Podiatry Practice Educator

Clinical Responsibilities 1.To provide Podiatric intervention to patients and the public across the local Health Economy on the basis of clinical need as defined within the Service Specification. 2.To be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, care planning (formulating, writing, following and reviewing them), implementation and evaluation of podiatric care to a variety of patients with a diverse range of clinical conditions and general podiatric needs including: long term conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, vascular conditions, wound management, lower limb musculoskeletal disorders and mental health problems guided by departmental protocols, local and national guidelines and best practice. 3.To be responsible for the formulation and communication of specialised individual treatment plans, obtaining patient consent as appropriate for surgical intervention and treatment as required. Staff will be required to re-assure, educate and negotiate potentially complex treatment options where denial of pathology or compliance with treatment may be an issue, overcoming communication barriers.

This will include reviewing treatment outcomes and implementing discharge policies for patients identified as having completed an episode of care. 4.To work effectively as a part of a multidisciplinary team and independently as required in primary and secondary care settings to include; hospital clinics, ward rounds, health centre community clinics, GP practice clinics, residential homes for the elderly, patients homes and Mental Health units. 5.To be responsible for the interpretation of clinical findings and decision for onward referral for other interventions from other disciplines and/or additional departmental specialist areas, with communication thereof to all appropriate parties. 6.To provide verbal and written foot and lower limb health education to patients, their carers and relatives.

This may be preventative, palliative or curative and in a group or one to one setting. 7.To be actively involved in the provision of Podiatry and foot health education packages for other healthcare professionals and members of the Social Services, voluntary and private sectors. 8.To be responsible for recording accurate, legible and full written clinical records including the recording of contacts in person, telephone conversations and letters in accordance with current local, national and professional guidelines. 9.To participate in the rota for nail surgery as appropriate.

10.To undertake essential administrative tasks including handling patient queries, booking appointments, data collection, data inputting and referral management in accordance with current local, national and professional guidelines, returning or inputting all information requested in a timely manner. 11.To maintain a high standard of infection control and cleanliness within the clinical environment including podiatry equipment, stock cupboards and desks etc. in line with national, local and professional minimum standards. 12.To ensure instruments and equipment are kept in good working order and that faults are reported promptly.

13.To delegate care in appropriate circumstances to Podiatry Assistants and other support staff, and to supervise the care that is delegated. 14.To be responsible for the sterilisation of instruments ensuring that all contaminated equipment is handled in accordance with relevant guidelines. 15.To be flexible and provide cover for Podiatrists and for Podiatry Assistants especially at short notice, during periods of absence or as Service needs dictate, throughout the area covered by the Service. 16.To support clinic clerical staff and GP Practice staff by making clinical and administrative decisions on day to day matters regarding patients e.g.

telephone enquiries from patients and clinic booking issues. 17.To maintain and use Information Technology skills for using organisational IT systems, undertaking training as required. Professional responsibilities 18.To work within the HCPC code of conduct and Livewell Southwest Policies and Procedures. 19.To be responsible for maintaining a high level of podiatric competence by participating in the appraisal process with the line manager, actively participating in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to develop new skills and maintain and update existing skills, to rotate into specialist areas within the service when required.

20.To undertake all mandatory training as required by Livewell Southwest and any identified clinical and non-clinical training. 21.To act as a mentor to colleagues as part of clinical supervision and professional development. 22.To supervise Podiatry Assistants, newly qualified Podiatry staff and to take an active part in the training of students where appropriate. 23.To ensure that Health & Safety legislation is complied with at all times, being aware of and following Livewell Southwest and Service Policies including: Health and Safety Manual Handling COSHH In