JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Band: Hours: Responsible to: Responsible for: Base: Associate Director of Health Informatics 8d 37.5hrs Director of Finance & Information Informatics function (to include IT, Information Services, Clinical Coding and Health Records) St Peter s Hospital, Chertsey Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Required:
Job Summary: The post-holder will: Lead and develop an effective Health Informatics function at Ashford & St Peter s Hospitals NHS Trust. This currently consists of approximately 150 employees working mainly in four areas: Information services Information technology Health records Clinical coding Ensure that the Informatics team supports the organisation s vision to be one of the best healthcare trusts in the country. Lead development towards a modern knowledge managed and enabled organisation which provides fast-moving, modern healthcare delivery with the patient at the centre in an acute district general hospital environment. Ensure that managers and clinicians access the relevant information and business intelligence to enable them to do their jobs. Drive performance management across the organization by timely provision of relevant information. Ensure the Trust meets its Information Governance toolkit obligations, CQC and Monitor compliance obligations. Contribute to the development of the Trust s strategic direction and the annual business planning cycle. Advise the Trust Board on Health Informatics, and lead the development and delivery of Informatics Strategy. Provide leadership across the full breadth of Health Informatics and throughout the Trust as an active member of the Trust Executive Committee - leading Trust-wide initiatives/activity as required. Act as an ambassador for the Trust; build successful working relationships with external stakeholders. Key Result Areas: The post has five Key Result Areas: a. Lead the development of an information culture b. Lead the development of the Trust s Health Informatics services c. Ensure Health Informatics delivers customer focussed quality services to patients whilst meeting the Trust s business needs d. Manage the resources and funding for Health Informatics e. Lead the IT systems strategy 2
Overview of Responsibilities within key result areas Lead the development of an Information Culture: Build an information culture throughout the Trust where people turn naturally to information to support decision-making. Provide accurate, timely and proactive information both to drive and to to keep up with the ambition and pace of improvement across the organization. Work with both Clinical Directorates and central support services to raise their competencies to demand, use and work with business intelligence. Take responsibility for overseeing the Information Governance framework throughout the Trust, ensuring overall data quality and security of health information, and proactively supporting the SIRO. Lead the development of the Trust s Health Informatics services: Develop and implement the Trust s Strategy for Health Informatics underpinning the Trust s strategic development. Develop knowledge management capacity. Lead the redesign/realignment of the Health Informatics function within ASPH. Develop the identity of Health Informatics and communicate a clear vision of its purpose throughout the Trust and the Surrey Local Health Economy. Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Trust s health informatics services. Continually scan the horizon to explore the possibilities and application of new technological advances and new ways of doing business to improve clinical and managerial performance. Maintain awareness of new ideas and applications throughout the NHS and beyond through networks. Benchmark performance against other organizations. Develop, assess and implement creative and constructive ideas for placing Health Informatics at forefront of the modernisation agenda. Establish workforce planning, recruitment and development of Health Informatics professionals, meeting agreed objectives through effective people management and strong leadership. Promote a culture of equality and diversity within the Informatics area and the wider Trust. Ensure Health Informatics delivers customer focussed quality services to patients whilst meeting the Trust s business needs Bring a strong customer focus to the delivery of the Trust s IT services, Health Records, clinical coding and Information services. Ensure that effective information technology and systems are in place to support the dayto-day operations of the Trust, in clinical and non-clinical areas, according to the agreed priorities of the trust. This will particularly focus on meeting current national targets. 3
Implement and lead the use of information and communications technologies to improve information availability and sharing throughout the Trust and the local health economy. Provide effective support to the Trust s Performance Management processes at all levels in the organisation. This includes supporting the provision of information for consultant appraisals, specialty performance, divisional performance and Trust performance. Support the processes to enable the Trust to report its performance against SLA s and targets to external organisations. Ensure quality clinical coding to optimise Trust income. Drive up data quality across all areas. Ensure the efficient running of the health records library service, focused on internal customers, and with a roadmap towards electronic patient records. Ensure that Health Informatics is at the forefront and development of high quality clinical services and contributes to improved clinical outcomes and improved patients experience. Manage the resources and funding for Health Informatics: Responsible for the financial well-being of the Health Informatics function. Responsible for financial planning and financial management with regard to Health Informatics, ensuring a balanced budget is maintained with no overspending. Lead the Directorate Management Team to develop and realise Cost Improvement Programmes (CIP s) and management cost reductions in line with Trust targets. Ensure that the necessary resources are in place to support delivery of Trust Board s agreed business plan and corporate objectives. Lead external supplier contract management, procure services as required and lead contract negotiations ensuring value for money. Lead the IT systems strategy: Ensure that the Trust s policy and long-term strategy for health informatics is consistent with national strategy whilst recognising and responding to local stakeholders needs. Shape and implement a robust and ambitious local strategy, within the financial envelope available to the Trust on the basis that going forward there will be limited investments financed by the National Programme for IT. Provide strong leadership in the change management processes, using Health Informatics to facilitate patient s choice, improve the patient s experience, improve access, improve the quality and outcomes of care, and reduce clinical risk. 4
Work in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders across the local health economy, representing the interests of ASPH to ensure maximum benefits are realised from national and regional initiatives. Respond to changes nationally and regionally, providing local initiative and responding rapidly where required. General Responsibilities for all Staff in the Trust: ALL TRUST EMPLOYMENT POLICIES CAN BE ACCESSED EXTERNALLY THROUGH THE TRUST WEBSITE AT: http://www.ashfordstpeters.org.uk/employment 1. Trust Vision, Strategic Objectives and Values All Trust employees will carry out their duties in accordance with Trust vision, strategic objectives and values: Vision To become one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. Strategic Objectives Values To achieve the highest possible quality standards for our patients: meeting and exceeding their expectations in terms of outcome, safety and experience. To recruit, retain and develop a high performing workforce to deliver high quality care and the wider strategy of the Trust. To deliver the Trusts clinical strategy; redefining our market position to better meet the needs of patients and commissioners and increasing market penetration. To improve the productivity and efficiency of the Trust in a financially sustainable manner, within an effective governance framework Patients first Personal responsibility Passion for excellence Pride in our team 2. Appraisal and Personal Development All staff are subject to personal development reviews and you should maintain a record of your own development. Each post will have a Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) that will help us assess and review the post holder s development and competence. Further information relating to this can be found at www.doh.gov.uk/thenhsksf/knowledgeandskills The Trust Appraisal Policy will be found at http://trustnet/documents/menu2.htm 5
3. Communication and Confidentiality (Information Governance) You must communicate clearly by actively listening and responding to what people are saying: a) check information from other people and check its accuracy b) establish any help people require and act on this appropriately c) ensure confidentiality at all times Employees of the Trust must not without prior permission disclose any information regarding patients or staff obtained during the course of employment except to authorised bodies or individuals acting in an official capacity. The Data Protection Act may render an individual liable for prosecution in the event of unauthorised disclosure of information. See Confidentiality Policy http://trustnet/documents/menu113.htm and Information Governance Policy http://trustnet/documents/menu1107.htm All employees must be aware of their responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. See Trust Freedom of Information Policy at http://www.ashfordstpeters.org.uk/attachments/799_freedom%20of%20information%20policy.pdf Employees who use a computer, must abide by the terms of the Trust s Information and Technology Policies at: http://trustnet/documents/menu11.htm 4. Development, Modernisation and Change The Department of Health, the Trust, and Directorate/Departments have targets to achieve in respect of service delivery and improving and progressing patient care. We ask that you are aware of these targets and contribute and work to achieve them. All staff are to be familiar with the Trust s policies and procedures, which are available in each department and on the Trust Intranet or alternatively via www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to undertake other duties that are consistent with your role / band. Details and emphasis of your role may change but this would be in consultation with you and in line with the needs of your work area. 5. Diversity and Rights All staff have a duty promote people s equality, diversity and rights, and treat others with dignity and respect The Trust is unreservedly opposed to any form of discrimination being practiced against its employees whether on the grounds of gender or marital status, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, creed, ethnic or national origin or age. A copy of the Trust s Single Integrated Equality Scheme is available on the Trust s Intranet site. You are required to familiarise yourself with the terms of the policy at: http://trustnet/documents/menu273.htm 6
6. Monitoring and Maintaining Good Health and Safety The safety of patients, staff and visitors is paramount. All staff have a duty to recognise safety as a fundamental element of their role and to comply with Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines related to safety and well being. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all employees have a duty: a) to take reasonable care of ourselves and others at work b) to co-operate in meeting the requirements of the law c) not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health safety or welfare You are required to familiarise yourself with the details of the Trust s Health and Safety Policies posted on the Intranet at http://trustnet/documents/menu3.htm.a department policy which will cover your usual place of work is available through your head of department. There are a number of health and safety training sessions which will be mandatory for you to attend depending on your type of work. 7. Mandatory Training All staff have a responsibility to ensure that they are up to date on essential knowledge and skills related to their sphere of work. Some areas of training are common to all staff, such as Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Information Governance. Staff must ensure that they attend Mandatory Training sessions as required. 8. NHS Constitution The NHS commits: To provide all staff with clear roles and responsibilities and rewarding jobs for teams and individuals that make a difference to patients, their families and carers and communities. To provide all staff with personal development, access to appropriate training for their jobs and line management support to succeed. to provide support and opportunities for staff to maintain their health, well-being and safety. to engage staff in decisions that affect them and the services they provide, individually, through representative organisations and through local partnership working arrangements. All staff will be empowered to put forward ways to deliver better and safer services for patients and their families. Staff responsibilities: You have a duty to accept professional accountability and maintain the standards of professional practice as set by the appropriate regulatory body applicable to your profession or role. You have a duty to take reasonable care of health and safety at work for you, your team and others, and to co-operate with employers to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. You have a duty to act in accordance with the express and implied terms of your contract of employment. You have a duty not to discriminate against patients or staff and to adhere to equal opportunities and equality and human rights legislation. You have a duty to protect the confidentiality of personal information that you hold unless to do so would put anyone at risk of significant harm. 7
You have a duty to be honest and truthful in applying for a job and in carrying out that job. Details at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/healthcare/nhsconstitution 9. Quality and Risk Management The Trust, as a public organisation is committed to acting with honesty, with integrity and in an open way. We are working together to achieve the highest levels of compliance with risk management via the NHS Litigation Authority (NHS LA) and Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) for maternity services. You are expected to become familiar with these standards as they relate to your work and further details are available from your manager. You must ensure your actions help to maintain quality and reduce risk. This involves accepting individual responsibility for meeting required standards, and for following quality and safety processes and procedures. These include national requirements set out by the Healthcare Commission, Trust policies, the Trust s Standards for Practice and Care (http://trustnet/documents/standards%20for%20practice%20and%20care.doc) local Codes of Practice and local service or departmental standards. It is expected that you understand and comply with current emergency resuscitation techniques (where appropriate), infection control procedures, and fire regulation procedures. See risk & health & safety policies at http://trustnet/documents/menu3.htm and patient care policies at http://trustnet/documents/menu8.htm ; the fire policy at http://trustnet.asph.nhs.uk/documents/document306.htm ; control of infection policies at http://trustnet/documents/menu7.htm. All other relevant policies can be found at http://trustnet/documents/menu.html. 10. Requirement for Flexibility in an Emergency Situation In the event that the Trust is affected by an emergency situation (including but not limited to a flu pandemic or a pandemic of any other disease or illness), whether relating to its staff and/or patients, you agree that the Trust may require you to: (a) carry out additional and/or alternative duties to those contained in your job description; and/or (b) without prejudice to the other terms of your employment, perform duties (including any additional and/or alternative duties as mentioned above) at any other location where NHS services are provided. 11. Safeguarding All Trust employees have a responsibility to take appropriate action if they believe that a child or vulnerable adult is in need of services or in need of protection and they must be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Everyone is responsible for accessing the relevant level of training and following the Trusts local and SSCB s Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures. Information on Child Protection is available at: http://www.ashfordstpeters.org.uk/attachments/734_child%20protection%20policy.pdf http://trustnet/docsdata/paed/index20.htm Information on the Abuse or Suspected Abuse of Vulnerable Adults is at: http://www.ashfordstpeters.org.uk/attachments/723_abuse%20or%20suspected%20abuse%20of%20 vulnerable%20adults.pdf 8
Person Specification Skills and Experience Essential Desirable Education/Qualifications Skills and Abilities Educated to degree level or equivalent Professional or management qualification Evidence of ongoing personal and professional development Command Trust-wide credibility People management, motivation and leadership skills Excellent verbal and written communication (including presentation) skills Excellent analytical and numerical skills - confident with statistics and their presentation Ability to assimilate, interpret and communicate complex information and lead options appraisals to inform Trust strategic objectives. Competence in applying a whole system management approach to strategy development and solving problems Lead change management and apply conflict resolution skills in a politically challenging environment. Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to build and maintain successful working relationships Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills with all NHS staff groups within and outside the NHS Ability to identify, plan and undertake research and development initiatives to inform strategic objectives. Clear vision of the role of health informatics as an enabler to modernisation. PRINCE2 Project Management qualification (to Practitioner level) Microsoft Excel and Pivot tables Ability to apply and analyse data using Statistical Process Control and demand and capacity analysis 9
Experience Knowledge A commitment to develop an information culture in parallel with the provision of the technology infrastructure to maximise benefits from investments. Ability to work autonomously and use initiative Creative thinker Team player and effective team builder Time management skills and reliability in consistently delivering against deadlines. Calm under pressure Highly developed financial and commercial acumen Lead by example the equality and diversity agenda. Experience working at a strategic level in Health Informatics within the NHS, including involvement in strategic planning and decision-making Significant line management experience to underpin knowledge of HR, staff performance and workforce issues. Evidence of business case development and a proven track record of successful, organisation-wide delivery in complex environments. Experience of implementing service improvement in line with the NHS modernisation agenda. Substantial budgetary management experience and delivery of savings Experience of leading contract negotiations An in-depth specialist knowledge of NHS health informatics policy. Expert knowledge of NHS Information Governance agenda and Data Protection legislation, guidelines and best practice. Detailed awareness of the NHS modernisation agenda and service Director level experience in an acute trust Commercial sector experience will also be valued 10
improvement initiatives across the whole health and social care economy including community, primary and secondary care and mental health. Detailed awareness of NHS targets and standards, including compliance regimes for CQC and Monitor Knowledge and experience about benchmarking with best in class organisations Thorough understanding of NHS service delivery in order to ensure effective support for the Clinical Directorates to provide quality patient care. Thorough understanding of wider NHS and internal Trust financial planning, resource allocation and procurement process. Knowledge of equality and diversity agenda Demonstrated understanding of the importance of good information and systems to the business and the success of the Trust Other Extensive network of healthcare-related contacts Enthusiasm and self motivation Commitment to the NHS and public service values and passionate about improving services for patients and the working environment for staff Willingness to travel between Trust sites and to other NHS premises 11