Specialist Physiotherapist in Salisbury

Provide physiotherapy and FES to neurological patients including stroke, MS, SCI, CP, TBI, HSP and other upper motoneuron conditions attending the National Clinical FES Centre outpatient service. The service provides Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for clients with neurological impairment and includes the application of FES to assist walking and upper limb function as well as other specialist applications. Clients are mainly NHS funded with some privately funded patients.

Deliver training and mentorship to FES clinicians through OML FES accreditation courses; conferences and exhibitions. To be an advocate for FES as a valuable adjunct in the management of patients with neurological conditions to optimise wellbeing, independence and quality of life. Assist with the development and assessment of new FES techniques and bring them to clinical service. To participate in ongoing research projects of OML.

Reporting to the Specialist Physio Lead. After training, the Specialist Physiotherapist will be working as an autonomous clinician. There is no on call requirement, and only occasional weekend teaching commitment. Some travel will be required for attendance at conferences, exhibitions and other FES clinics. A limited amount of flexible working can be accommodated once all clinical competencies and initial training have been completed.

Main duties of the job include:

• Assess and treat a caseload of FES patients and maintain associated records as an autonomous practitioner.
• To be professionally and legally responsible for all aspects of own work including managing clinical risk.
• Carry out assessment and treatment of patients using clinical reasoning skills.
• Deliver clinical support to clinicians using FES in external clinics and hospitals.
• Complete Individual Funding Request forms which assist in gaining funding for patients appropriate for FES.
• Maintain accurate written records using clinical pathways and computerised data collection.
• Manage potentially stressful situations in an empathetic manner.

Education and Mentorship responsibilities include:

• Support the OML FES teaching programme, delivering courses to health professionals.
• Provide mentorship and support to FES clinicians visiting the clinic or at other centres.
• Provide advice and education to healthcare professionals at exhibitions and conferences.
• Support the development and promotion of OML services and activities.
• Participate and contribute to clinical governance sessions.
• Maintain and develop CPD activities through individual performance review.

Service Development involves considering opportunities and methods to ensure effectiveness of patient care at OML.

New Product Development and Research includes identifying clinical requirements for new product development projects and evaluating OML's new devices.

Key relationships include Clinical Director, Managing Director, Specialist Physiotherapists, Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Engineers, Orthotists, GPs, Consultants, CCGs, Voluntary sector, Patients, Carers, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Department of Clinical Science and Engineering.

Qualifications required:

• HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
• At least 2 years experience post-graduation.
• Experience in treating patients with neurological conditions.
• Evidence of CPD in neurological conditions.
• Computer skills and a current valid driving licence.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to adapt communication strategies to the needs of individuals.
• Team player who works well with other professional groups.
• Able to work independently and use professional autonomy effectively.

Working Conditions:

• Willing to visit FES clinical partners to provide clinical support.
• Able to give sustained concentration in both clinical and non-clinical activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to employ frequent moderate effort to assist neurologically impaired patients.

This job description is intended as a guide to the general duties required of this post, which may vary from time to time.