Podiatrist

Job summary

We are looking for experienced Podiatrists to join our Podiatry Team. This post would suit a band 5 with post graduate clinical experience looking to progress to their first band 6 role, or a band 6 who may be looking for a change or career progression.

You will provide protection and treatment of the high-risk foot, providing intermediate care for patients with complex foot needs, working across community and acute teams with a multi and inter-disciplinary team approach to prevent limb-threatening complications, empower patient self-management through providing and signposting patient education to improve the quality of life of our patients.

You will be part of a highly motivated, caring and supportive countywide team spanning community and acute settings to provide seamless patient care.

The posts are based in our hubs (which include Yeovil, Taunton and Bridgwater) and there will be an expectation to cover countywide clinics if required.

You will work with our Band 7 clinical specialists (acute and community) who offer professional expertise and clinical supervision. We support our colleague development through flexible clinical support, a comprehensive competencies programme, bi-monthly CPD sessions and twice yearly clinical away days, to help us provide evidence based and person-centred care.

Main duties of the job

Provide podiatric assessment and treatment to a high-risk caseload in line with national and local guidelines ensuring appropriate referrals onwards where required. Liaison with other specialities and joint / shared working where appropriate. Provide effective patient education to reduce risks and improve foot health. Provide domiciliary visits. Undertake nail surgery and biomechanical assessments, provide offloading and simple insoles. Participate in regular clinical supervision.

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers a great benefits package including 27 days annual leave (pro rata) and a competitive pension scheme. We also offer fast track access to in-house MSK Physiotherapy support.

What can we offer you?

A supportive mentorship and preceptorship programme. Annual career conversations and personal development plans. Collaborative working with community nursing teams, general practice and care home staff to provide patient centred care to 'high risk' patients. Rotations into other services including Podiatric Surgery and Multi-Disciplinary Teams in acute trusts. Access to internal and external training in line with your personal development programme. The support of a highly skilled clinical team to help develop your competencies. Support and mentorship to enable you to progress all the way to a B7 position and beyond. Participation in a network of podiatrists for peer support and professional development. Involvement in regular team meetings Regular clinical and managerial support and supervision Job description

Job responsibilities

Full details of duties can be found in the job description.

The Podiatry Service in Somerset provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice, for a range of specialisms including diabetes, wound care, musculo skeletal biomechanics and nail surgery.

To provide podiatry treatment and advice to patients across Somerset based on clinical and medical need. To be responsible for the assessment of new patients with formulation and communication of an individual treatment plan. To be responsible for the interpretation of clinical findings and decision for onward referral for other interventions from other disciplines. To work effectively as a part of a multidisciplinary team and independently as required in primary and secondary care settings. To be involved in making best interest decisions. To perform to a high level of dexterity the physical skills required in the care of the lower limb.

Person specification essential criteria include:

Degree/Diploma in Podiatry HCPC registered

Being a car driver is essential for this post to work in the clinics in the community setting. Please indicate on your application if you have a valid driving licence for the UK and if you have access to a vehicle which can be used for work purposes.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registration with the Health Professions Council. Degree/Diploma in Podiatric Medicine Evidence of CPD and to have undertaken post registration training

Desirable

Interest in Post Graduate Study. Diabetic Foot Module Wide range of relevant short courses

Knowledge

Essential

GuidanceScore Specialist knowledge and training in Neurovascular Assessment, Diabetes, Wound-care, Biomechanics, Nail Surgery and Infection Control. Able to identify adult protection concerns, raise alerts and participate in safeguarding enquiries/investigations/case conferences Health promotion and patient empowerment to self-care

Desirable

Training in relevant clinical specialist fields including Wound care, Diabetes and Bio mechanics

Experience

Essential

Previous experience in diabetes/chronic disease management and biomechanics Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

Essential

To demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, carers and relatives remaining sensitive and emphatic To demonstrate good leadership skills The ability to take instruction and work effectively as part of a team Computer literate with ability to demonstrate IT skills. Excellent organisational skills and time management Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a professional manner The ability to multitask Exceptional interpersonal skills

Personal Qualities

Essential

Flexible, adaptable attitude to meet the needs of patients Sympathetic and considerate towards patients, carers and relatives Able to work under pressure Self-motivated/confident. Intuitive and caring nature

Other

Essential

Car driver or otherwise mobile with appropriate business insurance and ability to travel independently between clinics/across county. Willingness to travel which may encroach upon personal time

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