Hospice/Specialty Doctor in Palliative MedicineNHS

Job summary

We currently have a permenant post available to join our medical team consisting of Palliative Medicine Consultants, Specialty Doctors and Training Grade Doctors. We welcome applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds and previous experience. We are interested to hear from and would consider applications from individuals who have established palliative medicine experience as well as those who have completed foundation training and who are considering a career in palliative medicine. The most important attributes are a passion for a holistic approach to care, teamwork and good communication.

The service is consultant led and the medical team work alongside a strong MDT made up of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, chaplains, counsellors, complementary therapists. The doctors at St Michaels Hospice work mainly within the inpatient unit, whilst supporting our community-based services such as Hospice at Home and Living Well Services.

For further information or to arrange informal visits, please contact Dr Nicola Loveday, Consultant Palliative Medicine on 01256 848862 or email at [email protected]

Closing date: Sunday 25th October 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 11th November 2026

Main duties of the job

This is an ideal opportunity for a doctor with a special interest in Palliative Medicine to join the hospice at an exciting time of growth. We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, willing to learn and flexible in their approach to support the multidisciplinary team. St Michaels is committed to providing all clinical staff with designated clinical supervision, CPD opportunities and other educational and developmental opportunities.

The post includes a first-on-call commitment on a 1-in-5 rota, regardless of working pattern. The on-call commitment comprises non-resident weekday nights, providing telephone support to the clinical team, together with on-site weekend responsibilities for the inpatient unit. The first-on-call doctor is supported by a second-on-call Consultant in Palliative Medicine, who is available 24 hours a day for clinical advice and support.

A comprehensive induction and supported transition into the role will be provided, with appropriate supervision and opportunities to develop skills in specialist palliative medicine where applicable.

Salary is paid in Programmed Activities (PAs) and will be pro rata for the 16-hour working week, equating to 4 PAs. The first-on-call commitment is remunerated separately as an additional 1 PA, together with a 2% availability supplement calculated on the full-time equivalent (FTE) basic salary.

Job description

As part of Palliative Care Multi-Disciplinary Team, the post holder will deliver high quality professional care to patients and relatives within the Hospice and Community as needed. You will work closely with the Clinical Team to ensure we offer the highest standards of care, developing services to meet the changing needs of our patients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

To work with the Consultants in Palliative Medicine to deliver high quality palliative care.

Undertake medical assessment, diagnosis and management of patients in hospice / community.

Initiate appropriate medical care and prescribe appropriately in line with policies and guidelines.

Assess new planned and emergency admission patients and work with MDT to initiate appropriate investigations and treatment.

Any other medical duties in emergency situations.

Communication with patients relatives and carers regarding clinical condition and management plan. To be involved in family meetings as required.

To work as part of the MDT and communicate clearly with colleagues. To attend weekly Specialist Palliative Care MDT meeting.

Communicate unexpected changes in patients condition to Consultant in charge and, when required, to on call medical staff.

To generate a weekend handover medical report at end of week.

Participate in the St Michaels 1/5 non-resident first on-call rota on call rota with on-call consultant support.

Record clinical notes in a timely and accurate fashion.

Review and update drug records, working with the Pharmacist. Completion of TTO prescriptions and patient-held drug record cards.

Completion of death certificates and cremation certificates when required.

Co-ordinate with referrers and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.

Provide advice and teaching to members of the MDT and visiting professionals.

Participate in education events, in particular medical events.

To meet requirements of appropriate Royal College for CPD with involvement in CPD appropriate to speciality: Keeping up to date with medical developments, new drugs, treatments and medications, including complementary medicine relevant to palliative care.

Participate in annual appraisal and job plan review and revalidation process.

Personal and professional development

The post-holder will be required to keep himself/herself fully up-to date in their relevant area of practice and to be able to demonstrate this to the satisfaction of the Royal College of Physicians and the GMC. The post-holder will receive an annual appraisal by a Consultant in Palliative medicine as required by the GMC and fulfil the requirements necessary for Revalidation. Professional or study leave will be granted at the discretion of St. Michaels Hospice, in line with the prevailing Terms and Conditions of Service, to support appropriate study, postgraduate training activities, relevant CPD courses and other appropriate personal development needs. Support and guidance is available on site from the Consultant and colleagues, and through involvement in the training and development of clinical staff, the post holder will gain personal development opportunities. Regular clinical supervision will be provided.

Proposed job plan

Work sessions are based on P.A.s of 4hrs. The job plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure it still meets the need of both the service and the post holder. There is overlap between medical staff to ensure continuity of care and effective communication. A Consultant is always available for advice and support, in addition to regular patient rounds. The role will provide the post holder opportunities to work in the hospice, the community and in the hospital to gain experience of palliative medicine across a range of settings.

This is an outline job description and may be subject to change, according to the needs of the service, in consultation with the post holder.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

am

Hospice IPU

MDT

Hospice IPU

SPA

Hospice IPU

pm

Hospice IPU

Hospice IPU

Community

Community

Hospice IPU

Clinical governance

The post-holder will be expected to participate actively in clinical governance activities, including clinical audit, educational activities and quality improvement activities.

General Responsibilities

Work to maintain the values, vision and aims of St. Michaels Hospice.

Additional Duties In discussion with the line manager undertake work, as and when required, in support of St. Michaels Hospice as an organisation.

Public Relations Represent St. Michaels Hospice in the community and public domain as appropriate.

Undertake all statutory and mandatory training, as required.

Be conversant with and adhere to St. Michaels Hospice Policies and Procedures.

This is an outline job description and may be subject to change, according to the needs of the service, in consultation with the post holder.

Take responsibility for own personal safety and of others whilst at work. You will take appropriate action or report any concerns to address any health and safety issues that you or members of your team may be aware of.

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 flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.

About us

St Michaels Hospice is a 10-bedded independent hospice which sits outside of the NHS. The hospice has provided specialist palliative care to the local community since 1992. We are proud of our strong links with the neighbouring NHS hospital trust and other local hospices. St Michaels Hospice services form an essential part of the North and Mid Hampshire Hospice and Palliative Care Service.

St. Michaels Hospice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undergo relevant background checks, including a DBS check and provide satisfactory references before starting the role.