RECRUITMENT FOR POST OF MEDICAL OFFICER
Based at
HMP Belmarsh
Greenwich, London
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Seagrave Trust specialises in the management of addiction and addiction related crime. With its head office in Warwickshire, The Seagrave Trust operates out of two top security establishments, HMP Belmarsh and HMP Woodhill.
The Seagrave Trust is a charity devoted to the provision of safe, effective, evidence-based, humane detoxification services to individuals suffering from addiction. The Seagrave Trust has been providing this service at HMP Belmarsh since 2002. and has much experience in the management of addiction and addiction-related crime. The Trust has earned a reputation, second to none, as a service provider for patients within the confines of HMP Belmarsh and other prison establishments.
We are now looking for an experienced Medical Officer with at least two years experience in the addiction field to become part of our small team based at HMP Belmarsh. The team consists of two specialist nurses and with a full healthcare department supplied by the Prison Service in support.
This post offers the opportunity for a Medical Practitioner with 2 years’ experience relevant to Substance Misuse to gain further experience in a Substance Misuse service, working as part of a small Substance Misuse Directorate. This post is an excellent opportunity to continue and expand the already excellent service plus the possibility of research. The post is a full time locum position for up to one year renewable for up to a further two years. Applications are welcomed from those with experience in Psychiatry, General Practice and Public Health Medicine.
Based in Thamesmead, South East London, you will also have the opportunity of working at HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes, when required. You will be working within a dedicated detoxification clinic within the prison, with full nursing and administrative support. You will be reporting to the Medical Director who oversees all the services
We are offering an excellent salary package of £60,000 - £75,000 per annum for the right candidate with the required qualifications and experience, and with 27 days holiday per year. The working week is 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.
In return we are looking for an experienced, suitably qualified, and enthusiastic team player who will not only bring his or her experience to the team but will be energetic and positive in developing the service further. Working within the prison environment has proved to be not only rewarding and interesting but has provided a real opportunity to develop the skills already obtained.
Essential Requirements
Two years experience in Substance Misuse
Relevant Medical Qualifications
Full Security Clearance will be required (the position will be dependent upon obtaining this)
Fluent in English language
Job Outline
The experience you have already gained will help you to oversee the provision of the detoxification service which is described below.
Introduction
Yearly we provide approximately 1200 interventions at HMP Belmarsh. For many prisoners the detoxification unit at HMP Belmarsh offers a rare window of opportunity to access comparable community based treatment. They can also continue with community based treatment plans and receive the support and encouragement needed and required to reduce or become drug/alcohol free.
All our treatments are implemented in line with the Department of Health guidelines and strict HM Prison Service standards.
Objectives of the Service
• The provision of comprehensive substance misuse assessments, care planning and treatment for clients.
• The implementation of treatment programmes and intervention for prisoners suffering from dependency to opiates, alcohol, benzodiazepines and stimulants.
• The provision of safe, humane detoxification.
Each prisoner is treated as an individual and his welfare is at the centre of all treatment, care plans and reviews. Any changes in treatment are discussed with the client and monitored carefully. Regular testing is carried out to monitor any illicit on top use in order to guard against overdose and prevent bullying and diversion. All medication prescribed is within the recognised therapeutic range as laid out in national guidelines.
Included:
• The provision of maintenance treatment for suitable prisoners.
• To promote effective liaison and complimentary working relationship.
We strive to ensure that we work closely and effectively with our colleagues in Health care, carats, resettlement and external agencies, GP’s and DAT’s. We recognise the importance of providing clear recognisable care pathways and working as part of the multidisciplinary team in their continued development.
F Grades nurses provided by the prison healthcare unit also assist in the dispensing of Methadone thus giving confidence reassurance and support to the healthcare staff in the delivery of care and interventions to an often difficult prisoner group.
• Provide statistics and research opportunities.
Seagrave Trust is uniquely placed to work alongside the prison and the PCT in developing research to improve, streamline and develop services that are needs led, easily accessible, efficient and therefore cost effective.
Staffing
The Seagrave Trust prides itself on employing only the best suitably qualified and highly motivated staff to work at HMP Belmarsh.
The Team at Belmarsh is overseen by:
• Medical Director: Dr Oscar D’Agnone MD. MRCPsych.
• Nurse Director: Claire James RGN
Dr D’Agnone and Claire James provide specialist clinical and managerial supervision to the full time Doctor and Nurses.
The Medical Team
• Doctor:
• Two Clinical Nurse Specialists:
The Seagrave Medical Team is based in a specialist detox unit within the prison. The Team works alongside the Governor and with a team of detox discipline staff and healthcare nurses for whom they provide a degree of clinical supervision and ongoing training and support.
All members of the team are enthusiastic and proud of the detox service they offer to the prisoners. This is achieved by ensuring continued professional development and the provision of a comprehensive range primary and secondary interventions. They are committed to the provision of a top class drug treatment service and are proud of their achievements.
The Seagrave Trust Medical Team further promotes and expands the following:
• Training to staff discipline and carats at HMP Belmarsh introducing them to the work of the Detoxification unit, basic drug awareness and the complex issues surrounding the treatment and behaviour of addiction which are often overlooked or underestimated.
• Promoting understanding in relation to working with individuals suffering from addiction problems. This can be in a formal setting or as impromptu advice and support as situations arise.
• Training, supervision, advice and support to the F grade Healthcare nurses who work in the detox unit.
• Attending multidisciplinary meetings, promoting the nomination of named link workers and actively supporting the implementation of integrated pathways.
• Developing, implementing and reviewing procedures and protocols. Ensuring that they are available to all relevant bodies within the prison and that GPs and healthcare staff feel confident and supported in their understanding of these policies and procedures.
• Ensuring high standards of documentation. All paperwork is regularly audited.
• Carrying out research which will be of benefit to the PCT, the prison, the Prison Service and the future treatment of patients.
• Attending the meetings held regularly with Healthcare and other agencies in order to evaluate and monitor treatment and ensure mutual understanding of the challenges that are faced by services both internally and externally to the prison.
We continue to strive to maintain the high standards we set ourselves for the provision of a treatment service that we feel is second to none. This service is set against exacting conditions such as those encountered within prison establishments. The Medical Officer who is accepted for the post will be responsible for maintaining the standard already set.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 26th September 2008
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND JOB DESCRIPTION PLEASE CONTACT
DR OSCAR D’AGNONE, TEL 07773 776273
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR CV TO:
rosemarylass@theseagravetrust.org
THE SEAGRAVE TRUST, THE MANOR, HASELEY CENTRE,
WARWICK, CV35 7LS
TEL & FAX: +44 [0] 1926 842984 or +44 [0] 2476 537039
Email: enquiries@theseagravetrust.org
Website: http://www.theseagravetrust.org
REG. CHARITY No. 1003506
 | The Seagrave Trust, The Manor, Haseley Centre, Warwick, CV35 7LS. UK
Last Updated July 2008 |  |