Physiotherapy Assistant Orthopaedics

Job summary

The trauma orthopaedic physiotherapy department are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and dedicated physiotherapy assistant to join our well established team.

The Princess Royal Hospital sits in the heart of Mid Sussex and is part of the larger merged University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Twineham Ward is the dedicated Fractured Neck of Femur Unit recognised by the National Hip Fracture Database for excellent fractured NOF care. It also provides specialist care for infected revision arthroplasty surgery, peri-prosthetic fractures other trauma orthopaedic conditions

The physiotherapy team comprises of static physiotherapists and technical instructors/assistants (Bands 2-4) and rotational physiotherapists (Band 5 and 6). It also works closely with the Sussex (Elective) Orthopaedic Treatment Centre physiotherapy team.

Applicants must have excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a busy team environment. Experience of working in the caring profession and as part of a multi-disciplinary team is an advantage. The successful applicant will work as part of a supportive team and receive training and supervision as needed.

Main duties of the job

You will work under the guidance of registered physiotherapists to treat a caseload of orthopaedic physiotherapy patients.

Practical duties include assisting physiotherapists mobilising early post-operative patients and supporting them with therapeutic handling, teaching and practising prescribed exercise and rehabilitation programmes with patients, assisting patients with mobility and walking.

The role also includes administration and other non-clinical duties, including (but not limited to) equipment ordering, issue of walking aids to patients, printing/photocopying and filing, supporting the collection of service data & statistics and equipment cleaning and maintenance.

Full training and support is provided, including the completion of relevant competencies under the guidance of designated supervisors. The team also have regular teaching and supervision as part of continuous professional development (CPD).

The successful applicant will also join the weekend orthopaedic physiotherapy services, once deemed competent. This is on a rota basis, working with a registered physiotherapist to see a designated caseload of patients that day.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

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.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communication

To communicate effectively with all other disciplines / other parties involved in the patients care. To ensure timely and effective communication with the physiotherapists on all professional matters. To communicate effectively with patients especially those who have significant barriers to understanding such as cognitive, visual and hearing impairment. To communicate sensitively regarding information in an understandable form to patients, carers and other staff members.

Service Delivery and Improvement

Ensure ward stock of physio equipment is maintained at the designated level. Photocopying, printing and filing, as required. Retrieve, as requested, patient notes and other medical records from a variety of sources. Provide administrative support to the orthopaedic physiotherapy team. Maintain updated and accurate daily records of patients treatment in line with the departments documentation policy. Maintain and collate activity statistics Assist, as requested, with typing patient related information. To be competent in basic word and excel skills and other relevant IT systems. Become familiar and use Trust IT systems Assist in the provision of a seamless orthopaedic physiotherapy service As needed, work cohesively with other physiotherapy support staff and physiotherapy teams across the hospital. To participate in service improvement projects, as required and determined by the clinical lead.

People Management and Development

Maintain professionalism in public/ ward areas. Maintain patient confidentiality and dignity at all times. Adhere to Trust and departmental policies and procedures, inc. The Health and Safety at Work Act. Participate in the departments annual appraisal scheme. Attend and participate in departmental/ specialty in-service training as directed by senior staff and the clinical lead.

Patient Care Delivery

Assist the physiotherapist and/or technical instructor in patient care, moving and handling and treatment programmes. Undertake basic prescribed treatment or exercise programmes on a delegated caseload of patients that have previously been assessed by a physiotherapist. Progress and modification of treatment in light of patient performance is carried out after discussion with the physiotherapist. Progress and variances reported to the appropriate physiotherapist at the earliest opportunity, and clearly documented. Prepare patients and treatment areas for activity the initial greeting of patients and carers, assisting with dressing, undressing and toileting of patients, ensuring call bells and drinks are readily available. Maintain a clean, safe and tidy working environment. To be responsible for the effective and safe operation of equipment during treatment sessions, the cleaning of equipment used and the reporting of any faults that would otherwise compromise patient care and safety. Undertake basic mobility assessment on patients previously assessed by a physiotherapist. Measure and instruct in the use of the appropriate walking aid and progress patients mobility under the direction of the physiotherapist, on achievement of corresponding competencies. Provide relevant advice to the patient/ carer regarding safety issues associated with the mobility aid being used and according to departmental policy and as per manufacture instructions. Assist the physiotherapist or Technical Instructor with stair assessments. To reassess patients condition in all aspects of physical health report any relevant changes to physiotherapist / MDT / and or carer. Complete as appropriate a mobility aid/ appliance loan form accurately upon issue of equipment if required by team. Person Specification

Qualifications and experience

Essential

Good level of English and Mathematics Evidence of working in a team

Desirable

Previous experience working in a physiotherapy setting Previous experience working in ward setting or other relevant department Understanding of exercise rehabilitation

Skills

Essential

Organisational skills, ability to prioritise Able to demonstrate good communication skills

Desirable

Previous experience working with people with communication difficulties Previous experience working in challenging situations

Other person skills

Essential

Able to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability Able to demonstrate empathy and compassion Demonstrates desire to learn

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