Visa Note
While this employer offers a certificate of sponsorship to work in the UK, all international applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The Immigration Rules for the UK are subject to change, and final approval will depend on meeting all relevant criteria.
About the Role
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a proactive and self-motivated doctor to join their team of medical examiners at North & Mid Hampshire Medical Examiner Service. This is a unique opportunity to work within the NHS framework, contributing significantly to patient safety and bereavement services.
Job Summary
Since becoming statutory on September 9, 2024, all acute, non-acute and community deaths that do not require a coroner’s referral must be scrutinized by a medical examiner before the death can be registered. This vital role sits at the intersection of clinical practice, governance, and public protection.
The successful applicant will work to provide greater safeguards for the public by ensuring independent scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths, appropriate direction of deaths to the coroner, and improved quality of death certification.
Main Duties
As a Medical Examiner, your key responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements associated with death certification and investigation
- Supporting doctors who call for medical advice on suspected natural causes of death
- Scrutinizing the certified causes of all in-scope deaths
- Maintaining comprehensive records and undertaking analysis for clinical governance purposes
- Explaining causes of death to bereaved relatives in a transparent, tactful manner
- Supporting the training of junior doctors in completion of MCCDs
- Engaging with relevant governance activities related to death certification
- Supporting Medical Examiner Officers in their continuing professional development
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Medical Practitioner registered and licensed to practice in the UK by the GMC
- Successfully completed the mandatory e-learning modules before the start of the role
- Doctor with experience of caring for and/or reviewing a broad cross-section of hospital patients
- Up-to-date knowledge of medical conditions, treatments, and medicines which may have contributed to death
- Knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems
- Understanding of legal frameworks associated with death certification
- Knowledge of special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity
Desirable Qualifications
- Completed ME face-to-face training via RCPath
- Familiarity with the role and function of the Coroner
- Ability to present complex medical information to assist the Coroner
- Experience of mortality review and governance processes
Essential Skills
- Ability to assimilate information quickly and summarize succinctly
- Strong interpersonal skills with empathy and professionalism
- Commitment to lifelong learning and personal development
About the Employer
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the major provider of hospital services to the population of North and mid Hampshire and surrounding areas. The hospitals in Basingstoke and Winchester provide a comprehensive range of acute services as well as being a tertiary referral centre for several specialties.
As an NHS employer, the trust offers a supportive working environment, excellent training opportunities, and access to some of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the UK. The successful applicant will be joining a team dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and professional development.
Benefits for International Applicants
This role offers a certificate of sponsorship, making it an excellent opportunity for qualified medical professionals seeking to relocate to the UK. The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world and offers:
- Competitive salary and working conditions
- Access to the UK’s National Health Service pension scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and specialization
- Supportive working environment within a well-established healthcare system
- Potential for career progression within the NHS
Working Arrangements
This is a permanent, part-time position offering flexible working arrangements. The role requires attending catch-up meetings for all MEs and MEOs which are currently held 6 times per year (4 remote, 1 face-to-face at either RHCH or BNHH site, and 1 ‘Away Day’ for in-house training).
The trust recognizes the importance of work-life balance and is committed to supporting flexible working patterns that accommodate the needs of their staff.
Application Process for International Candidates
To apply for this role with a certificate of sponsorship, please follow these steps:
- Verify your eligibility to work in the UK with the employer
- Prepare your GMC registration documentation
- Gather evidence of your medical qualifications and experience
- Obtain any required criminal record certificates from countries you have resided in
- Submit your application through the NHS Jobs website
- Be prepared to attend an interview, which may be conducted remotely
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All applicants must be willing to undergo this check.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). For further information about registration requirements for overseas doctors, please refer to the NHS Careers website.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 02 November 2025. Early application is recommended to allow sufficient time for processing, particularly for international candidates who may need additional time for documentation and verification processes.
Contact Information
For questions about the job or the application process, please contact:
Lisa Birkett (Lead Medical Examiner Officer)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01962824073
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 251-MD25139. Applications must be submitted through the official NHS Jobs portal.
When applying, please ensure you include all relevant documentation demonstrating your qualifications, experience, and eligibility to work in the UK. For international applicants, specifically include details of your GMC registration status and any sponsorship requirements.
Additional Information
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
All applicants will be considered based on their merits and how well they meet the person specification for the role. The trust values the unique perspectives and experiences that international candidates bring to their teams.
Supporting Documents
The vacancy includes a supporting document ‘Medical Examiner.pdf’ (PDF, 722 KB) which provides additional information about the role and the trust. Applicants are encouraged to review this document before submitting their application.
Privacy Notice
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust processes personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how your data will be used, please refer to the trust’s privacy notice available on their website.
Further Details
This role represents a significant opportunity for a medically qualified professional to contribute to a vital public service in the United Kingdom. The successful candidate will be part of a new and evolving service that is central to the modernization of death certification in the UK.
The North & Mid Hampshire Medical Examiner Service is committed to providing high-quality training and support to its medical examiners. You will be joining a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about improving bereavement care and ensuring the integrity of the death certification process.
The trust values continuous professional development and encourages all staff to engage in learning opportunities. As a Medical Examiner, you will have access to a range of educational resources and will be expected to maintain your knowledge and skills through ongoing training.
Working within the NHS also provides a stable and rewarding career path. The service is designed to be flexible, recognizing the diverse needs of its medical staff. This part-time role can be adapted to suit a range of working patterns, making it ideal for candidates seeking a balanced work-life arrangement.
The certificate of sponsorship is a key benefit of this position, offering a clear pathway for international medical professionals to establish their careers in the UK. The employer is experienced in supporting overseas candidates through the visa application process and is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.
In addition to the professional aspects of the role, the trust also recognizes the importance of well-being. A range of health and well-being services are available to all employees, including confidential support programs, occupational health services, and initiatives to promote a healthy work-life balance.
The geographical location of the trust in North and mid Hampshire offers a high quality of life, with excellent transport links to London and other major cities. The surrounding areas are known for their beautiful countryside, historic market towns, and vibrant communities, providing a wonderful environment for both work and leisure.
All applicants are reminded that this is a statutory role, and therefore the successful candidate must be prepared to adhere to all relevant legislation and guidelines. This includes a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical practice at all times.
The recruitment process is designed to identify candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of the role but also embody the values of the NHS: working together for patients, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, and improving lives.
We encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to attract individuals who can bring new ideas and perspectives to the service. Diversity of thought and experience is essential for driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.
The role may involve working with families who are experiencing a very distressing time. Therefore, the ability to communicate with empathy and sensitivity is paramount. You will be expected to explain complex medical information in a way that is understandable and compassionate.
The trust is proud of its inclusive culture and is dedicated to ensuring that all staff feel valued and respected. We believe that a diverse workforce is a stronger workforce, and we are committed to equality of opportunity for everyone.
For international applicants, it is important to note that GMC registration can be a detailed process. The trust’s recruitment team is available to provide guidance and support throughout this stage to ensure a smooth application experience.
The opportunity to work as a Medical Examiner is not just a job; it is a significant professional undertaking with a direct impact on public health and the well-being of communities. It is a role that carries great responsibility but also offers immense professional satisfaction.
If you are a dedicated and compassionate medical professional looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the UK, we encourage you to apply for this position with certificate of sponsorship.
Please ensure your application is comprehensive and highlights how your skills and experience align with the requirements outlined in the person specification. We look forward to reviewing your application.
For any queries regarding this advertisement or the application procedure, please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team using the information provided above.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early should a sufficient number of suitable applications be received.
All information provided by applicants will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be used for the purpose of assessing your application for this post.
