Public Health Wales NHS Trust Job Description Professional Lead Consultant for Health Protection

Transcription

1 Public Health Wales NHS Trust Job Description Professional Lead Consultant for Health Protection Accountable to Director of Health Protection (managerially) and the Executive Director of Public Health Services/Medical Director (professionally) Key Relationships Public Health Wales Board Executive Team Staff across the organisation Senior Professionals, Directors and Management Team in Public Health Wales Chief Medical and Nursing Officers and their Teams Welsh Government officials Directors of Public Health, Health Boards Other senior staff in Health Boards Local Authorities Education providers and academic partners Local and National Third Sector Organisations Patients, public and carers Community Health Councils Local partnerships Professional bodies Advisory Committees Staff representatives and trade unions Assembly Members, Members of Parliament, Ministers and Government Officials Media Remuneration and Terms NHS Terms and Conditions for Medical Consultants or equivalent NHS Agenda for Change Scale (dependent on experience and qualifications) Location: Cardiff based with requirement to travel regularly across Wales (another base in Wales may be possible by agreement) Responsible for: This is a new full time post replacing some of the role of the current Director of Health Protection at Public Health Wales who retired in December The portfolio of functions is outlined below. 1

2 1 JOB PURPOSE Following the retirement of the current Director of Health Protection, the Executive Director of Public Health Services wishes to establish two new posts to replace the current Director. One post is a new leadership role for an integrated Health Protection Service in Public Health Wales (including Microbiology Services) with the title Director of Health Protection. The second (this post) is a new operational leadership role responsible for the development and delivery of the all Wales health protection function. The post holder will be accountable for: the delivery of the health protection function including preparedness and delivery of the emergency and acute response and the operational leadership of proactive programmes to improve health and oversight of the surveillance function. The creation of these two posts supports our ambition to deliver an integrated health protection and microbiology service that is recognised for its excellence within the UK and for its impact internationally. The main focus of the role of Professional Lead Consultant for Health Protection is to: Lead the existing Consultants in Communicable Disease Control (CCDC) / Consultants in Health Protection (CHP), Consultants in Environmental Health Protection (CEHP), Regional Epidemiologists (RE) and other programme leads, ensuring that the services they and their teams deliver are effective Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement models of service delivery that ensure the population and patient receives the most effective health protection services Oversee the continual development and implementation of standard operating procedures to ensure a consistent approach, and reduction in variation in the health protection response across Wales Strengthen collaborative working within Public Health Wales and across the wider public health system, particularly with health boards, local authorities and other partners Build effective relationships with key external stakeholders including Welsh Government, Health Boards and other statutory authorities Work closely with colleagues in public health in the wider United Kingdom and further develop and strengthen relationships with international partners Develop and demonstrate a culture and style of leadership and management within health protection services that encourages individual and team responsibility and balances the use of local initiative with the need to maintain a consistent approach across Wales Empower staff to develop their talents and contribute fully to the health protection function in a mutually supportive environment 2

3 You will participate in the delivery of the health protection function as a CCDC/CHP/CEHP, participate in the out of hours rota, and will have the opportunity to lead a programme in line with your experience and interests subject to agreement. This is an exciting new role and an excellent opportunity for an inspirational leader to build on our successful delivery model to ensure that health protection services provided by Public Health Wales protect and improve the health and wellbeing of the population of Wales and reduce health inequalities, furthering our excellent record of the management of outbreaks and incidents. 2 KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES The key accountabilities for this role are as follows. 2.1 Operational development Provide leadership, vision and direction to the development of the delivery of health protection services within the integrated model set out in our strategic plan (enclosed), ensuring that all its products, services, training, research and advice will protect and improve the health of the population of Wales and reduce health inequalities in line with the organisation s vision. To be responsible for assuring and developing the capability and capacity of teams responsible for the management of outbreaks and incidents to protect population heath, including the maintenance and continued improvement of Public Health Wales excellent record in this area. To be responsible for development and implementation of standard operating procedures to ensure a consistent approach, and reduce variation, in the response to cases, events, incidents and outbreaks across Wales. To be responsible for ensuring development and implementation of an electronic case management system to support the delivery of standard operating procedures and to ensure effective communication and handover between all teams 24 hours a day. Support the further development of strategic partnerships with Welsh Government, health boards, local authorities, universities and other relevant organisations in Wales, the United Kingdom, Europe and globally to ensure innovative and effective, best practice models of service delivery. Work closely and collaboratively with health boards and local authorities to develop and implement models of service such as prudent healthcare that ensure the population and patient receives the most effective health protection services. 3

4 Ensure access to expert public health advice and leadership to support and inform an evidence-based approach to infectious diseases, communicable disease control and for dealing with non-infectious environmental hazards. To be accountable for service development, evaluation and quality assurance governance of services to reduce the impact of infectious / communicable diseases and environmental hazards on health and for preparing and adjusting action plans in line with changing needs and changing geographical boundaries. 2.2 Professional leadership Provide strong professional leadership and guidance to all health protection staff and demonstrate by example advocacy for public health principles. Maintain an active involvement in the day to day work of the health protection service in order to support the health protection teams in context, lead by example, and act as a key link between operational and strategic tiers of the division. Provide direction and leadership to health protection services, creating the organisation, ways of working and culture necessary to encourage effective delivery and individual and team responsibility. Establish an effective working relationship with the Welsh Government to secure the confidence of officials and Ministers. This will include the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Nursing Officer, public health and health protection professionals and policy staff. Communicate and engage with the public, and print and broadcast media on health protection matters through a variety of channels including reports, open meetings and digital platforms. 2.3 Management Support the Director in the delivery of all management aspects of health protection services including staff structures, role design, staffing (including 24/7 cover), workforce planning, development and performance of a multi-disciplinary team. This will include ensuring all staff undertake appraisals and statutory and mandatory training in accordance with organisational policy, and medical staff comply with GMC requirements for revalidation. Be responsible for developing a positive culture and healthy climate of employee relations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and the effective implementation of all agreed people policies. Deputise for the Director of Health Protection as required. 4

5 2.4 Performance management, delivery and monitoring Actively contribute to the production of the Public Health Wales three year Strategic Plan (referred to as the Integrated Medium Term Plan) and one year Operational Plans, engaging with relevant stakeholders within and outside the organisation. Determine key indicators for all aspects of health protection services, establish a robust system for performance monitoring and management of these, and ensure their publication for executive, Board and external scrutiny thereby demonstrating planned performance. [Health boards and trusts are responsible for the delivery of Tier 1 Welsh Government targets including immunisations and healthcare associated infections.] Establish and oversee the implementation of appropriate clinical governance and quality improvement processes to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and safe and high service standards are met across all areas of health protection services. 2.5 Research, innovation, education and training Encourage innovation and a research culture and work with others in Public Health Wales and partners to ensure the delivery of high impact research and development Work with the Deanery to develop education and training to support a changing service delivery model, quality assure the training it provides, and introduce innovative training methodologies. The post holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties, as required by the Director or Executive Director. 3 MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS An initial job plan will be agreed with the successful candidate prior to the individual taking up post. This job plan will be reviewed as part of the annual job planning process. For doctors Revalidation Appraisal will be undertaken in line with the arrangements for Public Health Wales [the Medical Director is the Responsible Officer for Public Health Wales]. The job description may be subject to review in consultation with the post holder and in the light of the needs of Public Health Wales, the NHS in Wales and the development of the speciality of public health and any wider developments in the field of public health. 5

6 4 PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS The post holder will be expected to: Practise in accordance with all requirements of their Professional Registration Body. These professional obligations will be reflected in the job plan. The post holder may also have external professional responsibilities. Time allocation for these additional responsibilities will be agreed with the line manager. Pursue a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in accordance with the requirements of their Faculty or College, or other recognised body, and undertake appraisal, quality improvement, multisource feedback and other activities providing supporting evidence to secure Professional Registration. 5 CORE COMPETENCY AREAS To ensure the delivery of the key responsibilities outlined in section 1 the post holder requires the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to be able effectively to perform or oversee the key tasks outlined below. 5.1 Core Competency Areas Surveillance and assessment of the population s health and wellbeing Work in partnership with NHS Wales, Public Health Wales intelligence services, Public Health England and other national and international bodies, to support the appropriate surveillance of infectious / communicable diseases and environmental hazards throughout Wales. Work in partnership with NHS Wales, Public Health Wales intelligence services, Public Health England and other national and international bodies, to support the provision of evidence-based advice at an all- Wales level on infectious / communicable diseases and environmental hazards throughout Wales Support the partnership with NHS Wales, Public Health Wales intelligence services, Public Health England and other national and international bodies, to secure appropriate population-based risk assessments of infectious / communicable diseases and environmental hazards throughout Wales. Coordinate the provision of professional advice to Health Boards and Trusts and other organisations throughout Wales and coordinate professional support to the development, management and evaluation of prevention and control policy and action for infectious diseases throughout Wales. Ensure the use of the best available evidence base to support the assessment of health needs, health inequalities, health impact assessment and the identification of areas for action within the local population. 6

7 Assessing the evidence of effectiveness of health and healthcare interventions, programmes and services Provide expert public health advice and leadership to support and inform an evidence-based approach within ethical frameworks for planning and developing high quality equitable services, across primary, secondary and social care, and across sectors including local authorities, voluntary organisations and others, in potentially contentious circumstances where barriers to acceptance may exist. Provide expert advice to support evidence based planning and prioritisation of services for the population (and in some circumstances for the individual) in order to maximise opportunities for health. Identify the need for and / or ensure the production of service reviews where a public health perspective is required, to include service development, evaluation and quality assurance governance, and preparing and adjusting plans in line with changing needs. Policy and strategy development and implementation Contribute to the development of national policy and strategic development of public health protection services including microbiology in Wales, working with the Chief Medical and Nursing Officers, Welsh Government and the Board of Public Health Wales. Develop, monitor and evaluate public health protection services and programmes according to national policies and strategies for health. Ensure proper linkages between the health agenda and strategies related to the wider determinants including for example, community safety, the environment and sustainability. Leadership and collaborative working for health Promote and support the development of inter-agency and interdisciplinary short and long-term strategic plans for securing health improvement both in the general population and in vulnerable groups at high risk of poor health and / or reduced life expectancy, in partnership with a wide range of agencies across Wales and the United Kingdom. Influence external agencies in their public health policy decisions by working with complex professional, managerial and population groups and other organisations in the statutory, non-statutory and private sectors. Encourage clinical, patient and community participation in the development of public health protection systems and structures including the design and delivery of local health protection services. Leadership and collaborative working for health Develop a strong, effective team by developing a convincing vision for the future and providing motivational leadership and a clear direction for a wide range of specialist staff. 7

8 5.2 Defined Competency Areas Health Improvement Be responsible for all aspects of public health protection. Provide leadership in partnership development for health protection with a range of organisations throughout Wales and encourage the building of capacity and skills for health. Health Protection Take responsibility for safeguarding the health of the population of Wales in relation to infectious / communicable diseases, infection control and environmental health. Work in partnership with other agencies, ensuring that the public health contribution to emergency planning and response in Wales is in place and effective Ensure that effective local arrangements exist for covering the on call rota for the effective control of infectious / communicable diseases, environmental hazards to health and emergency planning, as detailed in local health protection agreements. To communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide audience including the media and the public to change practice in highly challenging circumstances such as hospital and community infectious / communicable disease outbreaks, chemical incidents and immunisation policy. Ensure the provision of professional advice in identification of causes of environmental health hazards and risks and ensure the professional support to Health Boards and Trusts in response to the development, management and evaluation of control programmes and statutory requirements for public health impact assessment. Service Improvement Provide expert advice to support evidence based planning, prioritisation of services for the population (and in some circumstances provide highly specialised advice on preferred treatment options or protocols based on the evidence for individual patients) in order to maximise opportunities for health. Lead the development of clinical networks, clinical governance and audit in specific areas where relevant to health protection. Public Health Intelligence Analyse and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence from a range of sources to make recommendations and inform decision-making which has long term impacts. Compare, analyse and interpret highly complex options for delivering public health protection, and communicate this information across organisations and the local community. 8

9 Identify and implement appropriate health outcome measures, care pathways, protocols and guidelines for service delivery across patient pathways for the local population. Work with the intelligence division of Public Health Wales and other organisations to strengthen local, regional and national public health intelligence and information capacity. Academic Public Health/Research and Development Develop links with universities to ensure the work of the organisation is based on a sound research and evidence base. Develop public health capacity through contributing to education and training and development within Public Health Wales, and within the wider NHS and non NHS workforce. 9

10 Terms and Conditions of Service GENERAL CONDITIONS The post is subject to NHS Terms and Conditions. Those candidates who meet the requirements for appointment as a Consultant in Public Health Medicine will be eligible for the NHS Consultant Contract. Non-medical candidates will be appointed on Agenda for Change. Base The post, though based in Cardiff, is a national role and the Professional Lead Consultant for Health Protection will be expected to travel across Wales and beyond as necessary. Another base may be possible by agreement. Indemnity As the post holder will only be indemnified for duties undertaken on behalf of Public Health Wales the post holder is strongly advised to ensure that s/he has appropriate professional defence organisation cover for duties outside the scope of Public Health Wales. For on-call duties provided to other organisations as part of cross cover out-of-hours arrangements the NHS Litigation Authority has confirmed that those organisations will provide indemnity for the post holder. Flexibility Public Health Wales is working in a climate of change within the NHS in Wales. A programme, known as Our Space, has been established to review our accommodation and identify smarter and more flexible ways of working, including ensuring that our employees have the right tools to do the job, in order to meet the growing and evolving business needs of the organisation. It is therefore expected that all staff will develop flexible working practices both within the organisation on a cross-directorate basis, and with external organisations and relevant public health networks, to be able to meet the challenges and opportunities of working within the field of health protection. Mobility The post holder will be expected to work at any Public Health Wales establishment at any time throughout the duration of his/her contract. Duty of Confidentiality All Public Health Wales employees have an obligation not to disclose any information of a confidential nature concerning patients, employees, contractors or the confidential business of the organisation. 10

11 Public Interest Disclosure Should a consultant have cause for genuine concern about an issue (including one that would normally be subject to the above paragraph) and believes that disclosure would be in the public interest, he or she should have a right to speak out and be afforded statutory protection and should follow local procedures for disclosure of information in the public interest. Data Protection If required to do so, the post holder will obtain, process and/or use information held on a computer or word processor in a fair and lawful way. The post holder will hold data only for the specified registered purpose and use or disclose data only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed in accordance with the Data Protection Act, Health & Safety Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them by the Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974 to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe condition for employees, patients, visitors and members of the public. Smoking policy The employing organisation has a policy that smoking is not allowed in the work place. Language The Welsh and English languages have equal status in Wales. The Welsh Language Act requires public bodies (whether they are based in or outside Wales) which deliver services in Wales to respect the right of people to access and use public services through the medium of Welsh. The post holder will be expected to ensure that Public Health Wales meets the requirements of the Act. He/she will need to display real empathy towards the language and demonstrate leadership on this matter. Equal Opportunities Policy It is the policy of the employing organisation to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on grounds of gender, religion, race, colour, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic or national origins, or is placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. To this end, there is an Equal Opportunities Policy and it is for each employee to contribute to its success.. 11

12 PROFESSIONAL LEAD CONSULTANT FOR HEALTH PROTECTION Public Health Wales The following are the essential and desirable criteria for the postholder. 1 Education/Qualifications Essential Desirable Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register or UK Public Health (Specialist) Register If included in the GMC Specialist Register in a specialty other than public health medicine, infectious diseases medicine or medical microbiology, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health medicine, infectious diseases medicine or medical microbiology practice Minimum 6 months training in health protection or microbiology / infectious diseases Evidence of continuous professional development in accordance with the requirements of the Faculty of Public Health/Royal College of Pathologists/Royal College of Physicians or other recognised body MFPH, MRCPath or MRCP 2 Personal qualities Essential Desirable Inspiring and engaging change leader Sets expectations and role models effective leadership behaviour Strong commitment to public health principles and adding public health values to corporate agendas Adaptable to situations and able to work well against a background of change and uncertainty Strong personal commitment to working collaboratively and ability to build effective relationships with people of all capabilities and attitudes Commitment to team-working, and respect and consideration for the skills of others, values diversity and individual contribution Self-motivated, pro-active and passionate about delivery High standards of professional probity 12

13 Motivates and encourages people to strive for service and personal improvement 3 Experience Essential Desirable Experience working as a consultant in a health protection role for at least 12 months Experience of building professional and technical capability and capacity in teams Experience of building effective relationships and working collaboratively with a wide range of agencies Experience of working in complex organisational, political and social environments to lead thinking and shape policy decisions Experience in facilitating and managing complex change and leading across complex systems Demonstrable experience in the effective operational management of dispersed teams of staff to deliver priorities Publications, presentation of papers at conferences, delivery of seminars, masterclasses and workshops 4 Skills Essential Desirable Strong evidence of leadership and change management skills, able to create an environment in which others can succeed Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation and with external organisations, through a wide range of channels oral, written and digital Effective relationship building and influencing skills when dealing with multiple stakeholders and sensitive political agendas Skilled at dealing with the public and the media Ability to respond appropriately in unplanned and unforeseen circumstances Effective interpersonal, motivational and influencing skills Sensible negotiator with practical expectation of what can be achieved Substantially numerate, with highly developed analytical skills using qualitative and quantitative data 13

14 Ability to design, develop, interpret and implement policies Ability to concentrate for long periods (e.g. analyses, media presentations) 5 Knowledge Essential Desirable Knowledge of leadership techniques and systems leadership thinking Understanding of epidemiology and statistics, public health practice and microbiology Understanding of communicable disease control, environmental hazards, emergency planning and response management, and laboratory systems and management Understanding of key agencies involved in health protection Full understanding of and commitment to addressing impacts on the wider determinants of health Full understanding of and commitment to delivery of improved health through mainstream NHS activities Understanding of health and local government cultures, structures and policies and social and political environments Knowledge of methods of developing clinical quality assurance, quality improvement and evidence based clinical and/or public health practice 14

15 Shortlisting notes The Faculty of Public Health advises that in order to be shortlisted for a consultant post applicants who are not yet on the GMC Specialist Register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview. Applicants in non training grades Doctors outside recognised UK public health training schemes fall into a number of categories: Those who have trained outside the UK, who may have specialist training and qualifications which they are seeking to have recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) in order to gain registration with the GMC. These doctors may be shortlisted according to the following 2005 guidance from the Departments of Health and Scottish Executive which indicates that There will be some instances (for example when considering applicants trained outside the UK) where an AAC may choose to interview a candidate prior to [GMC] Specialist Register entry. In these circumstances, it will wish to be satisfied that subsequent Specialist Register entry is likely. Employers might wish to see documentary evidence that an individual has submitted an application to the GMC which is eligible for consideration at the time of application (for shortlisting). Those who have not completed specialist training in the UK who are seeking entry to the GMC Specialist Register through Article 14 of the European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order (ESMQO), which allows the GMC to consider not only training but also relevant experience. These doctors may have trained in or outside of the UK. Again, employers might wish to see documentary evidence that an individual has submitted an application to the GMC, which is eligible for consideration at the time of application (for shortlisting). Employers are advised that individuals should not take up consultant in communicable disease control posts until such point as they have gained entry to the GMC Specialist Register. Although applicants will be able to provide documentary evidence that an application is in progress, no guarantee can be made as to the outcome of an application to the GMC Specialist Register. In all appointments, employers will wish to ensure that an applicant s areas of competence meet those required in the person specification. 15