Band 6 Clinical Podiatrist

Milton Keynes Podiatry Service is seeking an enthusiastic, HCPC-registered Podiatrist to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care across community and, where required, acute settings.

Our service manages a large high-risk caseload across Milton Keynes and provides podiatry input to the Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital. You will work alongside Podiatrists and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, patient-centred care. Strong communication and multidisciplinary working skills are essential.

This is a Band 6 Clinical Podiatrist post. We welcome applications from newly qualified Podiatrists who can demonstrate relevant clinical knowledge, skills and potential to develop within the role. Extensive community experience is not essential, but an understanding of autonomous practice in community settings is important.

You will join a supportive team with opportunities for professional development to further strengthen your clinical skills and confidence.

CNWL values inclusion and work-life balance. We welcome applications from those seeking flexible working arrangements, including to accommodate childcare, caring responsibilities or other commitments. Options will be explored alongside service needs.

To be part of a highly motivated team. Working independently in a variety of community, domiciliary settings, providing a high standard of care.

To assess, diagnose, develop and implement individualised care plans for patients with a wide variety of clinical needs, including acute, chronic neuropathies, chronic diseases, vascular problems and wound management.

The post holder will be expected to plan and manage their own cases, which will include providing specialist care for patients with Diabetes, Rheumatology, Peripheral Vascular Disease and Biomechanical problems, following clinical pathways and sign posting to appropriate onward referrals.

CNWL is recognised locally and nationally for providing high quality and innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best health care professionals with our teams, frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy development.

In return for your commitment to the Milton Keynes Podiatry service, you will receive all of the support and development you need to consolidate your knowledge and skills which will prepare you for professional progression within the Podiatry profession.

CNWL provides a robust preceptorship program that focuses on progression and development of skills which includes regular supervision and a first-class learning experience in all aspects of community podiatry. Our experienced Podiatrists will be available to guide and support all new starters within the Podiatry service to ensure you feel supported and you have an enhanced learning and development experience

1. To be responsible/accountable for the assessment diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of Podiatric care to a variety of patients with a wide range of clinical needs:

2. This includes: patients with medical condition that affect the feet such as patients with Diabetes at different risk categories, Chronic Neuropathy; Chronic diseases including; e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis; Vascular problems, Terminally ill patients and patients with Physically/Mental Health/Learning Difficulties.

3. To be responsible for the assessment of new patients with subsequent development of individual care packages and provision of the appropriate footcare education advice to patients

4. To be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of Podiatric Care to a variety of patients with a wide and high range of clinical needs including: Biomechanical conditions

Diabetes

Chronic neuropathy

Connective tissue disorders

Nail surgery

Vascular Problems

Wound management/ tissue viability

Mental Health issues

Vulnerable patients

5. Able to carry out a foot ulcer risk assessment and ulcer management, including the identification of vascular insufficiency, neurological deficit, significant foot deformity, trauma or increased foot pressures.

6. Understanding of the wound healing process and its potential complications and carryout sharp debridement wounds, wound bed management and use of appropriate dressing. Recognise sign and symptoms of wound infection and manage appropriately. To recognises the need, and refers the patient, for advanced management.

7. To preform basic biomechanical examination, produce temporary insoles and refer appropriately.

8. To perform comprehensive assessment of the diabetic/high risk foot including: providing a

full annual review assessment to including sensory, vascular analysis (ABPI/ Toe BPI's as required).

9. To Understand an refer appropriately for investigations as required e.g. microbiology, radiology

10. To use the decision-making process to identify when patients require the intervention of other professional and/or departmental specialist areas by following agreed departmental referral pathways e.g. acute wound care/biomechanics.

11. To participate/carry out nail surgery.

12. To be actively involved in the provision of Foot Health Education advice to patients, relatives and carers

13. Care will be provided mainly in a range of primary care settings, involving working on your own in community clinics, patients' homes, ward rounds, hospital setting and residential homes for the elderly.

14. To have the capability to move and handle patients who may be immobile, wheelchair or bed-bound often in confined spaces.

15. To have highly developed physical skills, precision hand/eye co-ordination which involves highly skilled debridement techniques of acute/chronic, neuropathic and ischaemic wounds, often for long periods.

16. To follow departmental Policies Procedures and Guidelines but have the discretion to make own clinical diagnosis and decisions within professional boundaries.

17. To undertake other work or duties across the whole service, as directed by the Team Leaders.

18. To actively be involved in support student/ apprentice training and staff from other disciplines.

19. To support Footcare Assistants and band 5 Staff.

20. To be flexible and provide cover for other Podiatrists at short notice or during periods of absence.

21. To implement in day to day work Trust values in delivery care to the Trust diverse population.