Role Overview
The Specialist Physiotherapist is a full‑time, permanent position at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook. The role delivers high‑quality physiotherapy to patients with life‑limiting illness across the inpatient unit, Living Well Centre, outpatient services and community interfaces, supporting functional independence, quality of life and holistic care.
Responsibilities
- Undertake holistic physiotherapy assessment and treatment as an autonomous practitioner for patients with complex palliative care needs.
- Provide physiotherapy interventions across the inpatient unit, Living Well Centre, outpatients, and community settings.
- Use advanced clinical reasoning, analytical skills and appropriate outcome measures to guide intervention.
- Tailor assessment and treatment to individual patient needs, preferences and goals.
- Maintain focus on optimising functional ability, comfort and independence.
- Continuously reassess and adapt physiotherapy input as patient conditions change.
- Provide expert advice to the multidisciplinary team on managing functional ability, mobility, breathlessness, fatigue and postural care.
- Provide planned and spontaneous teaching to patients, families and carers to promote understanding of physiotherapy aims and safe use of equipment.
Equipment Responsibilities
- Assess, recommend and order equipment required to support patient care, including mobility aids, specialist seating, hoists, slings, wheelchairs and pressure‑relieving devices.
- Ensure timely coordination of equipment delivery, installation, maintenance and collection in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist.
- Ensure all equipment is safe, appropriate, risk‑assessed and compliant with manual handling and hospice policies.
- Provide training to staff, patients and families on safe and effective use of equipment where required.
- Report hazards, defects or equipment requiring repair through appropriate channels.
Communication
- Communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and families in emotionally challenging circumstances.
- Initiate and maintain effective communication with therapy colleagues and the wider MDT.
- Support patients and families to engage in therapeutic interventions.
- Liaise with carers, external agencies and community services to ensure continuity of care and safe discharge planning.
- Participate in MDT meetings, case discussions and family meetings as required.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain and develop knowledge of evidence‑based physiotherapy practice in palliative and end‑of‑life care.
- Participate in regular supervision and clinical supervision.
- Supervise junior staff, assistants and students as required.
- Contribute to in‑service training and education for colleagues and the wider MDT.
Qualifications and Experience
- State‑registered Physiotherapist with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
- Member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care.
- Experience in specialist palliative care and oncology settings.
- Completed training in communication skills.
- Experience working in a hospice setting.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
