Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Clinical

The post-holder will: 

•      Be approachable, non-judgemental and responsive to patients’ needs irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or sexuality.

•      Provide accurate and up-to-date information on contraception, sexual and reproductive health and Sexually transmitted infections to patients and other professionals

•      Assess, examine and treat patients presenting to clinics or drop-in services including history taking, examination and provision of appropriate contraceptive and reproductive health advice 

This includes: 

•      Issue of oral contraceptives / patch/vaginal ring/ EHC/ barrier methods

•      Issue and administer injectable methods of contraception

•      Counsel & offer Long Acting Reversible Contraception as per NICE guidance

•      Insertion, review and removal of intrauterine methods

•      Insertion & removal of contraceptive subdermal implants

•      Provide pre - pregnancy advice to women planning a pregnancy

•      Undertake pregnancy testing

•      Support and give advice regarding unplanned pregnancies and referring for Termination of pregnancy as per local policy.

•      Undertake cervical cytology

•      Ensure smooth running of the clinic by supporting nursing staff working to PGDs.

•      Give medical advice over the telephone if needed during a clinical session to other doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other professional groups

•      Provide information, advice on sexually transmitted infections.

•      Perform male and female examinations as appropriate, take appropriate tests and recognise any abnormal findings. 

•      Assessment and management of asymptomatic Sexually Transmitted infection

•      Assessment and management of patients presenting with symptoms indicative of STI (eg pelvic pain, vaginal/urethral discharge, testicular pain, genital lesions & rash, systemic symptoms of infections such as syphilis)

•      Provide preventative care (eg Vaccinations, Pre-Exposure HIV prophylaxis, doxyPEP)

•      Promote the safe sex message encouraging condom use

•      Respect a patient’s needs and wishes

•      When treating patients under the age of 18 years ensure that the under 18 risk assessment proforma is completed and that Fraser Guidance and safeguarding procedures are observed

•      Remain up to date with national clinical guidelines, FSRH, BASHH, NICE/Government guidelines and issues relating to child protection

•      Be familiar with local guidelines, procedures and clinical protocols and proformas and adhere to these.

•      Participate in clinical governance and clinical audit in Sexual and Reproductive Health.

•      Ensure confidentiality and privacy at all times 

Training & Education

•      Take an active role in the existing training programmes for DFSRH trainees, medical students, and other health professionals.

•      Support the existing training programme for Registered Practitioners (nurses/midwives) undergoing training for Patient Group Directions (PGDs), non medical prescribing and cervical cytology

•      Support and contribute to the professional development of medical, nursing and other staff as appropriate.

Communication 

Maintain good communication between all members of the multidisciplinary team and external health care professionals such as GPs, Practice Nurses and Specialists in Secondary Care.

Personal Development Responsibilities:

• Maintain appropriate professional registration and ensure working within professional competencies.
• To ensure all statutory and mandatory training relevant for post is completed.
• Identify own training needs, in consultation and attend agreed relevant courses / study days to enhance personal development.
• Actively seek out learning opportunities via networking with peers in other organisations.
• Participate in the NHS Appraisal process and all activities required for revalidation

Service Responsibilities:

• To have a good understanding and follow the organisation’s policies and procedures.
• Work as part of the sexual health team to maintain a positive and productive team environment.
• Alert axess Sexual Health management promptly to problems in service delivery or concerns about clinical and non-clinical colleagues.
• To provide relevant information and assurance regarding Working Time Directive and hours worked.
• To contribute and participate in the management of complaints and concerns where appropriate.
• Participate in Clinical Governance, appraisal, local and national audit, standard setting, research and quality control as appropriate.
• To actively support ongoing service development by highlighting areas of concern or risk via the clinical incident reporting system (Datix) used by the Trust.