Senior Hand Therapist

Therapy Department

Band 6 - £37,338 - £44,962

Hours: Full Time - 37.5/week

An opportunity has arisen to recruit a hand therapist, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, to our highly regarded Hand Therapy Unit, which is a busy, friendly department treating all types of hand / wrist problems. We work closely with our Orthopaedic and Hand surgeons, Rheumatologists, Emergency Department and with our local GPs.

We are looking for a candidate with proven hand therapy skills which should include a good understanding of thermoplastic splinting and wound management. The candidate should ideally have achieved a minimum of BAHT Level 1.

You will assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence based/best practice.

The successful applicant will be highly motivated, flexible and an innovative therapist. Good communication, time management and organisational skills are essential and you should be able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.

We will provide induction, supervision and support tailored to individual need as required by this post. The department has a positive approach to continuing professional development.

For further information, please contact Claire Turton, Hand Therapy Lead via email at Claire.turton@mkuh.nhs.uk

Interview Date: Week commencing 6th January 2025.

Main duties of the job

To provide advance assessment and treatment of patients with hand and wrist problems.

To be responsible for own case load within a defined clinical area, or a particular patient type working without direct supervision but with support, as required.

To utilise the expertise of senior staff in order to develop skills and knowledge and consolidate learning.

To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.

To work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team. To train and develop junior staff.

To undertake evidence based audit to further own and teams clinical practice. Make recommendations to Manager / Team Leader regarding changes to practice and/or service policies and protocols. May lead the implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to service protocols.

To represent therapies as a visible, knowledgeable, confident, supportive and high performing professional group.

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Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To be professional and legally accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.

To undertake the comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with a complex presentation/multi-pathology using advanced investigative and analytical skills and to formulate individualised management and treatment plans, using clinical reasoning and utilising a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care and signpost to other specialist or services revaluating as appropriate.

To formulate, deliver and evaluate individual treatment programmes based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options using advanced clinical assessment, reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment skills.

To demonstrate highly developed dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory senses for assessment and manual treatment of patients.

To evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes when required.

To manage clinical risk within own patient case-load.

Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating.

To comply with the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of the relevant professional body.

To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments and incorporate, as necessary, in your work. Maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.

To be responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of junior staff, assistants and students on a daily bases in conjunction with the team leader/senior therapists, as required.

To ensure that your own practice and that of staff under your supervision, meet the required professional standards of physiotherapy practice.

To ensure compliance with organisational and departmental policies and procedures and to follow the general professional guidelines and standards from the relevant professional body and the Health Care Professions Council.

To deputise for senior therapists in their absence, taking responsibility for the operational management of the team, allocating and organising the work of junior and assistant staff to meet the service priorities on a daily basis.

To be responsible for organising and planning own caseload to meet service and patient priorities, readjusting plans as situations change/arise.

Please refer to the job description for further details.

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

Essential

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy
• Registered with UK Health Care Professions Council
• Evidence of post registration CPD
• Sound therapeutic & clinical knowledge

Desirable

• Member of CSP/RCOT
• Membership of Specialist Interest group(s)
• BAHT Level 1 Course
• Fieldwork Education training

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience in an NHS hospital setting
• Experience of working in Hand Therapy
• Experience of providing support and education to patients and carers

Desirable

• Experience in the fabrication and fitting of complex hand / wrist splints
• Experience of wound care and scar management
• Experience of supervision/mentoring to juniors / students
• Experience of audit and research

Skills

Essential

• Ability to build and develop effective working relationships and motivate staff
• Ability to keep accurate and legible patient notes
• IT skills (Microsoft word, email and internet)
• Ability to work under pressure and to organise and prioritise own workload accordingly
• Excellent personal organisation and proven time management skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to cope with unpredictable and emergency situations
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Ability to interpret, analyse and respond effectively to complex information
• Ability to appreciate the sensitivity and complexity of patient cultures and be able to provide a service appropriate to individual needs
• Experience of undertaking 1:1 sessions and appraisals with juniors, assistants & students.

Desirable

• Experience of using electronic patient records

Personal and people development

Essential

• Be able to reflect and critically appraise own performance and acknowledge own needs and limitations
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development in clinical fields relevant to this post

Desirable

• Ability to critically appraise the performance of junior/ unqualified staff and provide feedback and support as required

Communication

Essential

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence others

Specific requirements

Essential

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations

Employer details

Employer name

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Outpatient Physiotherapy (Dept)

Milton Keynes

MK6 5LD

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

430-CC27110A-A