We have an exciting opportunity for a part‑time Respiratory Physiotherapist to join our Community Respiratory Service.
The post holder will work within a multidisciplinary community team to provide specialist assessment, treatment and management for patients with chronic respiratory disease. The role includes undertaking comprehensive new patient assessments, delivering pulmonary rehabilitation, and providing education and support in airway clearance techniques and breathlessness management to enable patients to better manage their condition.
You will work with patients with a range of respiratory conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Bronchiectasis, Interstitial Lung Disease and Asthma, delivering a holistic and patient‑centred approach to care.
Service aims
* Maintain or improve respiratory symptoms
* Support effective airway clearance and breathlessness management strategies
* Promote patient education and self‑management
* Reduce exacerbations and avoidable hospital admissions
* Improve functional ability and exercise tolerance through rehabilitation and activity
* Enhance patients’ overall health and quality of life
You will be part of the High Weald, Lewes and Havens Community Respiratory Team, delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care to individuals living with chronic respiratory disease in the community.
Following comprehensive assessment, you will provide specialist exercise therapy, education and self‑management support to patients referred to the Community Respiratory Service, including those participating in pulmonary rehabilitation programmes. The role focuses on empowering patients to improve their physical function, manage breathlessness effectively, and optimise their long‑term respiratory health.
In addition to your clinical role, you will contribute to the supervision and development of junior staff and undergraduate students on placement, supporting learning within the team and helping to maintain high standards of practice. You will also play an active role in clinical audit, quality improvement and service development, helping to shape and enhance the delivery of community respiratory care.
Following appropriate training, you will undertake oxygen assessments and prescribing, ensuring this is delivered in line with current clinical guidelines and local pathways.
Benefits
* Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
* Varied environments: community hospitals, patients’ homes, and bases across Sussex
* Flexible working options: part‑time, flexi‑time, annualised hours, and flexi‑retirement
* Excellent training, development and research opportunities
* Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staff
* Cost‑effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove and Brighton
* Active networks: EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief
* Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.
Clinical Responsibilities
* Deliver high‑quality, patient‑centred respiratory physiotherapy within the High Weald, Lewes and Havens Community Respiratory Service, working both independently and as part of the wider multidisciplinary team.
* Undertake comprehensive and advanced assessments of patients with chronic respiratory conditions, considering complex physical, psychological, cognitive and behavioural needs in order to develop and deliver effective exercise therapy and rehabilitation programmes.
* Provide evidence‑based interventions including pulmonary rehabilitation, airway clearance techniques, breathlessness management strategies and exercise prescription, supporting patients to optimise their respiratory health and functional ability.
* Ensure the safe and effective assessment and treatment of patients in line with national guidelines, local policies and professional standards.
* Carry out exercise testing and assessment, including those required to help determine oxygen requirements during exertion, in accordance with clinical pathways and training.
* Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, wider healthcare professionals, patients, carers and community stakeholders to ensure coordinated and effective care.
* Maintain clear, accurate and timely patient records in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and legal requirements.
* Liaise regularly with the Clinical Specialist / Team Lead regarding patient progress, treatment planning and ongoing management to ensure high‑quality continuity of care.
* Contribute to service evaluation, clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives to support the ongoing development of the Community Respiratory Service.
Professional Responsibilities and Leadership
* Support the supervision, mentorship and development of junior staff and students on placement, contributing to a positive learning environment.
* Assist in the delivery of team training and education programmes, sharing specialist respiratory knowledge and best practice.
* Maintain and develop professional knowledge and skills through continuing professional development (CPD) and engagement with relevant training opportunities.
* Attend appropriate training courses, study days and professional development activities, as agreed through appraisal and personal development planning.
* Identify and escape service delivery issues or clinical risks to the Clinical Specialist or Team Lead in a timely manner.
* Actively participate in clinical audit, quality improvement and service development, supporting innovation and the continuous improvement of patient care.
#J-18808-Ljbffr