Job vacancy: Patient Safety Partner

Introduction to Epsomedical Ltd

Epsomedical is a small independent hospital group consisting of two hospitals in Surrey; Cobham Day Surgery and Epsom Day Surgery at the Old Cottage Hospital. Epsomedical is focused exclusively on elective care and have no overnight beds. We treat both NHS and private patients over the age of 18.

Role Introduction

There has been a national change to the way that Healthcare providers respond and learn from patient safety incidents. This is known as the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF).

An important aspect of PSIRF is the development of Patient Safety Partners (PSP) to be a voice for the patients who use our services and ensure that their requirements are represented during any patient safety investigations.

Epsomedical commenced implementation of the framework in 2024 and as part of the journey we are looking to employ a PSP to establish and develop this role.

What will Patient Safety Partners do?

A PSP is actively involved in the design of safer healthcare at all levels in the organisation. 

The role will include:

·  Supporting patient safety incident investigations and contribute to patient safety improvement projects.

·  Attending internal governance meetings with members of our senior leadership team.

·  Assisting in the development and implementation of our PSIRF policy and plan, prioritising the needs of the service user / patient, carer and their family.

·  Liaising with patients, carers and families to support them throughout incident investigations.

The duties are subject to review and any adjustments will be made with the agreement of our PSP and Management Board.

Time Commitment Required

The involvement of the PSP will be dependent on the number and degree of incidents that are being investigated, training required and participation in patient safety initiatives.  At present we are looking for our PSP to contribute an average of 10 hours per month, following the initial training period, and they will be required to attend the monthly review meeting as part of their role.

Training

PSPs will need to complete mandatory training which includes modules on information governance, equality and diversity, and safeguarding adults.  This e-learning training is designed to help the PSP in their role and provide them with an initial insight in aspects of patient safety.

Payment

Payment will be made at a rate of £16 per hour.  Any travel between our sites or to external meetings can be claimed as an expense.

Who can apply to be a Patient Safety Partner?

No experience is required for the role, however, the PSP will be required to review a range of evidence/report documents, to communicate confidently with staff of all levels and be able to maintain strict confidentiality. The skills and experience required should reflect an:

·  Interest in patient safety.

·  Ability to communicate well, both written and verbally.

·  Ability to understand and evaluate a range of information and evidence.

·  Confidence to communicate with people and act as an advocate for patient safety.

·  Ability to provide a lay perspective and to put forward views on behalf of others.

·  Ability to be a critical friend.

·  Interaction with multiple stakeholders.

·  Sound judgement and an ability to be objective.

·  Personal integrity with a commitment to openness and inclusivity.

Next Steps and Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process for the PSP role involves an informal discussion followed by an interview.  Any offers will be subject to background checks, including DBS and references.

If you are interested in becoming our PSP, please send an email with your CV to [email protected]