Job Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and dedicated physiotherapist with strong communication and interpersonal skills to join our physiotherapy team. This permanent post offers an exciting opportunity to work as a highly specialist physiotherapist in amputee rehabilitation across two outpatient sites: Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and University Hospital Lewisham (UHL).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The postholder will lead the outpatient amputee rehabilitation service and supervise clinical staff within the service. Responsibilities include:
* Managing a clinical caseload across QEH and UHL, including inpatient support when clinically required.
* Overseeing clinical governance, audit, and training activities within the service.
* Supervising and developing Band 6, Band 5 physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and assistant staff.
* Coordinating audit and training programmes within the pathway.
* Providing leadership in service restructuring and ensuring consistent, high‑quality care.
The role requires dynamic, motivated performance, leadership, effective communication, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure, both independently and as part of a team.
Duties and Responsibilities
1 CLINICAL
1.1 To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of your own work, including patient management.
1.2 To conduct comprehensive, holistic assessments of amputee patients, including those with complex rehabilitation needs.
1.3 To use manual and assessment techniques to provide accurate diagnoses and identify problems.
1.4 To obtain valid informed consent and work within legal frameworks with patients lacking capacity.
1.5 To develop effective treatment plans and goals in collaboration with patients.
1.6 To evaluate progress, re‑assess and modify treatment programmes as required.
1.7 To formulate prognoses and liaise with multidisciplinary teams for discharge planning.
1.8 To ensure safe use of gym, manual handling, and respiratory equipment, and to certify staff competency.
1.9 To communicate effectively with patients during assessment and treatment, using active listening and clear communication.
1.10 To discuss patients' concerns, worries and prognoses with them and their families.
1.11 To assess wound status and decide on appropriate treatment or escalation to Tissue Viability Nurses.
1.12 To advise medical and nursing staff on patients' respiratory conditions when working on acute wards.
1.13 To supervise and delegate to assistant staff and specialist physiotherapists.
1.14 To adhere to Trust, departmental and CSP guidelines, maintaining competence with national and local standards.
1.15 To provide individual patient equipment that supports prosthetic use, such as walking aids, splints or supports.
1.16 To tailor rehabilitation to individual needs, including home visits or community activities.
2 MANAGEMENT
2.1 To maintain accurate record‑keeping systems in accordance with Trust policies for audit and legal purposes.
2.2 To organise, prioritise and plan your caseload to meet service needs.
2.3 To identify and manage clinical risk within your caseload.
2.4 To comply with Trust policies, the Health & Safety at Work Act, and the Data Protection Act; to report complaints, accidents and incidents promptly.
2.5 To be familiar with local fire procedures and Trust emergency protocols.
2.6 To report equipment defects and ensure appropriate action is taken.
2.7 To advise and demonstrate safe manual handling to carers, nursing and other staff.
2.8 To provide training on equipment and condition management for carers and staff.
2.9 To supervise and coordinate daily activities of students, junior staff and assistants.
2.10 To make referrals to other health professionals as needed.
2.11 To participate in managerial matters and attend staff meetings.
2.12 To participate in induction programmes for new staff.
2.13 To undertake additional duties as requested by the Inpatient and Outpatient Physiotherapy Leads.
2.14 To contribute to recruitment processes and interview preparation.
3 EDUCATION AND TRAINING
3.1 To participate in performance reviews and comply with the agreed personal development plan.
3.2 To maintain competence and HCPC registration through CPD activities.
3.3 To supervise and appraise physiotherapists and assistants, reporting performance issues to the Outpatient Physiotherapy Lead.
3.4 To contribute to in‑service education programmes for all physiotherapy staff.
3.5 To attend mandatory and statutory training, and to maintain a portfolio of development.
3.6 To attend Trust in‑house training sessions and external courses as appropriate.
3.7 To contribute to the education of Therapy Assistants when necessary.
3.8 To supervise student physiotherapists and teach physiotherapeutic skills to graduate level.
4 COMMUNICATION
4.1 To participate in staff meetings, ward rounds and multidisciplinary team meetings, providing clinical opinions.
4.2 To maintain strong links with the Outpatient Physiotherapy Lead and other disciplines.
4.3 To provide discharge summaries and patient reports when requested.
4.4 To participate in IT training and use therapy computer software.
4.5 To promote health within the hospital and community.
4.6 To handle verbal and telephone complaints from patients, relatives or carers, ensuring documentation and reporting to Physiotherapy Leads.
5 RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND AUDIT
5.1 To supervise staff undertaking evidence‑based projects and to develop improvements to practice.
5.2 To involve the clinical team in audits ensuring quality standards.
5.3 To stay aware of current research and best evidence relevant to the clinical speciality.
5.4 To lead work‑related research and evaluation projects to develop the service.
5.5 To identify needs and develop the service and policies.
5.6 To collaborate with other Band 7 physiotherapists within the South‑East London amputee pathway.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
* Diploma/Degree in Physiotherapy
* HCPC registration
* Relevant postgraduate courses
* Postgraduate training in Limb Absence Physiotherapy
* Research experience
* Member of Special Interest Group (BACPAR)
* MSc or equivalent experience/qualification
Experience
* Comprehensive postgraduate physiotherapy experience in specialist pathways
* Experience working autonomously and unsupervised
* Experience supervising staff directly accountable to the post holder
* Experience completing audit and evidence‑based projects
* Evidence of participating in in‑service training and evaluation effectiveness of training
* Experience working collaboratively within MDTs
* Previous Band 7 level experience
* Attended external courses relevant to the subject area
* Involvement in research in relevant specialist pathway
* Evidence of leading change management and innovation in clinical practice
* Evidence of presenting to MDT groups, undergraduate and postgraduate staff
Knowledge
* Specialist knowledge of evidence‑based physiotherapy for the designated specialist pathway
* Knowledge of national guidelines and standards pertaining to the specialist pathway and physiotherapy
* Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for physiotherapy
* Awareness of NHS structure, current issues and developments
* Excellent communication skills at all levels, both verbally and written
* Knowledge of the modernisation agenda
* Awareness of Government agenda especially in relation to amputee care
* In‑depth knowledge of limb absence, prosthetic rehabilitation and service developments
* Commitment to the development of physiotherapy and education within the clinical setting
* Experience in a variety of clinical and educational settings
Equal Opportunities Statement
We encourage all suitable candidates to apply, including if you are Black, Asian or other ethnic minorities, live with a disability (visible or not) or are LGBT+. We support a diverse workforce and celebrate inclusion across our teams.
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