Position Title

Medical Assessment Unit Specialist Physician

Facility /Corporate

Northern Beaches Hospital                                                                                        

Unit/Department

Medical Services

Classification

Negotiated rate

Vaccination category

Category A - NSW Health PD 2011_005: Occupational Assessment, Screening & Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases

Reports to

Chief Medical Officer Northern Beaches Hospital

Supervises /Manages

Number of staff: 2

Dept/Unit Budget:        N/A        

Position Summary

The position is responsible for providing medical leadership the General Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) at Northern Beaches Hospital.

The MAU Medical Specialist Physician will work as part of the health care team, adhere to Healthscope and NBH policies and procedures and key performance indicators (KPIs), lead and participate in working parties or committees (as required), demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement through National Safety & Quality Healthcare Standards (NSQHS), Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and achievement of NBH accreditation.

The MAU Medical Specialist Physician will maintain a personal and professional development portfolio with a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Clinically, the Medical Specialist Physician is responsible for the acute management of medical admissions through the Emergency Department, with a focus on streamlined, multidisciplinary, and specialist medical care to assess patients within a 48-hour timeframe, aiming for appropriate ward transfer or home discharge.

There is a close professional partnership with admitting specialists within a collaborative care model.

Qualifications & Experience - Mandatory

·        Medical Degree: MBBS/ MD or equivalent

·        Specialty Training: Specialty training (FRACP or equivalent) in a relevant medical field (e.g., internal medicine)

·        AHPRA Registration in NSW.

·        Clinical Expertise: Strong clinical skills and knowledge in acute medical care are essential. Ability to think critically and make sound clinical judgments. 

·        Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are needed to interact effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

·        Teamwork: The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team is crucial.

·        Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills are required to manage complex medical cases.

Qualifications - Desirable

·        Relevant post graduate training in acute medicine, management, clinical governance, incident investigation, human factors, system improvement methodology or other related subjects is desirable.

·        Demonstrated high level of competence in interpersonal skills, consultation and effective communication with staff of the hospital including VMO/VMPs, professional organisations, medical organisations, medical colleges and universities

·        Demonstrated ability and experience in clinical strategic planning

·        Demonstrated ability to work with staff in line with quality human resource management practices including employment equity, antidiscrimination, WH&S, ethical behaviour and a demonstrated commitment to their implementation

Personal Competencies Required

·        Demonstrated ability to chair and participate in committees

·        Well-developed communication skills both written and verbal

·        Proficient interpersonal skills

·        A commitment to patient and family centred care

·        Demonstrated well developed conceptual and analytical skills

·        Well-developed negotiation and problem-solving skills

·        Ability to prioritise and plan

·        Ability to think strategically

·        Leadership Skills

·        Proficient change management skills

·        Proactive professional and positive approach

·        Role model to staff

Job Competencies Required

·        Demonstrated experience working with staff within a complex clinical environment

·        Demonstrated ability to work with the hospital executive

·        Demonstrated understanding of the private and public hospital sectors

·        Knowledge of and ability to apply best practice in rapid access care.

·        Understanding of the hospital financial environment and processes relating to resource allocation

Key Responsibility 1

MAU Leadership

Performance Criteria 1

·        Acute Medical Management:

Responsible for the initial assessment and management of patients admitted through the Emergency Department and or procedural suites who require further medical evaluation.

·        Multidisciplinary Care:

Work closely with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, specialists, and other medical staff, to ensure comprehensive patient care.

·        Streamlined Assessment:

Focus on efficient and timely assessment of patients, aiming to complete a thorough evaluation within a 48-hour timeframe.

·        Patient Transfer/Discharge:

Based on the assessment, determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include transferring patients to a specialised ward, rehabilitation unit or discharging them home.

·        Specialised Medical Care:

Provide specialised simple and complex medical care, including ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and managing complex medical conditions.

·        Communication and Collaboration:

Effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals are essential for ensuring smooth patient care.

·        Documentation:

Maintaining accurate and comprehensive medical records is crucial for continuity of care.

·        Quality Improvement:

MAU specialists may be involved in activities aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of the unit's operations. Including:

·        Critical Incident and Review Committee

·        Patient Care Review Committee

·        Participate in RCAs

·        Data Collection and statistics management in cooperation with NUM

·        M&M review for the MAU.

Key Responsibility 2

Human Resource Management

Performance Criteria 2

·       Ensure confidentiality of patient and staff details

·       Ensure effective engagement of medical staff to encourage collaborative relationships, open discussion, respectful conduct and decision making empowerment in support of improved patient safety and financial outcomes

·       Ensure Junior Medical Officers have opportunities for on the ward teaching and education, meeting requirements for ongoing registration in NSW.

·       Ensuring staff adherence to mandatory training within the unit.

·       Providing appropriate escalation pathways for employment, education, training and clinical management as required.

Appraisal

Appraisal performed at 3 months from commencement of position and then annually; or when there is a change of position or any time there is a need to review performance