses. A qualification in non medical prescribing would be strongly preferred however, is not essential.



We are looking to recruit a clinician working in the community based in Wiltshire and the surrounding areas with an expectation of occasional cross cover across the division (BANES, Swindon and Wiltshire). The post will require practitioners to be self motivated and access a large geographical area with limited public transport.



The service has a keen interest in ensuring the quality and validity of data across the healthcare system so skills in the use of computers, spreadsheets and a head for figures is advantageous. Support around these systems will be provided on the job.



The role will have supervisory oversight of one band 4 post.



The role will be supported by the division Physical Health Lead, locality teams and other physical health team members.



Undertaking and interpreting physical health assessments for service users with Severe Mental Illness [SMI].



Providing intervention and signposting for any out of range results.



Supporting and developing teams to improve physical health outcomes for service users in our care using quality improvement methodologies.



Increasing liaison across the BSW healthcare system to support physical health of service users with SMI.



We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.



We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.



Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.



At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.



Clinical Duties



Conduct psychiatric inpatient assessments including psychiatric history, risk assessment, mental state examination, cognitive assessments and physical examination.



Order and interpret diagnostic tests (including blood tests etc.)



Treat service users and their family members/ carers using a high degree of empathy and advanced communication.



Discriminate between normal and abnormal findings to recognise early stages of serious medical, emotional or psychiatric problems in service users.



Instruct and counsel service users regarding medical and physical health including:



Diet and lifestyle advice



Disease and disease prevention



Treatment



Refer service users to appropriate community health facilities, agencies and resources (including social prescribing).



Refer and consult with appropriate specialists (including acute hospital physicians and nurse specialists at other Trusts) with regard to service user health.



Perform diagnostic/therapeutic procedures (subject to training/experience) such as:



Venepuncture



Perform ECGs



Injections

The team would like to develop the following in future:

Dental, hearing and sight checks



Mental state examination



Cognitive assessment



Available to respond, in a timely manner to requests to assess or review service user's physical and/or mental health.



Liaise with other teams and primary care providers.



General Duties/Responsibilities



Take part in all of the treatment and preventative healthcare services provided by AWP, as and when requested, and work within the policies and procedures of the organisation.



Work collaboratively with the team i.e. Psychiatrists, nurses, healthcare assistants, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists etc. to encourage and ensure good working relationships.



Record notes about service user contact on RIO and provide advice to staff on further management/investigations/interventions.



Work to deliver with other members of staff, the national guidelines and objectives set out for mental health services.



Meet as appropriate with supervising psychiatrists, management team etc. to report on progress and contribute the development of services across the Trust.



Teaching other staff groups i.e. Nursing staff, medical and student nurses.



Work collaboratively with junior doctors and or specialty doctors.



Maintain knowledge and proficiency in medical practices through continuing education, staff meetings and workshops.



To participate in Continued Professional Development.



To participate in Quality Improvements.



Produce reports and attend Locality meetings to feedback performance.



Cross cover BSW Physical Health Lead including attending Divisional meetings to report on performance.



To participate in annual job planning.