Lymphoedema Therapist

Job summary

Treatment,education and empowerment – if you’re passionate about helping our patients tolive the fullest life possible then our team at The Woodside Clinic wants tohear from you. Based within a purpose built LITE - Lymphoedema IntensiveTherapy Experience – suite at St Catherine’s Hospice, the successful candidatewill join a highly skilled and experienced team caring for patients acrossCentral Lancashire, Southport and Formby, West Lancashire and beyond.

Main duties of the job

As one of the few Lymphoedema servicesin the country to care for both adults and children, this is a uniqueopportunity to work with a range of stakeholders with varying conditions andcomplex needs. We’re proud of the award-winning team’s achievements to date,and the facilities and state-of-the-art treatments we can offer which embracethe latest technologies, equipment and research.

A team player who is always keen todevelop their skills and expertise further, the successful candidate will beable to process and impart complex information to their patients in ameaningful way with compassion and understanding.

You’ll feel confident promoting aculture of independence and self-management within our patients, delivered inpartnership with the most intensive and specialist treatments which have thepower to transform the lives of those with Lymphoedema.

Applicants can already be Lymphoedema practitioners or if working in anassociated area, looking for an exciting challenge of completing a Lymphoedemaqualification alongside clinical activity to develop in to the role ofSpecialist Lymphoedema Therapist on a fully funded development programme.

About us

St Catherine’s Hospice is highly rated by the people who work there. The2021 independent St Catherine’s staff survey found 96% of respondent enjoy thework they do and working with colleagues, and 94% are proud to work there.

Other benefits include:

Hybrid working opportunities Ample, free parking in the beautiful grounds of St Catherine’s Park when based at the hospice Access to training and development opportunities The opportunity to transfer an NHS pension Generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days per year (inclusive of Bank Holidays)

This innovative posts offer the unique opportunity for experienced andenthusiastic nurses or therapists to work closely with an experienced team anda wider multidisciplinary team.

Successful candidates will be supported in continued professionaldevelopment

Job description

Job responsibilities

Supportspecialist evidence based lymphoedema service from referral to discharge,participating in research, clinical audit and contributing to the developmentof guidelines and protocols that provide a comprehensive specialist service.

Ensure thataccurate and complete data of service users is electronically recorded in linewith governance procedures

To develop anunderstanding and actively adhere to the allocated budget for the lymphoedemaservice. To order or facilitate the ordering and maintenance of stock ofequipment and supplies.

To be able toself -manage, physically understanding limits and moving and handling and knowwhen to seek assistance. Using appropriate judgement to identify emotionallychallenging situations and productively managing such scenarios.

Comprehensiveassessment, planning, treatment, maintenance and evaluation of patients withlymphoedema in the context of a chronic condition with varying degrees ofcomplexity. Offer support for relatives and carers that ensures informed choiceand user involvement.

Contribute todevelopment of a pathway of lymphoedema education and information for patientsthat encourages self-care.

Undertakeliaison and communication with members of medical, nursing, allied healthprofessional and social services in all settings ensuring adequatedissemination of patient information when and where appropriate.

Maintainpatient records and collect data where necessary using information technologysystems for internal and external audit.

Maintain anappointment system allowing provision of patient follow-up and monitoring ofwaiting times.

Ensureknowledge and skill base is maintained to the level of a Lymphoedema Specialistwith regular skills and knowledge updates. Ensuring that patients receive themost up to date products and treatment.

Providementorship and support for students and learners within the Lymphoedema service.

Contributetowards the planning, delivery and evaluation of a lymphoedema educationprogram for health care professionals in all settings.

Contributetowards the planning, delivery and evaluation of a Lymphoedema health promotionprogramme to the general public.

Supports andacts as a resource for other Lymphoedema practitioners and oversees directlyclinical activity of non-qualified staff.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered General Nurse/Physiotherapist/Occupational therapist studied at degree level. Qualification in Lymphoedema or willingness to complete MLD/CDT qualification with current accredited course (Foldi, Casley-Smith, Leduc or Vodder) or willingness to complete Member of British Lymphology Society, or willingness to become a member Level 3 safeguarding of Children or willingness to complete

Desirable

Palliative care/cancer care/chronic disease certificate Teaching certificate Independent/supplementary prescriber Masters qualification- hold or is working towards. Advanced communications training

Experience

Essential

Post-registration experience Palliative care/cancer/chronic disease. Worked in a Community and Clinic setting

Desirable

Lymphoedema management Experience of working with users in service development Experience in audit and quality of life outcomes measurement Working within the field of paediatrics

Key Skills and Abilities

Essential

Patient assessment, treatment planning and evaluation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills The ability to motivate self and others Work without direct supervision and within time scale, using good organisational and time management skills Computer literate in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Outlook Presentation and report writing skills Ability to use own initiative and make reasonable, confident decisions and support other members of the team in doing this. Have a flexible approach to the demands of the caseload Able to focus on tasks, measure progress and complete projects using good time management skills Excellent team working skills Good understanding and application of the Mental Capacity Act.

Desirable

Wound care. Symptom control. Sound knowledge of complex Lymphoedema care Moving and handling Understand of contemporary medico-legal issues

Other

Essential

Commitment to personal and professional development An understanding of and demonstrable commitment to the Hospices Values as a framework for decisions, actions and behaviours. Understanding and commitment to the aims of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Appreciation of confidentiality Flexible and proactive working approach

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