Podiatrist in Leatherhead

Surrey Downs Health & Care is seeking a dynamic clinician to join our forward-thinking service as we undergo an exciting period of service transformation and integration. In this role, you will deliver high-quality, patient-centred clinical care and play an active role in co-designing new clinical pathways, digital transformation initiatives, and population health strategies.

You will assess patients' podiatric needs and deliver quality programmes of podiatric care in various settings, including community clinics and domiciliary settings. You will be an integral member of the podiatry team with opportunities to attend clinical rotations and specialise in areas such as wound care, musculoskeletal, nail surgery, or diabetes.

Main duties of the job:

• Manage clinical risk within your patient caseload, seeking guidance as appropriate.
• Obtain informed consent prior to treatment plans commencing.
• Undertake diagnostic procedures effectively using appropriate equipment (e.g., wound swabs, doppler ultrasound).
• Competently interpret, record, report, and act on results.
• Be proficient in comprehensive neurological and vascular assessments, wound debridement, advanced pathology, and wound management.
• Carry out thorough medical assessments to ensure suitability for local anaesthesia and minor surgery.
• Undertake specialist surgical interventions for complex nail pathologies.
• Manage a domiciliary caseload within a geographical area, working with admin teams to book appointments.
• Maintain clear, comprehensive, and accurate records.
• Teach and assess students, newly qualified podiatrists, and podiatry assistants.

Working for our organisation:

Surrey Downs Health and Care (SDHC) delivers care closer to people’s communities through our Primary Care Networks and our innovative partnership of local NHS organisations. We have a track record of providing person-centric care that goes beyond organisational boundaries to do what is best for the individual.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

Clinical Duties:

• Assess, diagnose, develop specialised treatment plans, and provide effective podiatric treatments based on clinical need and evidence-based practice.
• Provide early intervention whenever possible to enable long-term gain.
• Commit to the philosophy of care with an emphasis on patient empowerment and independence.
• Provide services at a variety of sites, including patients' homes, clinics, GP practices, and community hospitals.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team when required and act as a source of advice to patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals.

Professional:

• Work as an autonomous clinician within Professional, Departmental, and SDHC guidelines.
• Keep up to date with clinical and professional developments.
• Participate in departmental clinical governance initiatives.
• Attend all mandatory training in line with SDHC employment and professional needs.
• Actively participate in personal development plans (PDPs) and lifelong learning.

Organisational:

• Work towards achieving the objectives and values of SDHC.
• Be responsible for the operational management of an assigned clinical base.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained at all times.
• Report all clinical and non-clinical accidents or near misses promptly.

Communication & Working Relationships:

• Communicate effectively with all patients, carers, and relatives regarding their understanding of relevant foot care and self-care advice.
• Provide empathy and support to patients as required.
• Regularly communicate with GPs, Allied Health Professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery of care.

Person specification:

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good time management.

Qualifications:

• Podiatric Medicine Degree or equivalent (diploma).
• HCPC registration.
• Local anaesthesia certificate.
• Driving licence (full).
• Portfolio of experience.
• IRMER certificate.
• Member of the Royal College of Podiatry.
• Involvement in teaching.

Experience & Knowledge:

• Broad spectrum of clinical experience.
• Awareness of current NHS trends and policies.
• Experienced in the provision of high-risk assessments, treatment planning, and delivery of minor surgery.
• Experience of leading a team and managing a domiciliary caseload.

Skills:

• Highly organised and able to prioritise workload.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Evidence of clinical leadership.