Job Description

JOB SUMMARY



Patients with severe and enduring mental illness are known to have poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. For this reason, North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is providing support to patients around their physical health needs.



The post holder will work together with team members conducting supervised specialist assessments of patients, focusing on their Physical health needs. They will lead on ensuring that patients with enduring mental health conditions are not discriminated by virtue of their mental illness in terms of their physical health. The post holder will lead on supporting patients carrying out physical health checks as specified in the Lester tool, health screening, health promotion and lifestyle advice.



This information will support in identifying referral to the appropriate physical health care settings as well as monitoring health conditions. Patients may also be facilitated with active support from the Physical Health Practitioner to access their GP if necessary.



The post holder will be expected to develop an understanding of the physical health needs of patient group.



The post holder will be responsible for participating and assisting in the delivery of care/services to patients as part of a Mental Health Care Team, in this case the Community Mental Health service, working under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Physical Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, undertake a range of duties which involve patient care independently. Assist in the coordination of care delivery for patients with mental health conditions in the community teams, including those with severe and enduring mental illness under the supervision of a registered nurse, in close collaboration with the psychiatric multidisciplinary team, patients and other stakeholders. Work under the supervision of qualified nurse, but they work independently with patients. Have informed basic knowledge and understanding in the psychological, social, physical, and spiritual needs of all patients. Support health promotion and physical health groups as per the co designed care plan. Actively participate in the physical healthcare and rehabilitation of patients. Maintain clear, timely, comprehensive, and contemporaneous written clinical records on all patients in accordance with Trust policies. Utilise IT skills and knowledge to access and input physical health data collected onto the Trust Electronic System (Rio). Use the strength-based assessment / trauma informed care, assess patient's physical health needs.

North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.

Our Five-Year Strategy:

We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.



With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all



We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.



We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement and technology.



Why NLFT?



We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.



We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.



NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme



Excellent internal staff network

The post holder will be aligned with our Values:

We Are Kind



We Are Respectful



We Work Together



We Keep Things Simple



We Empower



We Are Proudly Diverse



In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.



Actively participate in the physical healthcare and rehabilitation of patients. Maintain clear, timely, comprehensive, and contemporaneous written clinical records on all patients in accordance with Trust policies. Utilise IT skills and knowledge to access and input physical health data collected onto the Trust Electronic System (Rio). Use the strength-based assessment / trauma informed care, assess patient's physical health needs. To be conversant with physical health illness that occur in Serious Mental health Illness (SMI). Carry out the physical health check of patients and record in physical health monitoring form, reporting any abnormal data to the Physical Health Clinical Nurse Specialist /GP i.e. Any changes in the patient's physical health condition, or any significant factors relevant to the patient. Provide health promotion information and healthy living either individually or in a group setting. Provide audit information around physical health as required. To be able to undertake phlebotomy duties when directed by registered Nurse/Psychiatric doctors. Carry out ECG on patients as required. Have informed knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983 amended 2007 Part 3 of the Act and other legislations such as Safeguarding Children and Adults,





DOLS, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and others relating to care of patients in the community. To be able to work and travel across a geographical area or across integrated teams, using the guidelines of the Trust Lone Working policy. Recognise and respond appropriately to aggressive behaviour and incidences, completing a Ulysses form as necessary as per Trust policy.

Organisational



Work as member of a multi-disciplinary team. Attend all formal and informal meetings as requested by the line manager. Report any complaints or concerns to the manager as necessary and give verbal reports on any unusual or untoward incidents. Be aware of and apply work practices in line with health and safety requirements and Trust policies and procedures. Maintain standards of professional behaviour and appearance. Take part in the induction of new staff to the team/unit.

Development



Participate in the annual appraisal of work activities, agreeing objectives and a personal development plan in line with the Trust's implementation of the Knowledge and Skills Framework. Attend mandatory training and other training programmes as identified by the Physical Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. * Actively participate on all aspects of physical health care audit including quality improvement initiatives.