Job Overview
We are looking for a Band 6 Clinical Podiatrist to manage “At Risk” or “Diabetic Foot” patients alongside a team of Non‑medical prescribers in the Hillingdon Podiatry team. The role may be suitable for a newly qualified Podiatrist. The service is part of CNWL, an inclusive organisation that supports flexible working to accommodate commitments such as school‑age children or family care. You should commit to at least 15 hours per week; full‑time benefits and robust development support are provided.
The Hillingdon Podiatry team has a large high‑risk caseload across the borough and is the main provider for the Multidisciplinary Foot Team at Hillingdon Hospital.
Main Duties
Work independently in a variety of community and domiciliary settings, providing high‑standard care. Assess, diagnose, plan and implement individualized care plans for patients with acute and chronic neuropathies, vascular problems, wound management and other clinical needs. Plan and manage own cases, including specialist care for patients with diabetes, rheumatology, peripheral vascular disease and biomechanical problems. Follow clinical pathways and refer appropriately.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
* Responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of podiatric care for patients with a wide range of clinical needs.
* Manage patients with medical conditions affecting the feet such as diabetes (at different risk categories), chronic neuropathy, rheumatic disease, vascular problems and patients with physical, mental health or learning difficulties.
* Assess new patients and develop individual care packages, providing appropriate foot‑care education.
* Prime responsibilities include: foot ulcer risk assessment, ulcer management, vascular insufficiency identification, neurological deficits, foot deformities, trauma or high foot pressures.
* Understand wound healing, perform sharp debridement, manage wound beds and use appropriate dressings, recognise infection signs and manage or refer appropriately.
* Conduct basic biomechanical examinations, produce temporary insoles and refer as needed.
* Perform comprehensive diabetic/high‑risk foot assessments, including full annual review, sensory and vascular analysis (ABPI as required).
* Use investigation pathways (microbiology, radiology) and decision‑making processes to refer to departmental specialists.
* Carry out nail surgery, provide foot‑health education to patients, relatives and carers.
* Provide care in primary‑care clinics, patients’ homes, ward rounds, hospital settings and residential homes for the elderly.
* Move and handle immobile, wheelchair‑bound or bed‑bound patients in confined spaces.
* Apply high‑level physical skills for precise debre‑mentation techniques for acute/chronic, neuropathic and ischaemic wounds.
* Follow departmental policies, procedures and guidelines, while exercising professional clinical judgement.
* Undertake additional duties across the service as directed by Team Leaders.
* Support student/apprentice training, staff from other disciplines and Foot‑care Assistants and Band 5 staff.
* Provide flexible cover for other podiatrists on short notice or during absence.
* Implement Trust values in day‑to‑day care for a diverse population.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* HCPC Podiatrist Registration.
* Degree or Diploma in Podiatric Medicine.
* Relevant experience.
* Evidence of CPD portfolio.
* Certificate in local anaesthesia.
Experience
* Experience in the NHS or similar sector.
* Experience treating a varied podiatric caseload, including high‑risk conditions.
* Experience working independently in a team and managing caseload with risk‑categorised patients.
* Experience in multidisciplinary working, community and domiciliary settings.
* Clinical skills: vascular and neurological assessment.
* Demonstrated clinical reasoning and decision‑making in podiatric care planning and evaluation.
* Ability to conduct and manage nail surgery assessments, procedures and postoperative care.
* Knowledge of health and safety at work.
Skills and Knowledge
* Knowledge of diabetes impact on podiatric care.
* Sound practice in wound care, treatment modalities and biomechanics.
* Current clinical knowledge of evidence‑based best practices.
* Ability to order appropriate investigations for high‑risk foot treatment.
* Knowledge of national policy relating to the diabetic foot.
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