Consultant Histopathologist

Job overview

Applicants are invited for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) at the Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service in London.

This is a speciality Grade Dr post, and we are recruiting for Specialty Grade Drs to support the Havens out of hours rota.

The post-holder will be based primarily at one of the current three Havens site, Camberwell, Whitechapel or St Charles Hospital near Ladbroke Grove. The post-holder will be expected to undertake work however on any of the Havens sites, as required by the service. In early 2027 the Havens is moving to a new single site.

This post is not accredited for training but offers a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of care for those who have been sexually assaulted and to deepen a clinician’s awareness and understanding of safeguarding. No prior experience in forensic medicine is required as full training for the role of Forensic Physician (Sexual Offence Examiner) will be offered.

The post holder will participate in the out of hours on-call rota to support the delivery of 24/7 cover. The post holder will be required to contribute 3-4 shifts per month to include mid-week, weekends and public holidays – and one overnight shift per month.

OOH shifts are typically 6-12 hours, but the service model and shift patterns may change as part of the transition to the single Havens site.

Main duties of the job

Please see attached job description and person specification for detailed responsibilities.

The major responsibility of the post-holder will be to take referrals, provide advice and carry out forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault. These are detailed examinations, which must meet strict standards in terms of recording information, sample collection and handling, and avoiding DNA contamination. The examination of victims of sexual assault and rape includes the assessment of risk of pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections/Blood-borne Viruses and administering emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis (PEPSE), Hepatitis B vaccination as required, in addition to mental health assessments and safeguarding. Examiners will also make onward referrals to support agencies.

Subsequently a witness statement may be requested by the police and the post-holder may be required to attend court to give evidence.

The successful post holder(s) will be line managed by senior clinicians and will be given comprehensive training and ongoing support in the role.

Post holders will be required to provide a DNA elimination sample, prior to commencing work within the service.

Post holders will work collaboratively with Forensic Nurses, Crisis Worker’s, Paediatricians, Specially Trained Police Officers (SOITs) and other professionals to support clients.

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and around 15,000 staff based across 5 main sites in South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King’s College Hospital (KCH) sites at Denmark Hill in Camberwell and at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) site in Bromley.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus.

Our values at King’s, are that we’re a kind, respectful team;

Kind. We show compassion and understanding and bring a positive attitude to our work

Respectful. We promote equality, are inclusive and honest, speaking up when needed

Team. We support each other, communicate openly, and are reassuringly professional

The trust-wide strategy Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (EDI) at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we can take Team King’s to another level

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Contribute to the out-of-hours rota of the Haven, providing forensic medical examinations for complainants of sexual assault.

Provide an immediate response to police or self-referrals requiring a forensic medical examination. The examinations will usually be undertaken at the Havens, but may, in certain circumstances, be conducted elsewhere such as in hospital or a care home for example

Following appropriate training, undertake joint paediatric examination of children where acute sexual assault is suspected. The forensic medical examination will be under the supervision of a Consultant Paediatrician.

Ensure forensic activities are conducted to the standards required by Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.

Provide appropriate medical aftercare, emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and Hepatitis B, and advice to complainants.

To undertake forensic examinations on an on-call basis as part of the out-of-hours rota and to attend for the appointment start within 90 minutes of the call-out.

To identify safeguarding needs and complete referrals to social care at the time of forensic medical examination

To make referrals to other support agencies (e.g. GP, mental health team, MARAC) as required.

To adhere to Havens clinical and administrative aftercare protocols and guidelines

Accurately record details of examinations and provide written reports/advice to police and Havens staff.

Provide reports/witness statements within 15 working days from the request date for police and Court use.

To attend Court and give objective unbiased evidence.

Prepare medical reports for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or others, as and when required

Adhere to all Havens procedures and protocols and contribute to updating them as and when necessary, through a consultative process.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• GMC registration with a license to practice
• Full Registration with GMC

Desirable criteria

• Other higher degree or diploma (e.g., MRCGP, DFSRH/MFSRH, DFFP/MFFP, MRCOG, Dip GUM, DMJ, DFCASA, MFFLM etc.)

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Significant training in a relevant speciality in an approved practice setting following satisfactory completion of foundation training (FY1 and FY2)
• Clinical experience of working in the NHS
• Knowledge of and compliance with child and vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures
• Knowledge and compliance with evidence-based practice
• Experience & competency in gynaecological examination, including speculum examination

Desirable criteria

• Attendance at the Haven Training Courses.
• Experience in the clinical & forensic management of those who have been sexually assaulted.
• Experience in the following areas: gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health, clinical forensic medicine, psychiatry, accident and emergency, general practice
• Familiar with current structure of Health Service and conversant with recent initiatives and changes. Familiar with the Home Office work in the development of SARCs

Skills and Competencies

Essential criteria

• Able to deal with the sensitive nature of the work in a SARC: non-judgemental and empathetic approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective communicator with patients, many of whom have coexisting vulnerabilities
• Able to work collaboratively and flexibly within a close-knit multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with information technology and general computer skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong team player
• Enthusiastic and motivated
• Willingness to work at different Haven sites
• Understanding of the need for change and service development and a degree of flexibility in working patterns.
• Awareness of own limitations
• Commitment to uphold Kings Values
• Thorough understanding of principles of medical audit. Must have undertaken and completed audit projects.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in clinical research
• Publication of relevant review articles or case reports
• Experience of undergraduate and post-graduate teaching

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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