Senior Medical Officer (HPC/MO 6) - Cornwall Regional Hospital

JOB PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Regional Technical Director (RTD), the incumbent is responsible to direct and coordinate all medical and technical services at the hospital, in accordance with the Government’s policies, regulations/legal requirements and guidelines and will ensure the appropriate balance in the delivery of these health services. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work in conjunction with the CEO and Regional Technical Director in planning the delivery of service in the Western Regional Health Authority 
• Consult and collaborate with the Regional Technical Director and Medical Officer (Health) in ensuring the integration of services through
  • an adequate, fully functional and responsive referral system which facilitates client movement through all levels of service delivery
  • movement of staff e.g. to service areas at which patient need is identified 
• Take responsibility for the technical program inputs in the development of all plans at the institutional level 
• Assume leadership in the development, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of all secondary and tertiary care programmes where appropriate
• Be responsible for all technical functions within the hospital 
• Be responsible for direct advisory function to the Board of Management
• Be responsible for the supervisory functions for the technical staff in the institution (s)
• Maintain the quality assurance programme by ensuring that mechanisms and procedures are adequate to monitor the quality of the services and maintenance of standards and that appropriate action is taken when deficiencies are identified 
• Provide leadership in the planning, executing and monitoring of medical and health related projects/research being implemented in the hospital 
• Ensure that the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ identified priority programmes are given the attention needed for maximum results 
• In programme delivery, ensure the use of methods and procedures which will maximize available resources by on-going and regular reviews of effectiveness of interventions and technology 
• Ensure data availability for decision-making and monitor disease trends jointly with the Medical Officers (Health) through a surveillance system 
• Facilitate the flow of technical information through submission of regular and special reports to the Regional Technical Director, CEO, Hospital Committees, Regional Board of which he/she is a member, Ministry of Health & Wellness and relevant agencies as authorized
• Assist in the preparation of budgets for medical related departments 
• Promote the concept and ensure the existence of the team approach to all aspects of care
• Perform Public Relations activities as detailed in the Communication Plan
• Ensure that the aspects of the clients complaint mechanism which relate to the medical and paramedical staff are adhered to 
• Review of medical reports for medico-legal purposes and provide opinion where required
• Chair relevant committee meetings- Consultants meeting, Medical Staff Meeting, Drugs & Therapeutic and Operating Theatre Committees 
• Participates in committee meetings at facility, regional and national level- CMO’s Meeting, Senior Managers Meeting and Bed Management 
• Ensure Institutional Reviews are conducted e.g. Maternal Mortality Review, Perinatal Mortality Review 
• Perform any other duties that may be required/necessary for the effective functioning of the institution 

Human Resource 

• Participate in the selection, recruitment and evaluation of technical/professional staff and ensure that they participate in an orientation programme which introduces them to the wider health service 
• Guide and coordinate human resource matters of the medical staff including orientation of new doctors 
• Provide training to staff as necessary to ensure high levels of quality and productivity
• Identify and submit to the CEO training needs for professional staff and assist in the development and execution of in-service training programmes for all categories of staff
• Be responsible for the identification of the role of the medical and paramedical services in emergency and disaster management or mass casualty incident and the documentation and communication to staff 
• Ensure the establishment of effective communication channels for staff
• Ensure adequate representation of the views of medical and paramedical staff to the CEO and the Board at all times 
• Schedule and conduct performance appraisals of supervisees based on performance assessment criteria and ensure timely submission of performance evaluation reports
• Be responsible for ensuring that the appropriate arrangements for the supervision of all pre registration medical and paramedical persons are in place
• Ensure that staff are provided with all the necessary resources to carry out their duties efficiently 
• Develop and manage the welfare and performance of staff including transferring skills, motivating staff, setting performance targets, monitoring performance, and providing feedback to staff and arranging for training 
• Provide leadership and technical support to staff through effective objective setting, coaching, mentoring, delegation and communication 
• Ensure that the work environment is conducive to a high level of productivity and free of health and safety hazards 
• Schedule periodic departmental meetings so that all employees have the opportunity to hear departmental updates and express their concerns 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Core 

• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills 
• Excellent planning, coordination, and problem-solving skills and techniques
• Excellent listening, critical thinking and keen attention to detail 
• Highly analytical mindset and sound decision-making skills 
• Empathy and sensitivity when dealing with patients and staff 
• Ability to always exercise patience and tolerance 
• High ethical, professional and moral principles 
• Strong crisis management and intervention skills 
• High level of integrity and professionalism 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Excellent time management 
• Ability to work under pressure and outside of close supervision 
• Ability to work efficiently in a diverse and complex work environment 

Technical 

• Sound knowledge of the Public Health Laws and Regulations 
• Knowledge of the National Health Policy 
• Knowledge of Management Principles and Practices 
• Excellent knowledge of the Medical Staff Policies and Procedures manuals as well as other policies and manuals that govern the paramedical groups 
• In-depth knowledge of the public health systems relating to the delivery of healthcare
• Excellent knowledge of the organizations’, Ministry of Health & Wellness’ and GOJ policies, manuals, standards and procedures 
• Excellent knowledge and use of the relevant computer applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from an accredited medical school 
• Post Graduate Qualification (Doctor of Medicine/Fellowship) in a specialty plus nine (9) years progressive and responsible experience within the specialty 
• Peer Approval 
• Fully registered with the Medical Council of Jamaica 

Licensing or Certification 

• Any requisite license required to practice 
• Registration with the Medical Council of Jamaica 
• Current Practicing Certificate from the Medical Council of Jamaica 

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB:

• Will be required to work outside of normal working hours, including weekends and Public Holidays 
• Will be required to travel within and outside of the Region 
• Exposure to highly confidential and sensitive information 
• Numerous critical deadlines 

NB: ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED