Therapy Assistant, Elective Orthopaedics

This is an exciting time to join Ashford & St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, as we work on the expansion of our theatres at Ashford Hospital, moving towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre.

We are looking for a Therapy Assistant to join our expanding Physiotherapy/ Occupational Therapy team at Ashford Hospital. We treat a variety of orthopaedic conditions such as Total Hip & Knee replacements, Shoulder surgery & Arthroscopic surgery.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated person with physiotherapy or occupational therapy assistant experience wishing to progress their skills, who has good communication skills & the ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team. You’ll assist with exciting developments such as the 24hr total hip arthroplasty pathway, progressing patients’ post-surgery to facilitate a timely discharge & ensure their onward recovery is optimised. Non-clinical duties will include; cleaning / maintenance of therapy equipment/treatment areas, pre-op telephone triage. You’ll be supported to develop your clinical skills via supervision & appraisal. There is a requirement to support weekend and extended day services 8-8pm.

**The main duties of the role include the requirement to**:
To undertake skilled support work to aid the rehabilitation of elective
orthopaedic patients. This will include an initial assessment of patients within set parameters and implementation of rehabilitation programmes in order to facilitate clients reaching their optimum level of independence and social integration.

To work, independently, as part of the orthopaedic team carrying a
delegated caseload, under the guidance and supervision of a qualified
member of staff, within set parameters, providing treatment as monitored by qualified staff.

To be independently responsible for time management, planning and
organisation of daily workloads as delegated by a qualified staff member.

To be responsible for reporting on patient changes/ progress to qualified staff and relevant team members/ professions

To continue professional development including participation in training programmes.

To undertake non-clinical duties related to the treatment and management of patients, i.e. registration of patients on computer, recording contacts, referrals, equipment ordering.

To take part in the orthopaedic weekend service on a rota basis and support late service cover until 8pm on a rota basis

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.

Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.

We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.

This is an exciting time to join our Trust, as we work on the expansion of our theatres at Ashford Hospital and move towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures; with care delivered by dedicated, specialist teams in a modern and well-equipped environment.

We hope to use this centre to create an environment of learning and to facilitate training of the next generation of our skilled NHS workforce. Our plans are ambitious - why not, come and be a part of our journey.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and the essential and desirable criteria for applicants.

**Main Duties**:
To carry out initial assessments (within scope of practice) and therapy regimes following assessment by qualified physiotherapy or occupational therapy staff and to be responsible for the monitoring of these care programmes in order to facilitate clients reaching their optimum level of independence and social integration.

To adapt and progress the rehabilitation of patients within set guidelines including adapting treatments and approaches to take account of changes in the patients’ physical and mental state.

To work with patients individually or in a group in a variety of settings without direct supervision or presence of a qualified therapist.

To assess and supply aids and appliances (e.g. walking aids, ADL equipment) ensuring appropriate sizing and education of client in the correct use of appliance

To participate in the discharge planning process.

To be aware of problems that could affect the patient’s progress and