Job Description

Responsibilities Clinical responsibilities:

To work as an autonomous practitioner, undertaking comprehensive assessment of patients for complementary therapy treatment, developing an appropriate programme of care and evaluating treatment outcomes. Provide hands-on complementary therapies, prioritising and co-ordinating caseload according to needs of patients/carers across a broad spectrum of clinical settings. Provide effective clinical leadership in all aspects of complementary therapies to volunteer complementary therapists and complementary therapy link nurses. Ensure all oils and other equipment are used and stored safely, according to Hospice guidelines and related policies.



Ensure compliance with all Hospice and infection control policies and procedures, including the use of clean towels for each patient and appropriate laundering. All staff are responsible for ensuring they follow good infection control practices at all times and that they are familiar with infection control policies, procedures and guidance. Undertaking the necessary level of training relevant to their area of work.Leadership/Management Responsibilities: To have operational responsibility for the delivery of an effective and efficient complementary therapy service. To be responsible for the operational supervision and co-ordination of a team of volunteer complementary therapists ensuring consistent standards of practice and efficient service delivery.



To be actively involved in the recruitment and selection of volunteer complementary therapists in liaison with the Volunteer Coordinator and Therapy and Day services lead East. To utilise the hospice information systems to supply statistical evidence required for resource management and clinical audit of the service, collecting and reporting accurate information relating to caseload statistics. To work within St Margaret's Hospice Complementary Therapy policies and guidelines. Demonstrate flexibility to meet service needs.Representational Role: To act as an expert resource providing support and advice on all matters pertaining to Complementary Therapies and their use.



To fulfil internal and external teaching and presentation commitments, including post graduate courses, as agreed by the Therapy and Day Services Lead. Teach, supervise and provide advice relating to complementary therapy to patients, carers and health care professionals as appropriate.Research & Development: Participate in research, clinical audit and standard setting at a local, regional and national level and to monitor and review practice regularly, ensuring all practice undertaken at St Margarets Hospice is evidence-based. Participate in professional networking, membership of relevant professional groups, clinical supervision, journal club and significant event meetings as appropriate. To participate in the staff Personal Development Review scheme as an appraisee and to be responsible for complying with the agreed organisational, professional and personal objectives.



Undertake any necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post and as directed. Actively participate in training sessions, peer review and internal and external courses. Develop and lead clinical induction programmes for all new volunteer complementary therapists, as agreed by the Volunteer Co-ordinator/ Therapy and Day Services Lead. Actively contribute to and participate in orientation programmes for staff from other areas.



Support and mentor the professional development of Volunteer Complementary Therapists.Responsibility for Strategy/Policy/Protocol Development: To advise and assist the Lead Physiotherapist/Head of Therapies in the development of St Margarets Hospice Complementary Therapy Policy and Protocols; benchmark policies against agreed national and regional standards to ensure a Gold Standard of local service provision. Actively identify, plan and undertake reviews to aid service improvement and development. Participate in the planning and implementation of patient and carer satisfaction surveys. Make recommendations for the future development of the service and actively contribute to the implementation of the Hospice Strategic Business Plan and Operational Objectives as required/appropriate.Communication and people skills Liaise with St Margarets Hospice Multi-Disciplinary Team; Primary and Secondary Healthcare Providers.



Ensure effective mechanisms for communicating information concerning patient care, including the completion of contemporaneous, accurate and comprehensive electronic records as appropriate. Work collaboratively with all relevant health and social care professionals and agencies establishing clear lines of communication, good liaison and professional working relationships across all departments and agencies. Express ideas clearly through oral, written and electronic communication mediums, varying the level and style of communication with all people, respecting their differing levels of understanding and responding to communication difficulties as appropriate.