Overview
Thames Hospice is an independent adult hospice with a 28‑bed facility at Bray Lake, Maidenhead. We provide comprehensive palliative and rehabilitative physiotherapy across inpatient, day therapies and community services to support patients and their families.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a dynamic, compassionate, and motivated Bank Physiotherapist to join our multidisciplinary team. You will deliver high‑quality, patient‑centred physiotherapy, collaborating with clinicians, volunteers, and families to maintain mobility, independence, symptom management and quality of life for patients with advanced and progressive conditions.
Job responsibilities
To undertake comprehensive assessments of patients in conjunction with other members of the multidisciplinary team, agreeing a care plan and goals intended to bring about effective, measurable outcomes.
To manage, improve and develop the physiotherapy services provided by the hospice, including services for patients with complex needs, long‑term conditions, and those requiring respite and rehabilitation.
Actively promote the rehabilitative and therapeutic approach to physiotherapy in specialist palliative care.
Ensure patients, families and healthcare professionals have appropriate links to the service, ensuring continuity of advice and intervention through effective teamwork.
Regularly attend the multidisciplinary team meetings, proactively discussing patients and ensuring the most appropriate plans of action are in place for individuals.
Participate in the full range of services and time‑specified therapeutic patient and carer programmes, coordinating this with other elements of clinical work.
Carry out individual care risk assessments to provide appropriate care, which may include palliative or passive exercise, falls prevention and independent living advice.
Assess clinical and non‑clinical risk while working as a practitioner and communicate risks to colleagues.
Plan and discharge patients when identified goals have been met or when disease progression is stable, in line with the organisation’s service criteria.
When required undertake home assessment visits and liaise with community service colleagues.
Maintain accurate healthcare records, written and computer‑based, in line with Thames Hospice organisational policy and professional requirements.
Proactively collaborate with a wide range of community and hospital‑based health and social care providers in the best interests of patients and families.
Lead and provide moving and handling training for staff and volunteers, with the support of staff trainers.
Aid and advise other staff and relatives regarding physiotherapy techniques and equipment to facilitate continuity of care over the weekend and on discharge.
Be responsible for the safe use and storage of equipment relevant to your role, working with the hospice team to resolve any issues.
Provide aids and equipment for patient needs and give clear instructions as to its safe and correct use.
Advise staff on moving and handling patients and undertake a moving and handling assessment in conjunction with the Day Therapies Team Leader and Sisters on IPU.
Promote the organisation’s work in all settings, encouraging collaborative working and referral of appropriate patients with all diagnoses.
Provide clear explanations and education as appropriate to ensure that patients and families have the information they require timely.
Identify and report verbal complaints, accidents and incidents in line with the organisation’s policies.
Participate in the appraisal process, attend all mandatory training and development, and actively engage in the development, review and audit of quality standards and continuous improvement.
Proactively carry out and record hoist and equipment safety checks for safe use, and order relevant equipment in a timely manner.
Participate in induction and teaching opportunities for visiting students and professional colleagues.
Undertake other duties commensurate with this role.
Professional competence
Keep up to date with current legislation, professional practice issues and relevant developments in specialist palliative care, and the implications these may have for the physiotherapy service.
Attend where possible national and regional physiotherapy meetings and events, sharing information and utilising the network of professional support.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Recognised Diploma/Degree in Physiotherapy
* Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council as a physiotherapist
* Evidence of ongoing professional development and willingness to undertake further training
* Specialist qualification in cancer/palliative care
* Evidence of caring for people with palliative care needs
* Enhanced communication skills training
Experience
* Experience of managing palliative care/cancer patients
* Experience in respiratory physiotherapy
* Experience across a range of clinical areas (respiratory, oncology, neurology, elderly care, and rehabilitation)
* Experience in delivering breathlessness management support
* Experience of working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
* Experience of lone working
* Experience of organising equipment for patient enablement
* Experience of leadership and developing care pathways
* Experience of working in the community
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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