Physiotherapy Assistant

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

The Physiotherapy Department at The Christie is looking to recruit a full time [37.5 hours per week over 5 days] Lymphoedema Assistant to work with the physiotherapists and nurse within the Lymphoedema service This post will assist in providing treatment interventions, planned care and rehabilitation programmes to patients in the lymphoedema clinic under the guidance of qualified lymphoedema therapy staff.

This post will also provide support with the administrative and clerical needs of the department

To deliver treatment interventions and rehabilitation programmes as per plan of care determined by the Lymphoedema Therapists

To support the assessment and management of patient’s lymphoedema management programme through initial data collection, monitoring of patients’ progress, feedback discussion, written reports and referrals.

To develop a rapport with patients and encourage interest and participation of patients in their treatment plan and progress.

To develop competencies to fit garments for patients and assist the lymphoedema therapists in measuring for these where appropriate

To develop competencies to assist the lymphoedema team with lymphoedema bandaging.

We are a friendly and supportive team and aim to deliver high quality cancer rehabilitation across the cancer treatment pathway. The department places emphasis on staff health and well-being, and individuals are invited to participate in regular supervision and debrief sessions to support them in their role.

There are plenty of opportunities for peer support and further learning, and all staff members are encouraged to contribute to our In-service training platform.

The Physiotherapy team is based in the Rehabilitation Unit within the largest single site cancer treatment centre in Europe

Working at The Christie is a unique and rewarding challenge. Every member of staff plays a crucial role in giving our patients the best possible care, treatment and experience. With a supportive culture, an international reputation and a range of staff benefits, there are a lot of good reasons to join The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

The Lymphoedema Assistant will work with the Lymphoedema team within the Rehabilitation Unit. They will provide treatment interventions and planned care to patients and be able to take appropriate action to achieve the planned aims. They will work alongside other staff members to ensure the Rehabilitation Unit remains a safe patient environment. The Lymphoedema Assistant will be proficient, competent and require minimum supervision.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Support the assessment and management of patient’s lymphoedema management programme through initial data collection, monitoring of patients’ progress, feedback discussion, written reports and referrals.
2) To deliver treatment interventions and rehabilitation programmes as per plan of care determined by the Lymphoedema Therapists.
3) Develop a rapport with patients and encourage interest and participation in their treatment plan and progress.
4) Develop competencies to fit garments for patients and assist the lymphoedema therapists in measuring for these where appropriate
5) Develop competencies to assist the lymphoedema team with lymphoedema bandaging.

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
1. Record and monitor relevant patient data.
2. Maintain good communication with patients and relatives on their treatment plan and progress.
3. Demonstrate a variety of communication skills for patients and relative who have special needs.
4. Demonstrate excellent customer care skills as a role model to others.
5. Recognise and be able to respond appropriately to de-escalate aggressive behaviour.
6. Provide effective verbal or written feedback to Therapists regarding patient care.
7. Liaison with outside agencies and wider members of the multi -disciplinary team.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
1. Participate in the annual Performance and Development Review process to identify learning and development needs.
2. Maintain a personal development plan using a personal portfolio to ensure clinical practi