Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified physiotherapist to join the Acute Physiotherapy rotation in ELHT, to gain progressive experience across the specialties expected of a senior physiotherapist.
Current rotations include: Acute Medicine, Orthopaedics and Front Door. Other rotational options may be added across the directorate as opportunities arise.
You will take an active involvement in the development of the services which includes development of clinical protocols and guidelines, appraisal, training and development. You will be expected to participate in the supervision of junior physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants and students. Good problem solving skills, time management skills and self motivation are essential. The roles will involve you undertaking work in a 7 day service working within a rolling rota. As part of the weekend service you may be required to support additional areas.
You will be expected to work as part of the emergency on-call respiratory service when you rotate to the acute site
We offer Training, Professional Supervision, PDR and CPD opportunities.
All applicants must be HCPC registered. As this post requires travel across the East Lancashire area for the community rotation the applicant must be able to independently travel.
Main duties of the job
Provide a high standard of specialist physiotherapy input to the designated therapy team. Hours may be required to be worked over 7 days between 08.00am and 08.00pm, depending on service need.
Perform advanced physio therapeutic assessment of patients with diverse presentations and complex physical and psychological conditions, to provide a diagnosis and develop and deliver individualised treatment programme.
Hold responsibility for own caseload and be responsible for a defined area of the service or a particular patient type, working without direct supervision. Supervision takes the form of regular formal training and clinical reasoning sessions, peer review, case conferences. Access to advice and support from a more senior physiotherapist is available if required,
clinical work is not routinely evaluated. In the absence of the senior clinician, supervise, educate and assess the performance of
physiotherapy students; this would be to a graduate standard and involve working with universities to ensure the standard of practice and teaching meets the standards set by the degree level qualification.
Undertake evidence-based audit and contribute to research projects to further own and team’s clinical practice. Make recommendations to clinical lead/manager of service for improvement to practice by the team. Lead the implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute
to service protocols as agreed with the team leader.
Working for our organisation
Established in 2003 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is a large integrated health care organisation providing high quality acute secondary healthcare for the people of East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.
Our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 patients a year from the most serious of emergencies to planned operations and procedures. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work and achievements.
The Therapies and Orthotics directorate is driven by the trusts strategic objectives and values, alongside the new ELHT AHP Strategy and we look for people who are strongly aligned with them.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work, including the management of patients in your care. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi pathologies; use advanced clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques to provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Formulate and deliver an individual physiotherapy treatment programme based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options using clinical assessment, reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment skills e.g. manual physiotherapy techniques,
patient education, exercise classes, and other alternative options.
Take delegated responsibility from the Band 7 therapist for managing patients with particular conditions and be responsible for providing specialist physiotherapy assessment and treatment plans for patients with these conditions. Formulate accurate prognosis and recommend best course of intervention, developing comprehensive discharge plans.
Asses patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. For example, patients may
dysphasic, depressed, deaf, blind or who may be unable to accept diagnosis.
Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if required. Manage clinical risk within own patient caseload.
Work within Trust clinical guidelines and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy guidelines and have a good working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others
quality of practice as appropriate.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Diploma/Degree in Physiotherapy
* Health Professions Council Registration
Desirable criteria
* Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
* Involvement in Special Clinical Interest Group
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience in all core rotations eg, Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Older People, Neurology and musculoskeletal conditions
* Experience of working as part of a physiotherapy team and/or multi-disciplinary team
* Student or physiotherapy assistant supervision
* Contribution to clinical education of less experienced staff or students or assistants
* Experience of working with patients with dementing illness, confused patients and patients with severe physical limitations to mobility/neurological deficit
Skills
Essential criteria
* Able to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner
* Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate
* Ability to cope working in a stressful environment and with emotional or aggressive patients and carers
Desirable criteria
* Competent IT skills