Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Acute Medical/Respiratory Physiotherapy Team at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated, and enthusiastic individual to work as part of the multi-disciplinary team, to assist patients regain and optimise their independence whilst in hospital.
The post holder will be an important member of the multidisciplinary team providing assistance in the assessment, treatment and discharge of acutely unwell medical/respiratory patients that have been admitted to hospital, including ICU. We treat patients with a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to, orthopaedic, frailty, cognitive, respiratory and neurological presentations.
We have one permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week) post available, covering Monday - Friday. Established experience working at Band 6/senior Band 5 level is an essential prerequisite to applying for the role.
Main duties of the job
The role requires the successful candidate to work as part of the multidisciplinary team to manage a designated caseload of patients, that have been admitted to the acute medical wards, ICU and respiratory out-patients (chest clearance, Breathing Pattern Dysfunction).
You will work within a team of physiotherapists & support staff and assist the Band 7 in the management and supervision of team members and students.
The post holder will be required to evaluate patients progress and use own judgement to make amendments to the treatment programme within their scope of practice, maintain appropriate records, and accept accountability and responsibility for their own actions.
You will have the opportunity to engage in service development. The post holder will also assist with supporting the On-Call rota through the training of physiotherapy staff to ensure they maintain their respiratory competence.
To undertake administrative and some housekeeping duties to support the therapy service.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Duties will include to work as part of a team covering acute medical/respiratory wards, ITU/HDU & respiratory outpatient services.
To be able to lead the team in the absence of the band 7.
To be able to manage the acutely deteriorating and unwell respiratory patients on the ward/ICU/ED and provide education to patients and relatives on the management of chronic respiratory conditions, including chest clearance, pacing, positioning, lifestyle adjustments.
To be involved in assessment of patient mobility, practice of activities of daily living and personal care, assess safety on stairs, teaching of exercises and the issuing of equipment, liaison with the wider MDT in order to facilitate a safe discharge from hospital
Make appropriate discharge plans in conjunction with the patient, relatives, and the multidisciplinary team and make relevant onward referrals.
Other non-clinical tasks as deemed necessary by clinical lead physiotherapist.
The post would include participation in the Respiratory Weekend Rota and in future 7-day service provision if applicable.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Person specification
Professional
Essential criteria
1. Degree or equivalent in Physiotherapy
2. HCPC Registered
Desirable criteria
3. Member of Respiratory Specialist Interest Group
4. Evidence of post-graduate study/training in respiratory physiotherapy
Clinical Experience
Essential criteria
5. Evidence of experience on acute medical and respiratory wards
6. Evidence of managing acutely deteriorating respiratory patients
7. At least one acute respiratory rotation at Band 6 or senior Band 5 level
8. Evidence of managing a caseload on ICU
9. Member of respiratory on-call rota
Desirable criteria
10. Experience of treating respiratory outpatients
Leadership
Essential criteria
11. Evidence of supervising less-experienced staff
Desirable criteria
12. Evidence of leading an appraisal
13. Evidence of supporting physiotherapy undergraduates
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Evidence of working with people with communication difficulties
15. Evidence of effective multi-disciplinary working
16. Evidence of effectively prioritising a caseload
17. Evidence of using a variety of manual handling equipment
18. Basic IT skills including Microsoft software
Desirable criteria
19. Experience at delivering a presentation or teaching
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
21. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications