Job Description

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this post is to provide high risk foot care by way of specialised podiatric input both in clinical and domiciliary settings. Duties and Responsibilities Professional To be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of podiatric care to patients with a variety of medical and podiatric problems. Main caseload is predominantly high-risk patients e.g. Diabetes, connective Tissue disorder, vascular neurological disorder.



To deliver specific foot care education and advice to, patients, relatives, and carers. Detailed foot assessment using appropriate diagnostic equipment. Identification of risk factors, categorising patients into specific risk bands following assessment findings. Referral to other services if required: e.g.



further vascular assessment, District nursing, GP. Provision of specific foot care advice to prevent deterioration/maintain /improve foot health. To refer on to other health care professionals when appropriate through agreed pathways, e.g. referrals to podiatry assistant, hospital diabetes foot clinic, biomechanics service.



To carry out nail surgery procedures. To have the capability to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation including the drawing up and administration of adrenalin for anaphylactic shock, if required. To manufacture and fit chair side appliances e.g. insoles and silicone devices, also casting of feet.



To follow departmental and Trust policies. To assist in the development and implementation of procedures and guidelines. To follow clinical guidelines but have the discretion to make own clinical diagnosis and decisions within professional boundaries where appropriate. To be responsible for the maintenance, and rotation of clinical stock.



Provide wound care management for high risk patients; i.e. swabbing ulcers, antibiotic requests, liaising with other Health Care Professionals, dressing regime. Discharging patients and providing education for self-care redesigns, biomechanics patient leaflets. New patient assessments appointments; referring to N/s biomechanics, holistic, (smoking cessation, falls) Emergency High Risk Clinics To supervise and take an active part in training of students where appropriate.



To maintain Registration with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) To participate in planning and delivery if department in-service training To work with the HCPC code of conduct, Trust policies and procedures and adhere to the patient charter. Actively participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to develop new skills and maintain and update existing skills. To participate in Individual Performance Reviews with the Podiatry Manager. To rotate into specialist areas within the department e.g.



biomechanics clinics, autonomously, have own case load to manage, treat and discharge. Communication To provide and ensure understanding of appropriate health education and clinical information to patients and carers. To liaise effectively with colleagues, other Health Care Professionals and patients, in order to optimise patient care and promote the reputation of the department. This may involve: requesting, receiving and sharing diagnostic tests and results, clinical reports/letters, clinical arrangements, onward referral and professional advice.



To maintain accurate treatment records (paper and/or electronic) of all patient consultations and related work carried out at each clinical session. Provide statistical information as required, e.g. Contact figures/DNA rates. To attend and actively contribute to departmental meetings.



To ensure that all information relating to clients and staff gained through employment is kept confidential. Research To participate in audit, data collection, analysis of data and development of outcomes. To keep updated with relevant evidence-based research. To participate in the Departments Clinical Governance initiatives, the development of local policies and implementation of local and national guidelines.



To be involved in departmental research and development. Including new/alternative ways of working. E.g. Biomechanics, service redesign, changing appointment structure and discharge policy.