Description
Vacancy Announcement
Job title:
Medical Officer โ RMNH/MCOE
Work Location:
Kono (Koidu District)
Department:
Maternity
Reports to:
OBGYN Leads
Line Management
TBD
Application Status
External Advert
Organisation Profile
Partners In Health (PIH) is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. PIH partners with local governments to build local capacity and works closely with impoverished communities to deliver high-quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change. Our delivered services in the field are based in our partnership with the Governments and Ministries of Health and the support to education, training and mentorship to Health care workers and students is one of our pillars for the Health care system strengthening.
PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Womenโs Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world.
Our Work In Sierra Leone:
Partners In Health (PIH) began supporting the government of Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in October 2014. Recognizing the large need for continued investments in the health system after Ebola, PIH is committed to long-term health system strengthening in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by the same principles as our emergency response and our work around the world: public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, social justice, nimbleness and flexibility, partnership, community ownership, and evidence-based interventions. In the aftermath of the epidemic, PIH is committed to supporting the delivery of comprehensive health services in Sierra Leone, from the community level to the health center and to referral hospitals.
Position Overview
The Maternity Centre of Excellence Hospital in Koidu City, Sierra Leone, provides high-quality maternal and neonatal care to the community. This state-of-the-art facility is operated in partnership with Partners In Health (PIH) and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation. We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Medical Officer to join our Maternity team. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of reproductive patients, neonates and their families in Sierra Leone.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- To work as part of the RMNH Team, providing high quality clinical maternal and neonatal care services to the local and regional population in conjunction with other health workers working cohesively within the multidisciplinary team.
- Serve as Koidu Government Hospital (KGH) and the MCOE as a Medical Officer for PIH SL
- Complete daily rounds on Maternity wards with OBGYNโs, SACHO, CHO and midwifery and nursing staff
- Manage maternity cases according to national and international clinical guidelines
- Provide general support and supervision throughout the hospital, and across sites, as needed
- Direct supervision for CHOs, clinical officers working in maternity wards
- Working collaboratively with the obstetric/ maternity team, to improve perinatal care
- To participate in all processes around clinical governance, clinical audit and risk management/patient safety processes, MDSR/PDSR weekly/monthly meetings
- Providing regular data reports on the inputs/outputs of all maternity services as needed
- Initiating and overseeing Quality Improvement Projects within the maternity department to improve practice
- Provide support in both obstetric and gynecologic clinics including the High-Risk and postnatal clinics and provision of modern family planning methods
- Keeping up to date with current practices and innovations
Teaching & Supervision.
- Training and supervision of junior medical and midwifery/nursing team that work with him/her and will devote time to this activity on a regular basis. Participation in formal and informal teaching of the multi-professional team is expected as part of the role
- The post-holder will be expected to contribute to formal and informal teaching of undergraduate medical students attached to the clinical team and may be asked to provide seminars or lectures
- The post holder will be expected to undertake educational Outreach visits and provide support/advice to other maternity units within Kono region or in Partners in Health supported facilities within Sierra Leone and One PIH
Management and Leadership
- To contribute to maternal health clinical governance, patient safety, risk and clinical effective processes within the department including active participation in audit and guideline development both for the current units and the Maternal Centre of Excellence
- To actively engage and support the ongoing development and management of all services within the maternity unit
- PIH is committed to multi-professional and multi-disciplinary team working and you will be expected to work closely with colleagues both within and outside the maternity units to achieve this aim. As well as with our MOHS colleagues and management teams
- To actively participate in the effective and appropriate management of resources within the department
- To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings of various types as appropriate within the hospital and maternity units in particular.
Research
The post-holder would be expected to support ongoing research activity and would be encouraged to develop their own research ideas as appropriate. As well as to share accredited and approved relevant research with all staff to ensure that we they provide evidence based and current care to clients
Family Communication:
Communicate effectively with families, providing them with updates on their infant's condition, explaining treatment options, and offering emotional support.
Collaboration:
Work closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive care.
Education and Training:
Participate in training programs for healthcare staff and provide guidance on maternal and newborn care best practices.
Documentation:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records, including patient histories, treatment plans, and progress notes.
Quality Improvement and research:
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research to enhance the RMNH standards of care and patient outcomes.
- Adherence to Protocols: Ensure compliance with hospital policies, infection control measures, and national guidelines for RMNH care.
- Continuing Education: Stay current with advances in RNMH through continuous learning, attending conferences, and pursuing relevant certifications.
- Support the primary Health Care Units (PHUs) as required Provides training and service delivery in areas of RMNH care when necessary
- Community Engagement: Engage with the local community to promote maternal and neonatal health awareness and provide education on preventive measures.
- Cross-Departmental Support: In cases where the need arises, the Medical Officer may be required to provide support to other departments within Koidu Government Hospital. This support may extend to the Emergency Department, General Wards, and the Isolation Ward. The candidate will collaborate closely with the OBGYNโs, SACHOโs and CHOโs to ensure seamless care coordination and the highest standards of RMNH care across all departments. This collaborative approach reflects our commitment to holistic maternal and neonatal health and the well-being of the community we serve.
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
At Partners In Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members โ as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Partners In Healthโs PSEAH policy. Partner In Health will request information from applicantsโ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Education and Work Experience Requirements
- Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized and accredited medical school.
- Valid medical license and registration with the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Council.
- A minimum of two years of clinical experience with a strong background in maternal healthcare is a must
- Proficient at performing obstetric ultrasound scan and diagnosing major sonographic obstetric emergencies
- Proficient at performing elective and emergency cesarean sections, hysterectomyโs and other obstetric and gynecology surgeries
- Provision of antenatal care, emergency obstetric care, PMTCT to HIV positive mothers, and care for victims of sexual violence
- Performing a wide range of tests, including cardiotocography, cervical cancer screening, and pelvic examinations
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.
- Proficiency in basic computing skills, including Microsoft Office, Goggle Drive and relevant Social Media
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong commitment to providing compassionate care to neonates and their families.
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and adapt to a resource-limited healthcare environment.
Social Justice
We are a global health and social justice organization that responds to the moral imperative to provide high-quality health care globally to those who need it most. We strive to ease suffering by placing patients at the center of all care, bringing the benefits of modern medicine to all.
Method of application
Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment. In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) referees not later than 12:00pm GMT (Midnight) on Friday 8th December 2023