Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust is looking for a motivated Specialist Podiatrist to join the Podiatry Department to be part of our Multi-Disciplinary Foot Service (MDFS). You will be based at Darent Valley Hospital, and you will work closely with the Principal Podiatrist, Diabetes Consultants and our Specialist Nurses.

You will have the opportunity to develop highly complex podiatry skills with ongoing training and mentorship and opportunities for further personal development. The Podiatry Service sits within Therapy Services, and you will have the opportunity for peer support and leadership development alongside other senior AHPs across the service and the Trust.

You will have a proven record of excellence in providing diabetes podiatry and the ability to function as a sole podiatry practitioner. The role involves the management of a high-risk caseload in both in-patient and out-patient settings, teaching and undertaking research work. You will work closely with the community podiatry team to provide a seamless service to the population provided by our department.

Our staff are supported with appraisal (PDP) and dedicated CPD time

We are looking for a Podiatrist who is able to integrate and deliver education into the multidisciplinary team, function within a supportive peer group and display the strength of character to work autonomously.

Main duties of the job

The Highly Specialist Podiatrist is part of the Diabetes Multi-Disciplinary Foot Service (MDFS) at Darent Valley Hospital.

The Highly Specialist Podiatrist acts as an expert training resource to other health and social care professionals in the management of the foot in diabetes.

You will provide educational opportunities to all Health Care Professionals to recognise and manage those patients at increased risk of developing new foot disease and ensure patients are referred in a timely manner to a foot protection team or DFMDS as appropriate.

You will empower our patients and carers with the aim to achieve maximum independence through self-care and effective patient management of their foot problems.

Support the Principal Podiatrist and play a key role in ensuring the Diabetes Foot Service meets required expectations in line with national and local policies.

You will provide a high standard of podiatry care to patients presenting with acute complex complications of the foot in diabetes and provide highly specialised knowledge and clinical skills in the holistic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Through the application of research and evidence based wound care you will undertake wound debridement using intricate scalpel skills and advanced wound care therapies aiming to reduce the need for surgical intervention

You will support the Putting Feet First initiative delivering foot screening for in-patients at the hospital

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Highly Specialist Podiatrist is part of the Diabetes Multi-Disciplinary Foot Service (MDFS) at Darent Valley Hospital.

The Highly Specialist Podiatrist acts as an expert training resource to other health and social care professionals in the management of the foot in diabetes.

You will provide educational opportunities to all Health Care Professionals to recognise and manage those patients at increased risk of developing new foot disease and ensure patients are referred in a timely manner to a foot protection team or DFMDS as appropriate.

You will empower our patients and carers with the aim to achieve maximum independence through self-care and effective patient management of their foot problems.

Support the Principal Podiatrist and play a key role in ensuring the Diabetes Foot Service meets required expectations in line with national and local policies.

You will provide a high standard of podiatry care to patients presenting with acute complex complications of the foot in diabetes and provide highly specialised knowledge and clinical skills in the holistic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Through the application of research and evidence based wound care you will undertake wound debridement using intricate scalpel skills and advanced wound care therapies aiming to reduce the need for surgical intervention

You will support the Putting Feet First initiative delivering foot screening for in-patients at the hospital

Person Specification

Education & Training

Essential

• BSc (Hons) or equivalent in Podiatry
• HCPC registration
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Desirable

• IRMER certificate
• Completion of SOCAP Diabetes Foot Module or relevant post graduate qualification
• Non-medical prescribing qualification

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Highly specialist knowledge and clinical skills in the treatment of the foot in diabetes
• Knowledge and experience of the application of local and national policy relating to the foot in diabetes
• Highly specialist knowledge of the aetiology, pathogenesis, the treatment of diabetes and the related complications
• Demonstrates knowledge and application of the CQC domains and clinical governance in relation to podiatry services
• IT skills

Desirable

• Previous experience of Diabeta 3 computer programme

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience of treatment of acute/complex diabetes foot complications
• Experience of managing complex caseloads independently and as part of a team
• MDT Working
• Application of an evidenced based approach to wound management and use of wound dressings.
• Experience of ordering x-rays, swabs, blood tests and act on the results
• Supervising podiatry students and junior podiatrist, including clinical supervision, setting objectives and completing appraisals

Desirable

• Experience of advanced wound care techniques including larvae and topical negative pressure therapies
• Knowledge of the workings of the Community Podiatry services and of working with GP practices and referrals
• Experience of undertaking clinical audit and clinical research projects

Personal attributes

Essential

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation and counselling skills
• Able to cope with an unpredictable work pattern and working under pressure within tight timescales
• Reliable, flexible and responsive to the needs of the service
• Be able to work as a team member but also as an autonomous clinician on own initiative
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to fulfil all operational duties including safe operation of clinical equipment, manoeuvring of wheelchairs, work in both clinic and ward settings.
• Highly developed manual dexterity and clinical skills with excellent debridement technique

Desirable

• Ability to attend to other locations in a timely manner if required.

Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Dartford

DA2 8DA

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

252-6056387-B