Current jobs related to Orthoptist - Blackpool, Blackpool - Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Job summary

Blackpool Orthoptic Department is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Orthoptist to join the Orthoptic team/ Hospital Eye Service at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

This position would be suitable for a newly qualified Orthoptist looking for experience in many areas of Orthoptics in the Hospital setting, community and schools.

You will assist in the provision of a high quality and comprehensive, Orthoptic service in the ophthalmology department. You will become part of a friendly, well organised, and motivated team consisting of 10 Orthoptists, 2 optometrists and 4 Ophthalmic Technicians.

The trust employs 8 Consultant Ophthalmologists, including one Consultant specialising in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Ocular Motility.

You will need to be a good communicator with excellent people skills. You will encounter patients of all ages with a variety of problems and abilities.

Hours: per week

For further information and/or informal visit please contact Conrad Beacham on or emailB

Main duties of the job

To provide high quality, comprehensive and highly specialised orthoptic services for the Trust within the Ophthalmology directorate and provide the service/support to other directorates as requested.

Undertake specific roles agreed with the Head Orthoptist.

To be involved in managing own clinic workload and support other staff within the department.

To assess, diagnose and manage all cases of ocular motility defects and provide specialist advice to consultants and other health professionals.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty five minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents - it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live . In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

To manage own Orthoptic case load being independently responsible for assessing, planning, and monitoring treatment in a wide range of complex conditions, using evidence-based practice. To provide the orthoptic service as part of a multi-disciplinary team with consultants, optometrists, health visitors and other health professionals. To provide expertise for clinical colleagues from other specialities, such as, maxillo-facial, accident and emergency, neurology, and endocrinology. Use a high level of anatomical and neurological knowledge to formulate accurate diagnoses, prognoses, and multidisciplinary discharge plans as necessary. To perform a comprehensive range of relevant investigative and diagnostic orthoptic procedures including taking a detailed and complete history. To produce individualised treatment plans as an autonomous practitioner using advanced clinical reasoning and clinical experience of a wide range of treatment, for patients of all ages, whether inpatients or outpatients. Communicate effectively using a broad range of verbal and non-verbal communication mechanisms to overcome barriers of understanding with patients, parents, and carers to gain informed consent, and to assess if treatment , amblyopia intervention, is being understood and adhered to. To motivate patients to ensure continued treatment compliance, to modify treatment plans when necessary to achieve the best clinical outcome. To take the lead in arranging for individual patients to discuss the decision and timing of surgery. To undertake pre-operative and postoperative measurements of motility defects and to discuss surgical options and treatment plans with the surgeon. Analyse and discuss post-operative risks with patients, parent/carer, and surgeon. Modify treatment plans post-operatively if required. To assist the surgeon in post-operative adjustable sutures. To have high levels of manual dexterity, speed, and concentration to ensure accurate orthoptic examination results, especially in infants who will be having eye surgery. To have good hand-eye co-ordination and be proficient when using Orthoptic/ophthalmic equipment. Accurately assess patients glasses prescriptions using manual and automated focimeters. To perform Visual Field tests on the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser and interpret the results when required to do so. To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the decision to instil eye drops under patient group directions, for refraction test and diagnostic purposes, and to give advice of side effects. To assess patients with learning disabilities, adapting communication skills and examination technique, where necessary. To take part in the visual and vision screening service offered to children. Accurately diagnose vision problems and make appropriate referrals. To be involved in the triage of new patient referrals prioritising urgent referrals as required and allocating appropriate appointments. Maintain accurate patient records in the patient file or Medisight, recording diagnosis and management plans and provide summary letters to optometrists, G. Ps, or other relevant professionals in a timely manner. To participate in teaching of other health professionals when required.

Managerial:

To be responsible for managing own clinical case load and appropriately deal with any administrative tasks arising from this in a timely manner. To provide administrative and basic managerial duties associated with the day-to-day functioning of the Orthoptic service, particularly in the absence of the Head Orthoptist To be responsible for managing designated community clinics, and to determine and action appropriate outcomes for every child seen, including appointment management and discharge plans. To provide support for SEN Special School Screening as directed by the SEN Lead Orthoptist including associated administrative duties. Ensure effective and efficient use of physical resources, making recommendations regarding equipment and supplies. To ensure clinical equipment and work areas are well maintained, cleaned regularly, and ensure all clinical equipment is stored appropriately. To take part in the appraisal process, and action personal development plans. To demonstrate own clinical practice to other professionals , paediatric SHOs GP trainees and preregistered optometrists. To regularly attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-house training programmes, journal clubs and presentations at other clinical meetings when requested, recording continuing professional development. To keep up to date with research and new developments in Orthoptics to enable best clinical practice. Undertake reflective practice. Regularly participate in clinical and non-clinical audit including the timely submission of monthly statistics related to capacity and demand. Regularly communicate with medical, optometry, nursing, other health professionals and clerical staff to maintain a high level of patient care, especially in cases where the Orthoptic treatment plan requires adaptation. To be involved in the development and instigation of new protocols within the department/directorate and contribute to the planning and development of Orthoptic services. Develop and update relevant patient information including service user feedback. To act as a role model for the department, exhibiting professional behaviour and treating all staff with dignity and respect. Adhere to trust and departmental policies and procedures. To help promote the Orthoptic profession both within the Trust and to external partners. To Maintain own HCPC registration.

Please ensure you have read the attached full Job Description & Person Specification before applying for this role.

Person Specification

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

Degree in Orthoptics or equivalent Registration with Health Professions Council Evidence of Continued Professional Development

Desirable

Full Driving License Access to a car for community clinics

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Ability to work as an autonomous practitioner to assess Orthoptic conditions, establish a diagnosis and formulate treatment plans To have an up to date knowledge of evidence-based practice Clinical experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

A working Knowledge of the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Essential

Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals Effective time management with an ability to prioritise workload Self-motivated Responsible and reliable attitude to work Ability to work under pressure and to be flexible Good attendance record Good manual dexterity to perform accurate Orthoptic examinations Empathetic, kind and respectful

Desirable

Good skills

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