About Company
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is the largest hospital in the South West Peninsula, providing a comprehensive range of secondary and tertiary healthcare services to a population of approximately 450,000 people. As a leading teaching hospital, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care, advancing medical research, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Our dedicated teams work across a wide array of specialties, from emergency medicine to complex surgical interventions, mental health, and community care. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, clinical excellence, and our unwavering commitment to our patients and the community we serve. Joining our Trust means becoming part of a supportive and dynamic environment where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is actively encouraged.
Job Description
The University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is actively seeking a highly motivated and skilled Physician Assistant (PA) to join our esteemed medical teams. This pivotal role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to high-quality, patient-centred care within a busy and dynamic hospital setting in Plymouth, England. As a Physician Assistant, you will be an integral part of our multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively with consultants, doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to deliver comprehensive medical care across various specialties. Your primary responsibilities will encompass the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients, playing a crucial role in enhancing patient pathways, improving efficiency, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. This position requires a professional who is capable of exercising a high level of independent judgment, while always working under the supervision of a consultant or senior doctor. You will be instrumental in conducting thorough medical histories, performing detailed physical examinations, ordering and interpreting a broad range of diagnostic tests, and formulating evidence-based treatment plans. Furthermore, you will be involved in patient education, ensuring patients and their families understand their conditions and treatment options, thereby promoting active participation in their care. The Trust is dedicated to the professional development of its staff, offering extensive training opportunities, mentorship programmes, and pathways for career progression. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where PAs can expand their clinical skills, engage in research, and contribute to clinical governance initiatives. If you are a proactive, compassionate, and skilled Physician Assistant eager to make a significant impact on patient lives within a leading NHS Trust, we encourage you to apply. This role promises a challenging yet immensely rewarding career within a vibrant city known for its maritime heritage and natural beauty.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive medical histories and perform physical examinations on patients.
- Formulate differential diagnoses and develop individualized patient management plans.
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests, including laboratory, imaging, and physiological studies.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, under appropriate supervision, as dictated by patient need.
- Participate in ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, and preventative health measures.
- Assist in the coordination of patient care, including referrals to other specialties and discharge planning.
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous patient medical records.
- Contribute to clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Engage in continuous professional development and maintain up-to-date clinical knowledge and skills.
Required Skills
- Valid UK Physician Associate qualification (or equivalent, e.g., US Physician Assistant certification with GMC registration eligibility).
- Current registration with the UK Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR) or eligible for registration.
- Demonstrable clinical experience in an acute care setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Strong diagnostic and clinical reasoning abilities.
- Proficiency in performing medical procedures relevant to the scope of practice.
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to patient safety and evidence-based practice.
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of the UK Physician Associate National Examination.
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification.
- Experience in a specific medical or surgical specialty.
- Involvement in teaching or mentoring junior staff/students.
- Evidence of participation in clinical audit or research projects.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive NHS salary and pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Access to comprehensive professional development and training opportunities.
- NHS staff discounts and benefits programme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Relocation support (where applicable).
- Opportunities for career progression within a large teaching hospital.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application by clicking on the link below. Please ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this Physician Assistant role. We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our dedicated team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.