Deputy Head of Legal Services

''Creating a great place to be cared for and a great place to work''

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay has a firm commitment to strengthening the diversity of our workforce, and therefore welcome and encourage applications from likeminded people who can support our ambition to become effortlessly inclusive. We are particularly keen to hear from protected groups – including BAME, LGBT+ and people with a disability.

We are looking for a legal professional with management experience to support and deputise for the Head of Legal Services. This is a rare opportunity, with potential to develop. The postholder will, along with the rest of the Legal Services team, contribute to the provision of a comprehensive inquest and claims management service and an effective legal advice service to staff.

This post is pending job evaluation confirmation

This is a management role, and the post-holder will supervise other team members and deputise for the Head of Legal Services. They will also have their own caseload of inquests and clinical claims and contribute to a legal advice service to members of staff, on a variety of topics. Applicants will require legal qualifications and relevant knowledge and experience.

We operate from three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, andUlverston

Community Health Centre.

FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.

WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.

All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies,daycase and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

Our Community Service for adults are provided in people's homes, community centres, clinics, GP Practices, community hospitals. Our aim is to work with people to help them remain independent , improve their health and manage their conditions through high quality care , advice and support.

Job Description attached but main duties are:

• Provide support to the Head of Legal Services and assist with the management of the legal team.
• Manage and co-ordinate a caseload of clinical negligence claims.
• Provide appropriate support to colleagues who are witnesses or persons able to assist with potential or actual litigation.
• Manage and co-ordinate a caseload of inquests.
• Review reports/statements for accuracy, professionalism and provide guidance to ensure reports are fit for purpose.
• Recognise and ensure the smooth organisation of complex and contentious inquests, involving all relevant Trust departments.
• Monitor Coroners’ cases and claims, to recognise risks identified from their investigation and, ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.
• Attend mediation, RTM’s and conferences with counsel for own caseload, and in the absence of the Head of Legal Services.
• Arrange and conduct pre-inquest meetings, ensuring that witnesses are supported and prepared for giving evidence.
• Attend Court and represent the Trust at pre-inquest reviews and hearings, taking detailed notes of evidence and supporting the witnesses.
• Act as an expert resource for legal team members and wider staff…