F1 in Geriatric Medicine (Ward 19)

This post will be based on Ward 19, a 29-bedded Elderly Care Acute/Rehabilitation Unit based within the Dean’s Wing at South Tyneside hospital. Drs Thiru and Scott are the supervising consultants. Dr Thiru works 3 days / week (0.6WTE). Cover on Wednesdays and Fridays is provided by Dr King, Staff Grade in Elderly Care and Dr Scott

The ward accepts transfers from other hospitals for rehabilitation and emergency admissions via the AMAU/HDU/ITU with an average turnover of 3 – 5 admissions/24hours on weekdays. There is no age selection criteria for transfer to elderly care at South Tyneside although the vast majority of in-patients on the elderly care wards are aged over 70 years of age. Some younger patients with complex rehabilitation or social assessment needs who would benefit from an elderly care multi-disciplinary approach are also accepted.

The medical staffing of the ward comprises:

  • 2 F1 trainees
  • 1.5 WTE F2 trainee
  • 1 Staff Grade (Dr King)
  • 1 ST3+ trainee
  • 2 Consultant Physician/Geriatrician

The F1 trainee will gain experience in the assessment, investigation and management of unselected acute older patients. They will also gain experience in the assessment of stable patients who require rehabilitation. Particular experience will be available in the management and investigation of falls and syncope, in the method of multi-disciplinary assessment of elderly patients with complex medical, nursing and social needs and in the provision and timing of high quality palliative care.

The F1 trainee will be expected to review all new patients admitted to the ward within the previous 24 hours or over the weekend, in conjunction with the F2 trainee, and be able to provide a summary of the diagnosis and initial management to their senior colleagues. They will provide prospective cover for other colleagues who may be absent from the ward. They will share responsibility for arranging investigations and documenting management plans with the other members of the ward medical staff.

The F1 trainee is expected to attend the mandatory protected teaching sessions every Tuesday between 12.30 – 2pm.

Generic skills

  • Clinical method (history taking, examination and differential diagnosis) and diagnostic testing
  • Assessment of unselected acutely ill patients including acute management of a wide range of medical problems, patient counselling, therapeutics and appropriate liaison with allied health professionals including specialist nurses.
  • Co-ordinating treatment and investigative schedules
  • Arranging appropriate tests for the patients and checking results
  • Team working including handovers and presentations.
  • Communication skills.
  • Liaison with the wider hospital teams such as laboratories, radiology, endoscopy, critical care, pain team, infection control, palliative care and oncology.
  • Liaison with primary care teams via telephone and written communication
  • Playing a central role in co-ordinating discharge planning for the patient
  • Dictation skills
  • Note keeping
  • Medico-legal issues.
  • Understanding clinical governance and the role of audit
  • Death confirmation, certification and the role of the coroner

Specific skills

  • Multidisciplinary working with professions allied to medicine and social work.
  • Management of chronic diseases and longitudinal care of in-patients.
  • Ethical issues surrounding treatment of the disabled and elderly, for example DNR orders, nutrition and end of life issues.
  • Management of polypharmacy
  • Assessment of patients for Intermediate care and Continuing care
  • Management of patients requiring palliative care
  • Breaking bad news to patients and their families/carers

Clinical Supervisor: Dr Suba Thiru

F1 This post is accompanied by on calls as part of the day time medical teams and night time hospital at night team (Rota 15, which is a 1:9)

Ward 19 F1 Work Schedule

MONDAY / TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY
9-12 noon / Consultant Ward Round
W19 09.15am Dr Thiru / F1/F2 Ward Round / F1/F2 Ward Round / Consultant Ward Round
W19 09.15am Dr Thiru / F1/F2 Ward Round
12-2pm / Lunch
(30 minute break) / Lunch
(30 minute break) / Lunch
(30 minute break) / Lunch
(30 minute break) / Lunch
(30 minute break)
12-2pm / Protected F1 Teaching
12.30-2pm (Education Centre) / Trust Grand Round
12.30-2pm
(Education Centre) / XRay Meeting
1.30-2.30pm
(XRay Seminar
Room)
2-5pm / Administration
Clinics
& Ward work / Multi-Disciplinary Mtg W19 (1-2pm)
Dr Thiru / Administration
& Ward work / Audit/CPD/*
Clinics
& Ward Work / Administration
& Ward work
  • CPD/Audit time is not guaranteed on a weekly basis and is dependent upon clinical activity

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Job Description F1 Elderly Care (Ward 19) 2017