Job Introduction
Family Liaison Officer
Take the next step in your career as a Family Liaison Officer with DHU Healthcare!
One of the key aims of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) is greater support and involvement for those involved in patient safety incidents i.e. engaging with patients and their families.
The purpose of this role is to support patients, families and carers of those involved in a significant patient safety incident. They will provide explanation and support to families throughout the often-difficult investigation process. As well as close liaison with the Investigating Officer for the incident, they will ensure families are treated appropriately professionally and compassionately with respect of their individual needs. These interactions will include ensuring that families concern, thoughts and experiences of the incident are reflected in the investigation report where appropriate
Location: Derby
Work Pattern: 20 hours per week
What DHU can offer you:
Working Patterns: We recognise that 9-5 doesn’t work for everyone, so we have a range of working patterns available to suit your work/life balance. Our friendly team will work with you to find the best fixed pattern for us both.
Competitive salary: £37,338 - £44,962 (Band 6) – Pro Rata
Generous annual leave entitlement: Standard 25 days + 8 bank holidays, increasing with service up to 33 days + 8 bank holidays. Pro Rata/ Per Annum
Employee benefits:
Health Cash Plan: After six months with us, you'll enjoy 24/7 GP access for you and your family, along with a free Level 1 Health Cash Plan covering dental, optical, and therapy costs to support your health and well-being whenever you need it.
Access to the DHU Hub: Offering exclusive shopping and entertainment discounts, well-being resources, a health portal, and our enhanced Employee Assistance Programme.
NHS Pension Scheme: Rest assured knowing your future is secure with our NHS pension scheme. Already an NHS employee? We acknowledge your continuous service and commitment to healthcare excellence allowing you to bring your existing pension pot and holiday allowance with you!
Car Lease Scheme: DHU has teamed up with NHS Fleet Solutions to offer a salary sacrifice scheme for colleagues. As part of our citizenship commitment and active approach to reducing our carbon footprint, we can provide you with lease options on a brand-new hybrid or electric car.
Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave: We understand the importance of family, which is why we offer enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support you during this special time in your life, supported by a robust Family Friendly policy.
Referral Programme: Share the benefits of working at DHU with your network and you can earn cash rewards through our Employee Referral Programme.
Free Parking: We know how expensive public parking can be! Most of our sites offer free, secure parking for your vehicles.
What your typical day looks like:
- To be the main point of contact for patients, families, carers, and advocates of those involved in a significant patient safety incident.
- To guide and support patients / families through the investigation process to the conclusion as required, to meet the needs of each individual as far as reasonably possible.
- To work closely with clinical / operational and investigation teams in the provision of advice and support to deliver DHU Duty of Candour
- Confirm those incidents where legal Duty of Candour applies and liaise with colleagues to ensure the family receives a letter of apology about the incident.
- To agree a clear communication plan with patients / families reflecting the level of support they require and details of their preferences.
- To liaise closely with Patient Safety Incident Investigators regarding the progress of investigations to ensure current, relevant, information is conveyed to the family in accordance with their communication plan.
- To listen and manage queries in a proactive manner, signposting individuals to other services when necessary, including bereavement services, counselling, GP, Coroner’s Office or legal advice.
- To accurately record all communication and plans with families within the relevant systems. Where appropriate, clinical records should also be updated.
- To support each family with the receipt and interpretation of the final investigation report, working jointly with the Patient Safety Incident Investigator or clinical staff from the area where the incident occurred where appropriate.
- Contribute to formal clinical governance and quality reports, to internal and external meetings including Clinical Quality & Patient Safety Committee (CQPS), DHU 111 / Urgent & Emergency Care (UEC) Clinical Governance and Risk Committees, Clinical Governance Oversight Committee (CGOC) and Commissioner Clinical Quality Review Groups (CQRG), as appropriate. Reports may include case studies / patient stories
To be a successful Family Liaison Officer, you’ll need:
- Clinical professional qualification – first level registered nurse, other allied health professional, or individual who has been working with proven experience in a liaison role within a health care setting or public sector.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience of working within a health / public sector/ environment.
- Previous work experience in a similar role, preferably in the NHS or public sector.
- Proven experience of producing accurate reports
- High level of administration experience.
- Awareness of need for discretion and high levels of confidentiality
- Right to work in the UK
We understand that digital applications may not be suitable for everyone. If you need to apply in a different way that better meets your needs, please reach out to us, and we will gladly accommodate your application in a format that works for you. For more details about our recruitment process, click here, or contact our team of talent acquisition professionals by emailing: Careers@DHUHealthCare.nhs.uk.
At DHU Healthcare, we take pride in our diversity and foster an environment where every person feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, free from discrimination or bias. We warmly welcome applications from all individuals, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. To read more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion pledge and see the progress we have made, please click here.
We are proud to be a forces-friendly organisation and are dedicated to supporting Veterans, Service Leavers, Reservists, Cader Force Adult Volunteers, and military spouses/partners. We value the unique skills and contributions you bring and strive to create a workplace where you can thrive.
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