Dietitian, Clinicial Specialist in Gastroenterology

Job Description

Post Specific Related Information 

The candidate must have 4 years recent consecutive experience working in a dedicated gastro post.

Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience having worked in an acute hospital setting in a dedicated gastro post, including IBS,IBD,FGID & Coeliac disease.

Experience of undertaking clinical audit and/or research.

Location of Post

Naas General Hospital, Naas, Co Kildare.

A panel may be formed for Naas General Hospital from which current and future permanent and specified purpose contracts may be filled

Organisational Area

Dublin Midlands Hospital Group

Details of Service

Dublin Midlands Hospital Group covers a population of over 800,000 people.

Naas General Hospital is a major teaching hospital providing a range of acute medical and surgical services, day care, outpatient, therapy, diagnostic and support services.  Emergency services are provided on a 365-day, 24 hour basis.  Multi-disciplinary teams representative of medical, nursing, health and social care professionals, management and general support staff play a pivotal role in the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of these services. The hospital has a current bed complement of 195 beds

The hospital is affiliated to Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Institute of Technology for teaching a variety of undergraduate and post graduate students. The Dietetics Department also facilitate UCD MSc student training.

The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics Department has a complement of 7.0 WTE. The Department provides services on an in-patient basis with cover to Intensive Care Unit, Coronary care unit, General surgery, Stroke, Care of Older Person, Acute Frailty Service, Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Diabetes Day Centre.

The person appointed to this Clinical Specialist Dietitian (CSD) post will work as part of the Gastroenterology team delivering a coordinated approach to Gastroenterology patients attending Naas General Hospital. Approval for a new endoscopy service in NGH has been granted, this along with a dynamic multi disciplinary gastro team, offers exciting research opportunities in the future.

Purpose of the Post

• Co-ordinate the dietetic care pathway for gastroenterology patients attending NGH.
• Develop service models, protocols and standards of care; disseminate and implement these.
• Evaluate the dietetic services provided to demonstrate their appropriateness and effectiveness; adapt and modify the service on the basis of the evaluation in line with best practice to meet service needs.
• Develop and maintain high standards of evidence –based practice for the service
• Develop structured process for the nutrition education of nursing, medical and dietetic colleagues, undergraduates and other disciplines in this specialist area.
• Take the lead in research and audit within the specialised area. This may include co-ordination and supervision of projects for student dietitians.
• Initiate and actively participate in audit and quality improvement initiatives and disseminate results to contribute to the international evidence in IBS/IBD/FGID and advance patient care.
• Explore the use of technology to enhance service delivery, including the use of Tele-health.
• Act as a consultant to health care professionals both within and outside NGH on the nutritional management of gastroenterology patients

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

• Be responsible for the delivery of dietetic services to a complex caseload
• Demonstrate a commitment to research and evidence based practice, identifying and contributing to research, clinical evaluation and audit opportunities.
• Be responsible for the development and maintenance of standards of practice
• Be responsible for managing their own caseload and for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes for patients according to service standards.
• Develop policies, standard operating procedures and guidelines in the area.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Dietitian First Gastro Clinic and IBS pathway.
• Liaise with the IBD nurse with regards to the nutritional care of IBD patients.
• Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, front line managers, and other healthcare personnel in the team.
• Communicate effectively with and provide instruction, guidance and support to staff, patients, family & carers.
• Ensure the quality of documentation of all assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, reports and discharge summaries are in accordance with local service and professional standards.
• Participate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in co-operation with other team members.
• Attend review meetings, team meetings, case conferences, ward rounds, journal clubs etc. as designated by Dietitian manager.
• Be responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for leading out on the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurement.
• Work within professional scope of practice within Ireland, but seek opportunities to develop and expand advanced practice
• Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence based practice and clinical governance.
• Incorporates national and international Evidence Based Dietetic Practice into their practice.
• Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation.

QUALITY, SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

•  Comply with the delivery of standards in the assessment, treatment and management of patients within his/her assigned area in line with international best practice guidelines.
• Contribute to the development of and comply with policy and procedure in the relevant clinical areas.
• Lead, promote and ensure clinical effectiveness of dietetics through performance management, education, audit and research
• Develop service in line with best practice developments in the field of dietetics
• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for dietetic practice and outcomes in gastroenterology
• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Advise the Dietitian manager/Gastroenterology senior team leaders on the needs of the service.
• Contribute to forward planning and development of Dietetic Clinical Pathways.
• Be familiar with and uphold the policies and principles of the Safety Statement, HSE Risk Management and professional guidelines.
• Identify, assess and report any risk and contribute to the management and review of all risks.
• Participate as required in Occupational Health and Safety training.
• Document all accidents, incidents and potential hazards to patients or staff immediately and report them to the Dietitian Manager
• Be aware of and adhere to relevant standards, policies and legislation, as they apply to the role.

PLANNING and  ORGANISATION

• Work as part of the multidisciplinary team in the design, planning, organisation and delivery of dietetic services.
• Keep accurate written and/or electronic records on the assessment, treatment, outcome and other information relevant to patients.
• Record, collate and submit statistics including key performance indicators for the programme within agreed timeframes.
• Participate in relevant service and professional meetings.
• Participate in relevant recruitment and selection, induction, staff development, and performance and review within the gastroenterology service
• Be accountable for the budget, where relevant
• Participate in the procurement of resources in conjunction with the Dietitian Manager, pharmacy, catering or relevant head of department.
• Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service
• Engage in IT developments as they apply to clients and service administration
• Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.

 COMMUNCIATION LEADERSHIP AND TEAM WORK

• Work as part of the dietetic & multidisciplinary team.
• Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings.
• Lead and develop strong links with the gastroenterology Consultants.
• Negotiate evidence based changes in clinical practice to deliver improved clinical pathways.
• Ensure timely communication and collaboration with the Multi-disciplinary Team, and Dietitian Manager.
• Build and maintain good relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Serve on and advise such committees as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Undertake other responsibilities as are agreed from time to time with the Dietitian Manager or other such person to whom he/she may be accountable.

EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT

•  Be required to evaluate and disseminate evidence based practice in the area of thereby influencing clinical practice.
• Develop multidisciplinary education and training courses in the specialised area as required
• Initiate and participate in own continuous professional development and performance management with the Dietitian Manager..
• Attend where possible relevant post graduate courses and lectures.
• Co-operate in the provision of safe and productive clinical placements in accordance with the department’s commitment to clinical training programmes.
• Participate in clinical supervision of other dietitians as appropriate
• Serve as a resource to other staff in this area of clinical speciality at regional and national level.
• Manage, participate and play a role in the practise education of student dietitians
• Take the lead in research and audit within the specialised area. This may include co-ordination and supervision of projects for student dietitians.
• Initiate and actively participate in audit and quality improvement initiatives and disseminate results to contribute to the international evidence in FGID and advance patient care
• Record statistical information and produce reports as required
• Ensure that educational materials and information databases are up to date and evidence based

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. 

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

Candidates for appointment must:

Be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a Dietitian by the Dietitians Registration board at CORU

                                            AND

• Have 5 years full time (or equivalent) years post qualification clinical experience of which 4 years full time (or equivalent) consecutively in the required area of specialism.

                                            AND

•  Demonstrate a proven record of clinical excellence in the specialism

                                             AND

 Professional development and Practice

All candidates must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the required area of specialism, in the form of post graduate qualifications  or relevant courses

                                             AND

All candidates must demonstrate achievement in the areas of clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and research.

                                             AND

All candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, management, leadership and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

                                            AND

Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Dietitians Register maintained by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

Note 1: Section 91 candidates are individuals who qualified before 30 September 2016 and have been engaged in the practice of the profession in the Republic of Ireland for a minimum of 2 years fulltime (or an aggregate of 2 years fulltime), between 30th September 2011 and 30th September 2016 are considered to be Section 91 applicants under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.

Annual Registration

•  Practitioners must maintain annual registration on Dietitians Register maintained by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU

                                          AND

•  Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC)

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004).  A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.

Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants recruited between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants recruited since 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Post specific requirements, additional qualifications and / or experience

The candidate must have 4 years recent consecutive experience working in a dedicated gastro post.

Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience having worked in an acute hospital setting in a dedicated gastro post, including IBS,IBD,FGID & Coeliac disease.

Experience of undertaking clinical audit and/or research.

Other requirements specific to the post

Desirable: Post graduate FODMAP training

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Candidates must demonstrate:

Professional Knowledge

• Evidence of advanced clinical experience, knowledge reasoning and skills in the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and modification of treatment programmes for service users in the area of gastroenterology
• Evidence of appropriate delegation of tasks within the clinical area.
• Evidence of a critical understanding of the context in which practice occurs for example social, political and inter-professional collaboration.
• Have a working knowledge of best practice guidelines
• Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards, etc.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

• Evidence of clinical leadership in development of new service initiatives in collaboration with line manager and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Evidence of application of research, audit and resulting change initiatives.
• Evidence of collecting, evaluation and reporting data on outcomes for service users.
• Evidence of knowledge and application of risk management processes.
• Evidence of application of clinical standards, guidelines and procedures.
• Evidence of use of evidence based practice through clinical reasoning and decision making, applying evidence based outcome measures to evaluate efficacy of treatment and quality of care.

Evaluating Information & Judging Situations

• Demonstrate evidence of collecting, evaluation and reporting data on outcomes for service users.
• Demonstrate evidence of use of evidence based practice through clinical reasoning and decision making, applying evidence based outcome measures to evaluate efficacy of treatment and quality of care.

Planning and Managing Resources

• Evidence of appropriate planning and balancing clinical demands with other responsibilities through effective time management and organisation skills.
• Evidence of IT skills to enable service and statistical analysis, health care records documentation, report writing and email communication.
• Evidence of appropriate documentation in line with HSE standards for Health Care Records.

Managing & Developing (Self & Others)

• Evidence of leadership of clinical practice within the multidisciplinary team working with clinicians involved in the delivery of surgical and critical care services.
• Evidence of multidisciplinary working in the designated clinical area.
• Evidence of negotiating clearly and constructively with relevant stakeholders.
• Evidence of identifying and availing of formal and/informal learning opportunities within the dietetic team and the MDT.
• Demonstrates evidence of delivering an educational role

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

• Evidence of experience in communication skills, oral and written in clear, concise and well structured manner in multidisciplinary team working appropriate to the content and target audience.

Competition Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your curriculum vitae.  The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.  Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process. 

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process, and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice.  Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code Of Practice, Information For Candidates”.

Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.careersinhealthcare.ie in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information For Candidates” or on www.cpsa-online.ie.

Naas General Hospital

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

Clinical Specialist Dietitian (FGID)

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

The initial vacancy for this post is permanent and whole time.  This post is pensionable.  A panel will be formed from this recruitment campaign and future permanent or specified purpose vacancies of full time or part time hours will be filled from this panel.  The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post is 01/10/20 Department of Health Pay Scales

€59,885, €61,039, €62,227, €63,409, €64,588, €65,831, €67,138, €68,444, €69,491

The standard working week applying to the post is: 37 hours

Working Week

HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16^th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager.

Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the will be confirmed at Job Offer stage

Superannuation

Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this appointment.

Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they were entitled at 31st December 2004.

Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004

Probation

This post is one of those designated in accordance with Section 2 of the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment in this post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. Such officers will, on receiving a report of child abuse, formally notify the Senior Social Worker in the community care area in which the child is living.

Mandated Person Children First Act 2015

As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you will have a legal obligation:

• To report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA.
• To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report.

You will remain a mandated person for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction.  You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment

Infection Control

All HSE employees must have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed

[1] A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function/H&S web-pages

• maintained and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.
• Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.
• Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.
• Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[1].
• Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.
• Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS

[1] See link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy

Informal Enquiries:

Ms. Gillian O’Loughlin

Dietitian Manager

 Tel:       045 897221

Email:  gillian.oloughlin@hse.ie

Application Details

Please return completed application forms to:

E-mail: rebecca.mccormack3@hse.ie