Upper Limb Extended Scope Practitioner

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Upper Limb Extended Scope Practitioner in the NMSK division at Southmead Hospital. This is a full time, fixed term (12 months), Band 8A Clinical Lead role.
We are seeking a highly experienced upper limb ESP physiotherapist who ideally is already well established in this role and has previously worked alongside orthopaedic surgeons as the first point of contact managing elective orthopaedic patients in secondary care through to discharge or referring on as appropriate.
Applicants will have detailed knowledge of indications for further tests and investigations to facilitate diagnosis of patients presenting in orthopaedic clinics with upper limb pain, and will have a proven record of working as an autonomous practitioner at ESP level with this case-type.
You will need to have excellent assessment skills for all MSK conditions and especially be able to demonstrate a highly advanced level of assessment and management of upper limb conditions and differential diagnosis, including knowledge of non-surgical and surgical management options.
You will also be responsible for managing the clinical ESP service as one of the clinical leads including triage, coordinating onward referrals and patient care. You will have clinical support from attendance to complex upper limb MDT's weekly, ESP peer support for case discussions and management., To work in an extended role beyond the usual physiotherapy scope of practice. This involves the clinical management of patients with complex upper limb problems referred for a hospital outpatient opinion.
As an autonomous physiotherapy practitioner to be responsible for the examination, assessment and further management of patients designated by a Consultant orthopaedic Surgeon within an outpatient setting.
Complex patient management includes listing for surgery, referring patient
for further tests/investigations (e.g. blood, x-rays, scans, etc), to other healthcare professionals.
To liaise and work closely with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons and with other healthcare professionals, referring General Practitioners and Speciality and Divisional leads.
To communicate effectively with patients and carers, explaining complex information such as diagnosis, disease progression, prognosis and treatment/management options.

Working for our organisation

• Working with distressed, anxious and aggressive patients and relatives on a daily basis.


• Frequently imparting unwelcome news to patients and carers relating to patients condition and outcome of any interventions.


• Working with patients with severe physical disability, cognitive impairment and communication problems on a daily basis.


• To be able to concentrate for long periods of time throughout the day but deal with repeated and varied interruptions.


• To carry out physical assessments of patients on a daily basis with moderate physical effort
  
  If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.
If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel .
North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT's workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.