Physiotherapist

JOB SUMMARY To provide physiotherapy assessment, treatment and on-going management to a wide range of patients with a palliative care diagnosis. Working within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to see patients on the inpatient unit, outpatients, day services and in their own homes. This post may require some weekend work to be carried out. ________________________________________________________________ PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To be responsible for the accurate assessment and appropriate treatment of patients across all Hospice services and sites. To maintain high standards of physiotherapy practice and correct medical ethics, behaving in a professional manner at all times, in accordance with CSP and HCPC standards. To keep knowledge up-to-date observing best practice and to be pro-active in developing the service to meet patient and carer needs. To set appropriate goals with patients and their carers for short, medium and long-term achievement and to be prepared to teach patients
simple treatment techniques to be carried out between consultations. To educate carers in the correct physical management of the patient. To liaise as appropriate with GPs, consultants and other relevant professionals. To be proactive in discharge planning, assisting the patient, carers and members of the multi-professional team. To be proactive in providing palliative rehabilitation in various settings - inpatient, day services, out-patient clinics and community visits. To provide instruction and supervision to junior staff, support staff, volunteers and professional students. To maintain safely the equipment within the Hospice, removing and reporting any that is defective. To work closely with the MDT, joint working as necessary. To be actively involved in group work such as exercise classes and symptom support groups. Have an understanding of safeguarding principles and be able to apply these within everyday practice and intervention/within your role. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES To
maintain up to date and comprehensive treatment records using our electronic patient record system. To be responsible for stock control of medical and surgical items or equipment required for treatment, ensuring that orders are placed with the purchasing service in a timely manner. To collect and provide statistical information as required by the Hospice. To prioritise the workload to meet the changing needs of the service and allow time for administration. To attend relevant meetings, providing effective communication to ensure continuity of patient care. To participate in the development of clinical standards and clinical audit, working within the Clinical Governance framework at the Hospice. In conjunction with the Therapy Team Leader, to plan and evaluate physiotherapy services, implementing changes as appropriate, and actively participating in service development projects. This includes taking the lead with service development projects where appropriate.
PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILTIES To recognise indications of staff stress, feeding back to the line manager as appropriate, and facilitating support of other staff. To participate in the recruitment of staff as requested. To supervise and participate in the induction of new staff, as appropriate. To take on a mentor role to new staff, as requested. As requested, to participate in professional placements and lay person visits to the Hospice. To recognise the value of volunteer contribution and play an active part in their support and development where appropriate. EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To maintain awareness of research and relevant findings and in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team, work towards this being applied to practice. To participate in education programmes as required, particularly manual handling. To give feedback from attended education programmes/study days to the multidisciplinary team, actively participating in In-Service Training
within the team. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT To devise with the Therapy Team Leader a personal development plan in line with the Hospice objectives and personal needs. To maintain and increase personal clinical skills. To play an active role in service development where required. ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To work at all times within the policies and guidelines of the Hospice, and act within professional guidelines at all times. To uphold the hospice and individual team values at all times. To ensure effective use of resources. To play an active part in the development and maintenance of good relationships with all who have business with the Hospice. To respect at all times the confidentiality of information covering patients, staff and volunteers. To promote the Hospice philosophy of care towards patients, relatives and visitors. To work on weekends within the MDT community teams, as required. Because of the special nature of the Hospice and its work, the
post holder may on occasion be asked to undertake other duties to help maintain our high standard of care. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT NECESSARILY EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE THERAPY TEAM LEADER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POST HOLDER.