Physiotherapist in Elderly Medicine in Northampton

Physiotherapist – Elderly Medicine (Band 6, Northampton General Hospital)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an innovative and motivated individual to join the Elderly Medical team as a static Band 6 Physiotherapist within the Therapy department at Northampton General Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Do you have a special interest in working with the elderly population? Do you have the skills and experience to work with the often complex medical, physical, psychological and social situations our patients have?

Responsibilities

• Perform more advanced and detailed assessments of patients presenting with a wide range of complex conditions and comorbidities; provide a plan and goals to develop, and deliver an individualised treatment programme to inpatient elderly wards.
• Work closely with Occupational Therapy colleagues to provide joint therapies assessments and treatment plans enabling efficient use of Therapies Team resources.
• Manage a caseload and be responsible for a defined area of the service, working without direct supervision; manage attendance of board rounds and ward meetings to contribute significantly to patient flow.
• Pro‑actively contribute to the timely and efficient discharge planning process for patients by selecting and implementing appropriate assessments and interventions, promoting a joint therapies approach with Occupational Therapy colleagues.
• Be highly skilled in identifying pathways of patient care and have awareness of discharge plans and suitable discharge locations.
• Provide clinical support and access to advice and supervision for junior staff.
• Work autonomously within the elderly therapy teams to provide excellent Physiotherapy care to a diverse client group.
• Manage a caseload independently on designated elderly medical wards and support junior staff with their caseload management.
• Increase and expand knowledge base and experience, clinically and non‑clinically.
• Undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex presentation/multiple pathologies; use advanced clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques.
• Formulate and deliver a complete specialised Physiotherapy programme based on evidence‑based practise and treatment options.
• Ensure that all patients have a documented problem list and goals that the patient has been involved in creating.
• Represent the Therapy service and/or individual patients at multidisciplinary team meetings, discussing patient care, progress and discharge planning.
• Use clinical reasoning to balance risk, safety, patient choice and eligibility for services.
• Provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to colleagues, relatives and carers when appropriate to promote understanding of the aims of therapy.
• Provide support to patients and carers, sharing information to enable them to make informed decisions regarding Physiotherapy recommendations and discharge arrangements.
• Liaise with health and social care professionals and related statutory, private and voluntary organisations, providing written and verbal reports and referrals in accordance with data protection principles.
• Lead on appropriate service development activities through participation in team meetings and service development sessions.
• Work flexibly in the absence of Therapy colleagues through planned or unplanned leave to meet prioritised needs across all service areas.
• Participate in 7‑day working patterns, including Bank Holidays.
• Be an active member of the respiratory on‑call overnight and weekend rota.
• Submit claim forms in a timely manner following the department’s Health Roster Standard Operating Procedure.
• Critically evaluate current Physiotherapy research and apply this to practice in conjunction with the Therapy team.
• Deputise for team band 7s as necessary to ensure smooth running of service.
• Be involved in band 5 and support worker appraisals and Preceptorship programme, supporting students within the Therapy department.
• Use NHS resources efficiently.
• Work within Trust Core Competencies, RCOT guidelines, HCPC standards and code of conduct; maintain registration and encourage others.
• Monitor own and others’ quality and standard of practice through appraisal and review.
• Maintain and monitor standards on health and safety, consent, note‑keeping, clinical governance and continuous professional development.
• Supervise and teach students on placement.
• Use Clinical governance, NICE and other guidelines to assist in producing working guidelines, competencies and objectives.
• Carry out other relevant duties as required.
• Adhere to the duties specified under the Staff Responsibilities of the NHS Constitution.
• Aspire to the Values of the Trust and support the Trust in achieving its Vision.
• Adhere to relevant professional, NHS Code or conduct and legislation.
• Be familiar with and adhere to policies and procedures of the Trust at all times.
• Work to Corporate/Division/Directorate/Department objectives and standards to provide an acceptable level of service.
• Undertake mandatory and role‑specific training, renewing as required.

Key Attributes

• Excellent communication skills to engage patients with physical or cognitive deficits.
• Experience working in complex medical, physical, psychological and social situations.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously.
• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Benefits and Support

Employees are supported through: regular supervision from Clinical Leads, mentorship opportunities, involvement in the newly established preceptorship programme, and participation in service improvement initiatives.

EEO Statement

We are a Defence‑positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners. We encourage applications from all protected groups, particularly from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds, who are under‑represented in our hospitals. We promote an inclusive and collaborative environment.