Camden High Risk Podiatrist
An opportunity has arisen for FTC 11 months maternity cover for specialist/community podiatric care for patients including wound and high risk patients.
Job Overview
The position requires extensive knowledge, clinical skills and experience at a Band 7 level in the field of diabetes, vascular complications of the foot and lower limb and wound care. The post holder will provide and be responsible for comprehensive care of patients with complex high-risk foot problems, working with multidisciplinary teams in community settings and within secondary care.
The post holder will support community staff in the management of complex foot conditions, support education of staff, students and apprentices, and line‑manage and supervise Community Podiatrists, delivering regular supervision and carrying out operational duties.
Main Duties of the Job
Provide specialist footcare for patients with complex high-risk foot problems, including diabetic patients with acute and chronic foot wounds, patients with neuropathic and vascular complications, immunosuppressed patients, and those with poor tissue viability or complex mental health issues.
Be clinically accountable and responsible for the treatment of the high-risk caseload, working autonomously and as part of the multidisciplinary team, accepting emergency referrals from GPs, community podiatrists and other health professionals, and providing responsive specialist care.
Serve as an educational resource, up‑skilling clinical and care staff working with diabetic care, and as a patient educator.
Working for Our Organisation
We’re passionate about delivering first‑class patient‑centred, safe and effective care in hospitals, community clinics, or patients’ homes. We recruit outstanding people who support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust.
Successful applicants may have contact with patients or service users and are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated for protection of themselves, colleagues and patients.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
* Work in accordance with the College of Podiatry and HCPC Code of Professional Conduct, including the scope of practice.
* Assess, manage and treat a high-risk complex caseload consisting of patients with acute and chronic diabetic foot problems, pre‑ and post-operative amputations, and acute and chronic neuropathic or vascular foot/lower limb problems.
* Use clinical reasoning skills in assessment, diagnosis and formulation of treatment plans for patients with various high-risk foot problems and other medical conditions.
* Provide podiatry care, including wound care, for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
* Devise and execute treatment plans while coping with unpredictable work patterns in acute wound care clinics.
* Recognise when diagnostic investigations are required, request them and make onward referrals as needed.
* Interpret results of investigations such as microbiology, X-ray, and scans, and respond appropriately.
* Apply highly developed physical skills and precision hand/eye coordination for debridement of acute, chronic, neuropathic and ischaemic wounds, often for prolonged periods.
* Develop and contribute to the care and management of complex wounds and lower limb complications.
* Apply and practice principles of wound management.
* Have advanced knowledge of dressing agents, their mechanisms of action and appropriate indications.
* Possess a good working knowledge of biomechanics and its role in wound and basic musculoskeletal care.
* Take the clinical diabetes/high-risk foot specialist role within the multidisciplinary diabetes foot team.
* Promote multidisciplinary team working.
* Deliver diabetes and high-risk foot care within community, specialist clinics, secondary care, wards and in patient/nursing/residential homes, based on agreed referral criteria and ensuring patients are not placed at risk.
* Take direct referrals from GPs, community podiatrists and community nurses in hospital settings, providing rapid access and expert clinical advice and intervention based on agreed criteria.
* Line‑manage staff, providing regular supervision and being available when needed.
* Take an active role in the education of staff, students and apprentices.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Essential: HCPC Registration, Diploma/BSc (Hons) in Podiatry, Certificate in local anaesthesia.
* Desirable: Clinical masters degree, IRMER Course, Woundcare Course, Independent Prescriber status.
Skills & Knowledge
* Extensive knowledge of diabetes and vascular complications in podiatric care.
* Sound knowledge and experience in wound care, including treatment modalities and biomechanics.
* Demonstrate current clinical knowledge regarding evidence‑based best practices.
* Knowledge of appropriate investigations for high-risk foot treatment.
* Experience in foot health education and promotion of high-risk foot care.
* Knowledge of national policy regarding the diabetic foot.
* Effective organisational skills.
* Knowledge of issues involving a diverse population.
Experience
* Essential: Extensive postgraduate experience in the NHS working with high-risk diabetic feet podiatry; education of healthcare professionals; multi‑disciplinary working; working across primary and secondary care; line-management experience; wide range of clinical experience, including complex wound care with emphasis on diabetes/vascular complications.
* Desirable: Experience delivering patient education packages; involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate training; CPD in leadership and management.
Key Skills/Abilities
* Excellent communication, IT, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to prioritise and plan workload to meet deadlines and competing demands, demonstrating flexibility.
* Involvement in regular audit or research & development.
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