Summary: Observers are welcome to observe patient appointments, subject to a signed confidentiality agreement, and patient permission.
Who’s it for: All Staff
What is an observer?
An observer is a registered Healthcare Professional or student paramedic, pharmacist, nurse or doctor, who observes clinical consultations for the benefit of professional development and learning.
This doesn’t include sixth form students, or those who have yet to begin studying for a qualification. It also doesn’t cover formally arranged education, such as for a university. Please discuss this with the our Operations Director (for contact details, see Key People to Know).
Onboarding & pre-start checks
There is no set application process for an observership. Usually, we offer these to people known to the company or those interested get in contact with us. If you know someone that is interested in an observership, please discuss this with our Operations Director and they will initiate any necessary checks.
After being offered a position, observers must:
- Provide us with two references - one of these must be from their most recent employer or place of education (if they don’t have a recent employer)
- Confirm their vaccination status (hepatitis B not needed)
- Sign the voluntary agreement
- Have an up to date DBS check
Once observers have completed the above, they will be assigned a supervisor who will plan out their activities before their first day.
Induction & confidentiality
Upon arrival, observers will:
- Receive a site-specific induction, similar to what is expected in Your First Day & First Two Weeks.
- Sign a confidentiality agreement, which should be kept on record (find the doc linked below)
- Meet their assigned supervisor within Penrose Health
A member of the reception team will provide a tour of our site, fire, health & safety, how to raise a panic alarm, and setting expectations of the observation
201008 Confidentiality policy v2.2.docx150.1KB
Informing patients
Patients who will be seeing a clinician with an observer should be informed on arrival by reception:
- If the patient refuses, we should inform the clinician using EMIS. The clinician will ensure the observer has left before calling the patient
- If the patient accepts, this should be reaffirmed when the patient arrives at the consultation room. Ensure the patients' consent is recorded in their clinical record
Resources: