Induction 4: Staff on Shift
We have a team of >16 Consultants. We are also fortunate to have a Consultant Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) and are a leading site for the training of ACPs. A number of other senior doctors such as staff grades and ED GPs also occupy full-time roles.
Alongside the team of skilled and dedicated nurses we work closely with many allied medical staff. These include ENPs, Psychiatric Liaison Nurses, Cardiology Specialist Nurses, Frailty Practitioners, Resus Officers, Research Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Stroke Practitioners, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Admin Staff, and many more! Every one of these has a wealth of experience to draw from. You can look at more detailed profiles in the Allied Teams section.
Daytime staffing - Senior Colleagues:
At any time between 0800 and 0000 there is at least 1 consultant stationed in the dept, though often 2 or even 3 on the weekdays. There are 2 middle grades (either training registrars, SAS doctors or locums) scheduled on at all times, with significant crossover and bolstering of numbers in the afternoon. In addition we have GP cover from 0800-2200 daily and some of our ACP's act in a registrar capacity. Our ENP's work in the Integrated Front Door (traditionally the 'minors' area) in a fully autonomous capacity and are an excellent source of wisdom! The Nurse in charge is often a great source of information if you are not sure about care pathways or who to ask in a certain situation.
As a senior decision maker wearing black scrubs, you may be approached by allied staff members looking for advice about their patients. In addition you will be presented with ECG's and trauma screening documentation for a senior review and immediate management plan.
Daytime staffing - Post Graduate Doctors & Colleagues:
At all times there will be a minimum of 2 SHO's working in the ED, though at most times of the day this numbers about 5. Please ensure you have completed your patient safety documentation - 'Coding' on Maxims either as you go along or at the end of each shift.
Night time staffing - Senior Colleagues
Between 0000-0800 the consultant is on-call and no greater than 20 minutes away from the hospital. Consultants expect to be informed via telephone about any trauma call, as well as any paediatric cardiac arrest - thankfully both are very rare at night. You are actively encouraged by the consultant body to call if you need senior advice and support that cannot be garnered from other staff working overnight (such as the ward speciality registrars)- if you have any doubts about whether to call you can always speak to the experienced nurse-in-charge first.
We have 2 registrars on throughout the night, a practice we hope to be able to continue. There is always a night time ENP working in the integrated front door.
Night time staffing - Junior Colleagues
You will have 3 SHO's working throughout the night with you in the ED. On occasion there will also be and ACP working with you overnight.The Adult Psych Liason nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CAHMS cover is slightly more limited. The cardiology, Frailty and JETT teams do not work overnight.