Job summary
Are you passionate about helping people with chronicrespiratory conditions live more active, independent, and fulfilling lives? Weare delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our friendly anddedicated Pulmonary Rehabilitation team at County Durham and Darlington NHSFoundation Trust (CDDFT) as a Physiotherapy Assistant.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service is part of theCommunity Care Group and is committed to delivering high-quality,evidence-based rehabilitation programmes to patients across County Durham andDarlington. Our aim is to support patients in managing their respiratoryconditions such as COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis, enhancing theirquality of life and promoting self-management through tailored exercise andeducation.
This is a permanent position with part time hours. It ispredominantly based at Bishop Auckland Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospitaland Sedgefield Community Hospital however the post is trust wide and you willbe required to cover all sites when necessary.
Main duties of the job
The role is designed to support the delivery of acomprehensive, community-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) exercise programmespecifically tailored for individuals living with Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease (COPD) and other long-term respiratory conditions.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a cornerstone of best practicein the management of chronic respiratory disease. It is a structured,evidence-based intervention that combines individually prescribed exercise witheducation and self-management support. This role plays a vital part inpromoting pulmonary rehabilitation as an essential, accessible, andlife-enhancing service within the community.
The primary aim of the service is to empowerpatients to take control of their condition through increased understanding,physical conditioning, and improved confidence. The successful candidate willcontribute to programmes that help reduce symptoms such as breathlessness,improve functional and maximal exercise capacity, and enhance health-relatedquality of life. By actively supporting patients in their rehabilitationjourney, the role also contributes to reducing the burden of disability and preventinghospital admissions.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce
ALL
certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances ofsuccess
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two yearsof experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to considersponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria andhave a current visa expiring within 3 months)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description for furtherdetails.
As a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Assistant, yourrole will involve supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered careacross a range of community settings. You will work closely with qualifiedphysiotherapists and members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure the smoothand effective running of the programme.
Key Responsibilities:
Assisting physiotherapists with the assessment ofpatients suitability for pulmonary rehabilitation, including gatheringbaseline data and health information.
Performing objective assessments such as incrementalshuttle walk tests (ISWT), strength testing, and other outcome measures toinform clinical decision-making.
Supporting the delivery of both individual and group-basedexercise sessions, delivered face-to-face and non face-to-face (tel calls).
Contributing to the educational component of the programmeby delivering or supporting sessions on topics such as breathlessnessmanagement, pacing, and self-management strategies.
Assisting with the collection and input of service datafor the National Respiratory Audit Programme (NRAP) and other clinical auditsto support service improvement and evaluation.
Undertaking administrative tasks such as ordering equipment,booking patient appointments, generating and sending appointment letters, andprocessing onward referrals.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Primary andSecondary Care respiratory teams, fostering excellent communication and professionalrelationships to ensure integrated care.
Desirable Criteria:
Confident in using IT systems; experience with SystmOnewould be an advantage.
Previous experience in delivering or supportingrehabilitation or exercise-based programmes within a community or healthcaresetting.
Essential Requirements:
You must be a car owner with a valid drivinglicence and be willing to travel between multiple sites during the working day.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description for furtherdetails.
As a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Assistant, yourrole will involve supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered careacross a range of community settings. You will work closely with qualifiedphysiotherapists and members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure the smoothand effective running of the programme.
Key Responsibilities:
Assisting physiotherapists with the assessment ofpatients suitability for pulmonary rehabilitation, including gatheringbaseline data and health information.
Performing objective assessments such as incrementalshuttle walk tests (ISWT), strength testing, and other outcome measures toinform clinical decision-making.
Supporting the delivery of both individual and group-basedexercise sessions, delivered face-to-face and non face-to-face (tel calls).
Contributing to the educational component of the programmeby delivering or supporting sessions on topics such as breathlessnessmanagement, pacing, and self-management strategies.
Assisting with the collection and input of service datafor the National Respiratory Audit Programme (NRAP) and other clinical auditsto support service improvement and evaluation.
Undertaking administrative tasks such as ordering equipment,booking patient appointments, generating and sending appointment letters, andprocessing onward referrals.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Primary andSecondary Care respiratory teams, fostering excellent communication and professionalrelationships to ensure integrated care.
Desirable Criteria:
Confident in using IT systems; experience with SystmOnewould be an advantage.
Previous experience in delivering or supportingrehabilitation or exercise-based programmes within a community or healthcaresetting.
Essential Requirements:
You must be a car owner with a valid drivinglicence and be willing to travel between multiple sites during the working day.
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable
Recent or current experience delivering pulmonary rehab in the NHS. Basic competency training in: mobility assessment, objective measures, progression of mobility and exercises, stair assessment, gym classes, & individual exercise programmes. Theoretical and practical training to NVQ III level. Able to use own initiative Qualifications
Essential
Experience of working as a Band 2 therapy assistant or relevant role. Learning to NVQ III level in healthcare related area or equivalent. Desirable
Experience of delivering exercise prescription to adult with long term conditions BTS fundamentals of pulmonary Rehab Special Requirements
Essential
Valid UK driving license and access to a suitably insured vehicle for the purposes of travelling between hospital sites independently Desirable
Ability to meet physical demands of the job Commitment, motivation and adaptability. Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
CPD diary to include evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience. Assistant-level skills within the chosen speciality. Ability to organise and prioritise. Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner. Ability to concentrate frequently throughout the working day. Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day. IT skills Desirable
Advanced IT skills. Experience working with patients with chronic respiratory disease. Experience of using Sys1. Statutory Registration
Essential
No statutory registration required Desirable
Member of the CSP
Person Specification Experience
Desirable
Recent or current experience delivering pulmonary rehab in the NHS. Basic competency training in: mobility assessment, objective measures, progression of mobility and exercises, stair assessment, gym classes, & individual exercise programmes. Theoretical and practical training to NVQ III level. Able to use own initiative Qualifications
Essential
Experience of working as a Band 2 therapy assistant or relevant role. Learning to NVQ III level in healthcare related area or equivalent. Desirable
Experience of delivering exercise prescription to adult with long term conditions BTS fundamentals of pulmonary Rehab Special Requirements
Essential
Valid UK driving license and access to a suitably insured vehicle for the purposes of travelling between hospital sites independently Desirable
Ability to meet physical demands of the job Commitment, motivation and adaptability. Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
CPD diary to include evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience. Assistant-level skills within the chosen speciality. Ability to organise and prioritise. Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner. Ability to concentrate frequently throughout the working day. Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day. IT skills Desirable
Advanced IT skills. Experience working with patients with chronic respiratory disease. Experience of using Sys1. Statutory Registration
Essential
No statutory registration required Desirable
Member of the CSP
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Address
Bishop Auckland General Hospital
Cockton Hill Road
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 6AD
Employer's website