Due to an internal secondment we have an opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Orthoptist to join our dynamic team here at King's College Hospital Denmark Hill. We also provide paediatric services at University Hospital Lewisham. Optical services is a team of 10 orthoptists, 10 optometrists, 4 ACPs, 2 ophthalmic practitioners, an orthoptic assistant and an ECLO. We support all ophthalmic specialities especially ophthalmology, including paediatrics, neuro, emergency, cornea, retina, uveitis, glaucoma and oculo‑plastics services. The team also provides specialist services in trauma, low vision, stroke, contact lens and post‑op cataract. This is a 12 month posting, and we would be keen to receive applications from dedicated orthoptists who are interested in joining our friendly team.
Responsibilities
* Work autonomously as an Orthoptist managing a wide and complex clinical caseload.
* Provide a high quality and comprehensive Orthoptic service.
* Ensure, individually and as part of the team, the effective and efficient running of the Orthoptic and Ophthalmology service.
* Develop extended roles, including intravitreal injecting.
* Deliver teaching and competency based learning programmes for Ophthalmic colleagues and Orthoptic undergraduates.
* Take sole responsibility for orthoptic assessment of your own specific workload, covering a wide, varied, and complex patient group.
* Be responsible for the appropriate onward referral of orthoptic patients and prioritise referrals based on clinical findings and need.
* Conclude an orthoptic diagnosis supported by sound investigative techniques, using problem‑solving and advanced analytical skills.
* Develop treatment plans for individual patients (orthoptic, ophthalmic, optical, and surgical).
* Provide advice and support to patients and relatives regarding visual problems.
* Assess patients pre‑operatively and discuss with the ophthalmologist the need for surgical intervention, timing of surgery, risks and benefits, type of surgery, and alternative treatment options.
* Assess patients post‑operatively and carry out appropriate treatment.
* Assist the ophthalmologist with adjustable suture strabismus surgery within the ward environment.
* Discharge patients or organise appropriate onward referral for their ongoing care.
* Observe safe working practices and equipment procedures that comply with legislative requirements and health and safety regulations.
* Dispense medication using medical exemptions.
* Deal with accidents, untoward occurrences, and complaints according to accepted procedures.
* Ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff and report all outpatient hazards.
* Respect patients’ privacy, dignity, gender, sexuality, and have due regard to patients’ cultural and religious beliefs.
* Write appropriate patient records and hospital case notes.
* Liaise with other multidisciplinary team members to ensure information regarding treatment, outcomes, diagnoses, and discharge summaries are appropriately communicated.
* Liaise with the referrer, on‑call ophthalmologist, or early referral service regarding onward care of the patient.
* Liaise with other departments (including admissions, medical records, and wards), ensuring effective and efficient communication and work practices.
* Work with the community visual impairment team to ensure all patients access appropriate services.
* Deal with patients in a sensitive manner and act with empathy, tact, and understanding, especially with those who have highly complex medical and ophthalmological conditions.
* Be sensitive to patients’ cultural identity and overcome language and other barriers to understanding (e.g., hearing or visual impairment, learning difficulties).
* Actively participate in and positively contribute to departmental meetings, discussing operational aspects of the department and setting agreed standards for orthoptic care.
About the Trust
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of £1‑2 billion (c£1.8 billion), 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its five sites, including specialist services at the King’s College Hospital Denmark Hill site and the Princess Royal University Hospital. The Trust’s strategy, “Strong Roots, Global Reach”, focuses on being bold, brilliant people, outstanding care, leaders in research, innovation and education, and promotes diversity, equality and inclusion. It is committed to sustainable healthcare, setting net‑zero carbon targets for 2040 and 2045, and encouraging staff to reduce environmental impact.
Important Information
* Review the recruitment microsite and the Trust’s criminal records checking policy.
* All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
* Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; the closing date is a guide and the vacancy may close early if you receive a high number of applications.
* You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
* Additional resources: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Annual Reports and Other Corporate Publications; King's Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre; King’s College Hospital is part of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC), a collaboration between King's College London, Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.
#J-18808-Ljbffr