Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual to join our Frailty Assessment Team as a band 7 Frailty Specialist Therapist for a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave. The successful candidate would be a current Band 7 Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist or an experienced Band 6 Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist who is ready to take up a leadership role .



The role involves leading the provision of therapy and working with the Frailty Multidisciplinary team providing a rapid assessment of older adults, initiating services where required to safely avoid unnecessary hospitalisation and deconditioning. The role involves contributing to a comprehensive geriatric assessment to those individuals attending the Emergency Department(s), Frailty Assessment Unit and Frailty Same Day Emergency Care Unit to achieve a positive outcome for the patients. The successful candidate would need to work within this fast paced environment, making autonomous decisions in order to make swift decisions regarding admission avoidance, taking a positive risk taking approach.

Additional working pattern details:

Shift pattern 4 days in 7 - 8am-6pm (including weekends and public holidays)

Additional contract details:

Fixed term post to cover maternity leave



To provide a high level of autonomy, but within agreed guidelines, you will use recognised models of practice to complete evidence-based assessments, interventions and outcome measures to underpin all practice.



Provide leadership, supervision, education and support to the Frailty therapy team as well as being a specialist resource of knowledge for health care professionals. The candidate would have excellent communication skills and liaise with the multidisciplinary team including the consultants, patient relatives and primary care partners. The post holder would need to demonstrate a flexible approach as the demands of the role may change depending on the demands of the service.



We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.



With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.



The Frailty Team are always motivated, resilient, strong and strive to deliver best care for everyone every time. We are encouraging of staff development and foster a positive culture.



To case manage the attendance and admission avoidance for frail individuals To manage a diverse caseload of patients with varying levels of frailty and a wide range of co-morbidities/presentations including orthopaedic, cardiac, neurological and palliative with a view to avoid hospital admission where possible. To demonstrate highly specialised clinical skills of assessing, treating and discharging of frail older adults. For physiotherapists this can include managing acutely unwell patients e.g patients who require respiratory physiotherapy intervention. To seamlessly transfer patient care to community partners in a timely manner, contributing to appropriate patient flow pathways. This includes the timely assessment and provision of equipment to facilitate discharge. Respond to agreed escalation procedures during times of extreme capacity demands in the health and care services in Gloucestershire. To work within an integrated physiotherapy and occupational therapy service, while being aware of own professional boundaries. To work as an autonomous practitioner. To take a lead role in supervision and development of qualified therapists, support workers and students within the Frailty team. To contribute to the Trust Governance agenda, including the delivery of safe, high-quality care. To be competent in risk assessments and managing risk autonomously, supporting other team members with their decision making in the Emergency Departments and the Same day Emergency Care setting/Frailty Unit. To have an excellent knowledge of resources available outside of the Acute Trust Be a visible and accessible presence throughout the service acting as a role model to other care professionals to support them in managing complex interventions using a variety of approaches to decision making, providing support and supervision. To communicate effectively with patients and carers, potentially complex, sensitive or distressing information in order to provide patient centred care. Patients may have communication, perceptual or cognitive/understanding difficulties/disabilities. * To maintain clear, accurate, concise and contemporaneous patient records in line with departmental and professional standards and include relevant outcome measures.