Are you looking for a new challenge? The Trust are seeking to appoint suitable individuals to the role of Associate Hospital Managers (AHMs). As an Associate Hospital Manager, you will be working independently of our Trust and clinical teams who assess and treat people detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA).

If you are an organised, articulate person with a broad experience of life, who can work collaboratively, work within specified procedures and is passionate about delivering high quality mental health services, then this rewarding role may be worth considering.

AHMs are independent volunteers (honorary appointment) who work in accordance with the guidance outlined in the Code of Practice to the MHA 1983 to review patients compulsory detention and Community Treatment Orders against statutory criteria. The Code of Practice to the MHA 1983 specifically states that AHMs cannot be employees of the organisation.

The Trust will support you by providing a comprehensive induction, as well as training and development for the role, a formal supervision process, mentoring and professional review. You will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in relation to the role and an attendance allowance is payable per hearing.

Main duties of the job

As a member of a panel of three, you will be required to review evidence from health and social care professionals in the form of reports, in order to make informed decisions regarding the lawful detention of patients. You may discharge patients from section where they do not satisfy grounds for admission or continued detention under the Act.

AHM personal testimonial 'Hi, I'm a poet & writer, former DJ/broadcaster, parish minister and ACAS officer. I enjoy the stimulation (and hard work) of being an Associate Hospital Manager for HWHCT and other NHS Trusts. It's a rewarding role, for which we get a reasonable fee and expenses (although none of us are in it for the money). The highlight is working alongside interesting people, including all the patients, and ensuring that they are all being treated fairly. Yes, we have to spend a couple of hours reading clinical reports in advance and then be at the Hearing. But we are managed with vision, trained with respect and well-served by efficient administrators. We're a strong, small and diverse team of good-humoured characters, who work in changing groups of three for each Hearing. Why not come and be part of this challenging work? You won't regret it. I never have!'

Interviews are scheduled for 30th September 2024.

About us

At Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, we are working together to deliver outstanding care. We run community hospitals and community health services across Worcestershire and provide mental health and learning disability services across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Our people (all 4500+ of them) provide services for people of all ages, experiencing both physical and/or mental health conditions from over 100 sites.

We will support you to thrive offer flexible working options for a great work-life balance, help you fulfil your ambitions, and empower you to make positive changes within your team or service. Its why we were named Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year award at the 2022 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Hospital Managers - duties include

• Renewals and extensions for detention under section 20 and 20A of the Act, at a patients request,
• Review detention where a patients nearest relative had made a request to discharge the section and this has been barred under section 25 of the Act.
• AHMs may use their discretionary powers to review a patients detention at any given time.
• As a member of a panel of three, you will be required to review evidence from health and social care professionals in the form of reports, in order to make informed decisions regarding the lawful detention of patients. You may discharge patients from section where they do not satisfy grounds for admission or continued detention under the Act.

Key Responsibilities

• To participate in Managers hearings (face to face or remotely) as part of a three-person panel and be able to chair hearings as and when required.

• Make informed decisions regarding the lawful detentions of patients, using the criteria outlined in the MHA 1983 and the Code of Practice.
• Record decisions made following a review and ensure adequate reasons are recorded to evidence the decision.
• Advise the patient, the patients nearest relative (with the patients consent), and professionals concerned, of the panels decision both orally and in writing.
• Discharge patients from section if they do not satisfy the grounds for the detention.

For full details of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the job description and person specification attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Good general standard of education, in particular excellent spoken and written English
• Willingness to attend further training as required to ensure understanding or role and requirements

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of and/or interest in people with mental health difficulties
• Empathy and understanding of people with mental health issues
• Understanding of the Mental Health Act and/or willingness to learn
• Ability to read and interpret occasionally complex reports

Communication

Essential

• The ability to communicate effectively across all levels
• Good listening skills
• Able to assimilate, interpret and formally summarise detailed and complex information

Other requirements

Essential

• Commitment to attend hearings as and when necessary
• Willing and able to travel to all sites across Herefordshire and Worcestershire
• Use of own IT, able to support Microsoft Teams
• Pre appointment DBS

Employer details

Employer name

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

Address

2 Kings Court

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1JR

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

C9798-0655-1