Physiotherapy Technical Instructor

We have an exciting opportunity for a band 4 technical instructor to join the respiratory physiotherapy team at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, twice rated outstanding by CQC. The post will predominantly support the pulmonary rehabilitation service across Northumberland and North Tyneside. Pulmonary rehabilitation serves to help patients with breathing problems to exercise and learn to help themselves to manage their condition better.

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual, who enjoys working as part of a team. The successful applicant will be required to do a variety of clinical and administrative duties that will require good communication skills, attention to detail and accurate computer and literacy skills. Previous experience of cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, working within a cardiorespiratory inpatient setting, or delivering exercise training sessions is highly desirable.

The successful applicant will support the physiotherapist with functional and quality of life assessments, and support patients through the pulmonary rehabilitation journey. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate knowledge of exercise principles, and impact of medical conditions on ability to exercise. The aim of pulmonary rehabilitation is to educate patients to exercise and develop their knowledge of their lung condition, so excellent communication skills are essential.

The successful applicant will be an integral member of the respiratory physiotherapy team that helps reduce admissions and readmissions to hospital, through encouraging and improving health and well-being, and providing motivational support through exercise and education.

Lead by a clinical specialist, the respiratory physiotherapy team has a strong service development ethos to continually improve the quality of patient care and work towards national guidelines and quality standards. There are strong links with the multidisciplinary team and a robust appraisal system is in place to ensure continuous professional development. There is opportunity to be involved in local and national audits and service development projects.

Main duties of this role will include;
- To work under the supervision of a qualified respiratory physiotherapist to support patient's through the pulmonary rehabilitation journey.
- To assist the physiotherapist in assessing patient's functional ability and quality of life, and progressing exercise ability during group exercise sessions.
- To use a variety of IT systems to organise appointments and transport for patients, order equipment and record accurate clinical and non-clinical data.
- To provide education to patients about ongoing social and physical activities after the pulmonary rehabilitation journey is complete.
- To be responsible for the overall hygiene & maintenance of the pulmonary rehabilitation clinical areas and equipment.