Overview
We are an ambitious organisation providing specialist palliative care services, free of charge, to patients and families across a wide area. Nightingale House Hospice relies on community support and volunteers, with NHS pension transferable.
We are looking for an experienced physiotherapist to support the continued development of our rehabilitation services, with opportunities to gain experience in hydrotherapy. You will become part of a specialist multi-disciplinary team working across in-patient, day unit and out-patient services.
Responsibilities
* Provide specialist physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to patients, including those with complex needs, as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
* Assess and evaluate individual patient needs and implement plans in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team.
* Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records in line with professional and local guidelines; obtain and document informed consent where appropriate.
* Maintain a clinical caseload for physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and related specialist treatments; ensure holistic needs are assessed to the required level.
* Act as a resource for hospice staff and other health professionals by offering specialist knowledge and skills.
* Deputise for the Rehabilitation Team Leader in operational management of the department; assist in development, co-ordination and delivery of the physiotherapy service in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Team Leader.
* Supervise and mentor the Technical Instructor, Physiotherapy Assistant, Volunteers and Students.
* Participate in department and hospice research and audit; lead manual handling training and updates for clinical staff with a core hospice team.
* Provide moving and handling assessments for patients with complex mobility needs and advise carers accordingly.
* Access support and supervision from the Rehabilitation Team Leader or other relevant health professionals as required; maintain Continuing Professional Development as required by the regulating body.
Management and Governance
* Ensure safe operation and management of the hydrotherapy pool in line with policy; prioritise and allocate daily workload in conjunction with the team leader.
* Delegate to and supervise the Technical Instructor, assistants and volunteers; manage sickness/absence in line with hospice policy.
* Facilitate communication between the physiotherapy team and other hospice staff; promote collaboration with medical, nursing, therapy colleagues and families.
* Engage with local and national clinical groups; contribute to development and review of clinical guidelines, policies and procedures; collect data for regional and national statistics.
* Maintain clinical governance standards, including risk management, service user participation, audit and research; support quality assurance activities to maintain high standards of care.
Education, Development, and Audit
* Develop and deliver education and training on the role of physiotherapy in specialist palliative care; ensure mandatory training and continuing professional development for self and colleagues.
* Mentor and supervise physiotherapy students as appropriate; promote evidence-based practice.
* Undertake surveys or audits relevant to own work; participate in hospice clinical audit or research; present findings to professional groups as appropriate.
Requirements
* Essential: Diploma/BSc Physiotherapy; state registration; current registration with professional body; 3 years post-registration experience in a variety of settings; supervisory experience; experience in palliative care or oncology.
* Desirable: hydrotherapy experience; palliative care experience; ward work; specialist qualification in cancer/palliative care; hydrotherapy/TENS/acupuncture training.
* Skills: autonomous practitioner; ability to work in a multi-professional team; good communication; physically fit; well-organised; ability to work under pressure; basic keyboard skills; knowledge of physiotherapy modalities; empathetic; flexible; willingness to undertake training to improve knowledge and skills; ability to evaluate and audit practice and influence change.
Other
* UK registration required; DBS disclosure checks will apply as part of the role.
* This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and DBS checks; applicants must have current UK professional registration.
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