Orthoptist

We are seeking an enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our friendly team at a split site department with 8 orthoptists, 10 ophthalmologists, optometrists, nursing staff and technicians based at the recently built Eye Centre at Southlands Hospital which is part of University Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, with opportunity to work at some clinics at St Richards in Chichester.

The post is full time, but part time hours would be considered as well as flexible hours such as a 9 day fortnight.

New Orthoptists will be supported by an experienced team and taken through the BIOS preceptorship pathway and will be eligible to join the Trust Allied Health Professions (AHP) preceptorship programme. This programme supports AHPs over the course of the first year of employment, providing a model for learning, self-development and reflective practice through regular multi-disciplinary learning opportunities and peer support.

We have close links with St Richards Hospital in Chichester, being part of the same trust and are developing links with Brighton. We meet across sites with St Richards for monthly journal clubs and CPD opportunities.

Southlands Hospital is on the coast offering easy access to sailing and water activities for those interested. It is also easy to get to the South Downs for walking and cycling. London and Brighton are short train journeys away.

The caseload is varied and provides an interesting mix of paediatric and adult patients. The Orthoptic service receives referrals from GPs, school nurses and health visitors as well as stroke, MFU, neurology, paediatrics / CDC and the main eye clinic.

As well as consolidating general Orthoptic practice there are opportunities to train in extended roles such as glaucoma, using the OPT framework.

We are fortunate to have one dedicated session per week where you will participate in the educational activities and meetings run by Orthoptists and wider eye clinic team. This includes regular clinical departmental teaching and teaching of other health care professionals, medical undergraduates and junior doctors. We are also an accredited site for Orthoptic students.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Main

**Responsibilities**:
Communication

To communicate effectively with patients, parents and carers, and those with learning difficulties and non-English speaking, gaining informed consent for treatment plans. This may include the communication of highly sensitive information and advice on distressing conditions.

To keep and maintain appropriate patient records.

To discuss management options with the Ophthalmologist and other members of the department as required in a professional manner.

To utilise other means of communication such as Microsoft Teams meetings, telephone or video consultations as appropriate.

Communicate results of consultations to GPs and other referrers as necessary.

Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients, carers and healthcare professionals to ensure understanding of complex issues.

Utilise the interpreting service for patients with language barrier.

Attend departmental meetings for the Orthoptic and Ophthalmology department, communicating effectively and developing positive working relationships with other team members.

Service Delivery and Improvement

To be aware of and follow departmental policies and protocols, giving comments regarding these if needed.

Keep and maintain appropriate records (electronic and paper) at all times ensuring that all paperwork is filed promptly into case-notes or uploaded.

To assist in the collection of and recording outcomes of patients to support service development and clinical audit.

To assist with the updating and development of depa