Physiotherapy Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Acute Medicine and Frailty Inpatient Physiotherapy Team at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated, and enthusiastic individual to work alongside the multi-disciplinary team, to assist patients regain and optimise their independence whilst in hospital.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and will build a culture where all employers are valued, respected and acknowledged.

The post holder will be an important member of the team and will work under the supervision and guidance of qualified Physiotherapists during the assessment, treatment and discharge of patients that have been admitted to hospital. We treat patients with a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to orthopaedic, frailty, cognitive, respiratory and neurological presentations.

We are committed to delivering best quality patient care to the communities we serve and strive to promote opportunity for all.

To assist the physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of inpatients across the acute medical, respiratory and frailty wards in order to promote independence with mobility and functional tasks.

Duties will include mobilising patients, practice of activities of daily living and personal care, safety on stairs, teaching of exercises and the issuing of equipment in order to facilitate a safe discharge from hospital.

Physiotherapy assistants are directly supervised by a senior physiotherapy. Once relevant competencies have been achieved you may be required to manage a delegated caseload of patients with non-complex presentation, within clearly defined parameters, without direct supervision and report back to the qualified therapist as necessary.

You must have good interpersonal and communication skills, enjoy working as part of a team, be able to take responsibility for new skills learned and be able to complete manual handling tasks. Experience of working in the caring profession and as part of a multi-disciplinary team is an advantage.

Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

**Improving lives**: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. 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.

**Build a career with us**: 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.

Provide support to the team with administration, clerical and housekeeping duties

Assist the therapists in the assessment and treatment of patients with physical and/or cognitive impairments.

Deliver treatment plans devised by physiotherapists to promote independence and recovery.

Instruct patients in the use of walking aids and provide advice to patients and carers regarding safety issues associated with walking aids according to UHS protocols.

Liaise with patients, families, carers, outside agencies etc. to optimise patient care and discharge planning

Attend staff meetings and in-service training sessions,.

Actively promote and develop equality and diversity practices and promote equity of access of care for patients.

The post would include participation in an Orthopaedic Weekend Rota following completion of appropriate training.

Please refer to the job description and person specification attached, and ensure you meet the essential criteria before applying.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tel 01444 441881 bleep 6233