Job Description

To work as an individual within the Physiotherapy team in a Specialist MSK role looking after colleagues who are referred with a standalone MSK disorder and/or work related MSK disorder. You will be providing specialist physiotherapeutic assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice for a range of conditions and advising on workplace adjustments, with the overall aim to benefit our colleagues.



To work as an autonomous practitioner taking responsibility for the management of patients on own caseload without direct supervision.



To work within the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service to develop proactive measures such as bespoke workplace assessments.



To work within the MDT at Occupational Health and Wellbeing to offer advice and provide holistic care to our colleagues.



To maintain effective communication links with patients, and associated professional practitioners regarding patient's condition, including the completion of accurate clinical records in line with trust and professional body codes of practice.



To participate in planned research and audit as required.

The post will deliver the following:

Provide ergonomic workplace assessments to reduce the number of referrals to OH&WB.

To provide a proactive service addressing the needs of our colleagues prior to developing MSK issues leading to periods of absence.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

1. To undertake comprehensive physiotherapy assessment of physical problems of a complex nature which may also include psychological and social problems, using advanced clinical reasoning and assessment skills to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment with the consent of patients and guidance of senior staff if required.



2. To formulate an individual and agreed treatment plan based on sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and carry out appropriate treatment in a manner that respects people's privacy, dignity and individuality. Reassessing patients' progress and altering treatment plans as required.



3. To formulate comprehensive discharge plans.



4. To demonstrate highly developed physical skills inclusive of dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills to carry out appropriate assessment and interventions including manual physiotherapy techniques and therapeutic handling.



5. To provide ergonomic workplace assessments, return to work programmes and to recommend ergonomic and practical solutions.



6. Where required, contribute to the on-going Health Promotions that the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service provide and then lead on Specialist MSK areas, eg back care.



We operate from three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.



FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.



WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.



All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, day case and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

1. To undertake comprehensive physiotherapy assessment of physical problems of a complex nature which may also include psychological and social problems, using advanced clinical reasoning and assessment skills to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment with the consent of patients and guidance of senior staff if required.



2. To formulate an individual and agreed treatment plan based on sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and carry out appropriate treatment in a manner that respects people's privacy, dignity and individuality. Reassessing patients' progress and altering treatment plans as required.



3. To formulate comprehensive discharge plans.



4. To demonstrate highly developed physical skills inclusive of dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills to carry out appropriate assessment and interventions including manual physiotherapy techniques and therapeutic handling.



5. To provide ergonomic workplace assessments, return to work programmes and to recommend ergonomic and practical solutions.



6. Where required, contribute to the on-going Health Promotions that the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service provide and then lead on Specialist MSK areas, eg back care.



7. To refer on to other professions as necessary.



8. To manage ones own caseload with the guidance of Senior Staff if required.



9. To communicate with patients, referrers and other professions to ensure the provision of excellent patient care. This may at times require staff to overcome significant physical/psychological barriers to understanding (impaired hearing, speech or cognition) and often includes the transmission of sensitive information. This requires an empathetic approach to patient care.



10. To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to educate and communicate effectively with patients and carers information regarding their diagnosis, treatment plans and discharge plans. This includes using motivational/persuasive skills and giving specialist advice.



11. To be responsible for the correct and safe use of equipment including electrotherapy equipment, gym equipment, walking aids.



12. To be able to work cross bay to cover the needs of the service on occasions if required.



PROFESSIONAL/GOVERNANCE ( including research)



1. To be responsible for your own clinical record keeping, including hand-written and electronic data recording, in accordance with Trust, Division and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists standards.



2. To contribute to, and actively participate in Audit / Research as required.



3. To comment on the development and implementation of Division & Departmental Physiotherapy standards / protocols and to work in accordance with Trust policies and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Code of Professional Conduct and contribute to the discussions regarding the development and implementation of departmental standards.



Training and Development



1. To take an active part in In-Service Training and external education in line with Continual Professional Development (CPD) Division Guidelines, to maintain standards of care in line with evidence-based practice. To disseminate information from training attended as required.



2. To teach and advise managers and colleagues to ensure provision of good care.



3. To provide relevant education to managers and colleagues.



4. To keep a record of evidence of training and development activities and reflective practice in a professional portfolio to a standard required by the HCPC.



5. To keep up to date with current evidence and research in order to maintain and develop practice in line with proven methods of care, recommending changes to service delivery and clinical practice based on findings.



6. In line with Trust guidelines, review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of clinical and operational supervision, annual Appraisal and Development Review and mid-term review, linked to a Performance and Development Plan (PDP).



7. To use reflective practice and peer review as a means of self-evaluation.



8. To seek information, guidance and advice in order to support patient care and multi-disciplinary / inter-agency communication.



Management and Leadership



1. To manage own caseload utilising time management skills with guidance from senior staff if required.



2. To participate in, and comment on the delivery of the Department objectives, and Physiotherapy service delivery improvement and development within Occupational Health and Wellbeing.

3. Demonstrate and develop leadership skills:

Lead by example. Report problems and contribute to proactive action. Be innovative. Be guided by vision, strategies, goals and values. Exhibit positive behaviour to influence staff participation. Take responsibility when things go wrong in the Physiotherapy/Occupational Health service. Celebrate Physiotherapy/Occupational Health staff achievements. Give credit and praise to staff. Develop mutual confidence within the Physiotherapy/Occupational Health service.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY



1. To form professional relationships with patients / carers / family members which may be in distressing circumstances, and who may exhibit challenging behaviour, and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.



2. To take account of the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and their contribution to the provision of a service sensitive to these patients' needs.



This job description is not exhaustive and will be reviewed and amended, with the postholder, when necessary.