Therapy Assistant Practitioner

To accept patients delegated by a therapist or identified under a protocol, and carry as own patient caseload. Treat patients according to set treatment protocols, monitoring patient progression, making alterations to patient treatment programmes as required. Work unsupervised reporting back patient progress and informing therapist of any problems. This post holder will be expected to participate in six or seven day working patterns Assist the therapist in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients using a range of physical therapy techniques To manage the treatment and rehabilitation of patients as delegated by the therapist, working without direct supervision and responsible for assessing patient progress and reporting back to therapist and assisting with discharge planning To undertake highly skilled support work e.g.

initial interviews and functional screening To assist / supervise with a Therapist or other Health Care Professional, the moving and handling of complex, high risk patients in preparation for /during treatment sessions according to Patient Risk assessment Instruct patients and carers, providing direction and guidance on the treatment programme and progression and guidance in health promotion Encourage patients and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills Use effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal, to communicate treatment programmes to patients who may have barriers to understanding or communicating, e.g. blind, deaf, dysphasic, or who do not have English as a first language Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings as the therapy representative as delegated by the therapist. Participate in the clinical decision making process at multi-disciplinary meetings Make accurate records of patient contacts undertaken and keep monthly statistics as required in line with Trust and service standards.

To document in MDT records all treatment undertaken, patient progress and treatment plans To liaise with the therapist as necessary regarding patient care, highlighting any variations to expected outcomes from treatment programmes you deliver To liaise with Health and Social Care colleagues to gather /share individual patient information to promote care and discharge planning, and to feedback to the physiotherapists information gathered To attend and actively participate in in-service training as required To attend mandatory training according to trusts schedules To induct newly appointed members of the therapy team into the hospital environment, systems, processes and routines To assess for, measure, issue from stock and teach the safe use of appliances and aids to patients, e.g. mobility aids To work within Risk Assessments for moving and handling of individual patients, reassessing and recording changes, and referring any increased risk back to the therapist Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant team, departmental or other appropriate meetings and comment on recommended changes to clinical care or service provision The job holder must comply with the Medway NHS Foundation Trust Infection Prevention and Control policies at all times and adhere to the Clinical Work Wear policy. In particular hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment. Mandatory training must also be completed and up to date To keep treatment areas tidy, clean therapy equipment regularly and ensure any faulty equipment is removed from service and referred for action Be responsible for the safe use of therapy equipment and aids by patients in your care Manage and prioritise your own patient caseload delegated by the therapist To actively participate in the Trust Appraisal system, identifying personal development needs and plans To monitor and develop own performance aiming to achieve and maintain a high standard Be responsible for administrative arrangements within your team e.g.

room bookings, appointments, onward referrals as delegated by the therapist, maintaining supplies, etc. Deal with queries from patients, carers, doctors and other MDT members post discharge about follow-up therapy arrangements Be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of work and implement any policies which may be required to maintain and improve the health and safety of your work area Comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and be involved in reviewing and up-dating as appropriate