Job Description

Clinical Psychologist Stroke, Brain Injury and Neurology, Band 7 (30 hours a week)



This part time band 7 maternity cover opportunity provides clinical health psychology intervention, including neuropsychological assessment, to adult in/out-patients with complex difficulties. Specifically for people with acquired brain injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions; their families, carers and associated staff. This includes providing specialist programmes of care and advice at an individual and group level, consultative advice for colleagues, education of colleagues and service based research.



This band 7 post consists of 1 session of a clinical psychology service to neurology patients providing neuropsychological assessment, 2 sessions to brain injury patients, 1 session of which will be attached to and delivered at the Whittington House ABI unit (a small 3 bedded step down brain injury rehab unit), 2 sessions to the acute stroke ward at Cheltenham General Hospital, and 3 sessions to the Community Neurology Service.

The post holder will:

Contribute to the psychological assessment and care of individuals with neurological conditions, stroke, and acquired brain injury at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital with a further session being delivered at Whittington House ABI unit.

Duties will include:

Neuropsychological assessment of individuals with known or suspected neurological conditions to inform diagnosis / care planning.



Psychological / neuropsychological assessment and intervention with individuals with acquired brain injury / stroke their families, and the wider MDT involved in their care



Interdisciplinary working contributing to a coherent goal-directed rehabilitation service.



A commitment to the provision of evidence-based health care is essential. You also require a good understanding of the psychological factors influencing physical health and delivery of health care, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as an appreciation of the need to adjust therapeutic input to take into account the presence of cognitive impairment. Enthusiasm, commitment and an ability to work as part of a team are essential.



A supported band 7 role across Stroke, Neurology and Brain Injury



An innovative, stimulating and well organised environment - part of a well-established Clinical Health Psychology department employing a range of applied psychologists



A friendly and supportive team of colleagues, excellent peer support and regular supervision, with an informal and relaxed atmosphere.



A commitment to the training and support of applied psychologists and active involvement in the local clinical doctoral courses.



While the post holder will spend time at both Whittington House, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, they will be part of a team of 7 other psychologists delivering a service to neurological rehabilitation in GHNHSFT, a team known for excellent peer support.



Clinical



Direct clinical intervention through the application of a range of psychological theories and models to analyse, understand and interpret complex situations and behaviours in order to formulate solutions and treatment which is tailored to individuals needs. This requires the capacity to engage in intense concentration for prolonged periods of time.



In collaboration with senior psychologists and the multi-disciplinary team deliver specialist programmes of psychological assessment and intervention (including advice and consultancy to other professionals) tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families with a broad range of the most complex psychological difficulties in managing and adjusting to their condition in order to improve their psychological and/or physical wellbeing.



Contributing to safe discharge planning and community follow-up plans, taking the lead on matters of cognition and psychological well-being for adults.



Effective communication of highly complex, contentious, delicate and often unwelcome information to patients, families and colleagues, within a highly emotive atmosphere, in a rapidly changing context. This involves working alone with patients who may be in a highly emotional or distressed state and could present with physically and verbally challenging behaviour (and assessing and managing patients with sensory and/or cognitive impairment). This requires a high level of interpersonal and communication skills. This may require confronting rigidly held unrealistic beliefs and expectations.



Provide specialised advice and consultation on care, therapy, and psychological aspects of physical health to multidisciplinary teams, staff groups, patients and carers. This may involve such things as motivating patients who could lack insight into their difficulties.



Responsibility for managing own time, planning of patient's clinics and patient/carer groups.



Use of neuropsychological/psychometric assessment tools requiring dexterity, speed and accuracy, with narrow margin for error.



Interpretation of assessment results, requiring the use of analytical and reasoning skills. This could involve considering complex inter-related issues, such as possible effects of on-going treatment, physical health, mood and anxiety levels.



Responsibility for maintaining clear and accurate patient records in the department and in hospital health care records, including writing and word processing letters and reports to outside medical and other referrers.



Although the post holder acts autonomously and is professionally accountable for their own practice, in common with all Clinical Psychologists undertakes regular guided reflective practice with a (senior) colleague in accordance with good practice guidelines (often referred to as clinical supervision).



Teaching / Training



In depth knowledge and experience of psychological aspects of health care and teaching methods.



Teaching psychological aspects of physical health to other healthcare professionals within specialist services.



Research and development



To regularly undertake applied clinical research and audit programmes, using a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies with the aim of improving health outcomes of patients their families and carers. This utilises reflective scientist- practitioner and doctoral level research skills.



Offer consultation to other professionals with reference to research or audit-based activity.

Additional Contact:

Dr Aileen Thomson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Lead for Neurology Psychology and Brain Injury Service - aileen.thomson@nhs.net 03004228523