Podiatry Support Assistant

Overview

We would like to offer the opportunity to apply for a part time (30 hours) permanent position within the podiatry department at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The podiatry clinical support role will enable you to gain experience in the NHS, and give you a valuable insight into the varied work undertaken by the podiatry team. You will be supporting Podiatrists to manage the treatment of a range of disorders of the foot and ankle. This opportunity would be an excellent starting position for anyone considering a future career in podiatry. The role is primarily based at the Diabetes Centre at the Freeman Hospital, but the department covers clinics across all Newcastle Hospitals sites and community clinics. We are looking for an enthusiastic assistant to support busy podiatry clinics at the Newcastle Diabetes Centre, and occasionally community clinics. The assistant will help the Podiatrists, and the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure clinics run safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Support patients through the clinics, helping patients into and out of clinics and removing wound dressings.
• Assist with booking appointments, ensuring stock and equipment are available and in good working order for each clinic, and assist with documenting consultations.
• Provide support to podiatry clinics and community clinics to ensure the safe and efficient running of services.
• Support and training will be provided to become competent in various tasks; for example in the Diabetes Centre you will be trained to support the clinician with clinical duties such as bandaging, removing plaster casts, fitting temporary footwear and record keeping.
• Occasionally assist the Podiatrist on visits to patients\’ homes and residential/nursing care homes.
• Assist with patient transport logistics, liaising with the Patient Transport Service and supporting elderly patients with mobility to access clinics.
• Clear communication with staff and patients to arrange appointments and book patient transport, and liaise with several specialities to coordinate patient care.
• May cover clinic reception and assist the admin office with appointment bookings as required.
• Maintain IT skills and a willingness to learn new systems; multi-task in a busy clinical environment and prioritise own work.
• Essential that the assistant has a clean driving licence and access to a car to travel to clinics across the city daily.

Post Details and Patient Care

• To ensure the safety of podiatry patients whilst on NHS premises for podiatry and to provide assistance to patients, podiatrists and the wider Diabetes Centre team, enabling the smooth and safe running of the department and clinical sessions.
• Work with a team of podiatry staff in providing foot and wound care at the Diabetes Centre, and assist at podiatry transport clinics to support frail elderly patients.
• Assist clinicians after treatments with appointments, samples and correspondence; check patient identity on arrival by ambulance and coordinate the order of seen patients with drivers and clinicians.
• Communicate with patients regarding appointments at the request of podiatry staff; book and verify appointments; ensure Trust policies are followed; contribute to department objectives; support housekeeping and stock levels as required.

Candidate Requirements

No agencies. The role requires a willingness to work with elderly patients, clear communication with a range of staff and patients, and the ability to work in a team while prioritising own tasks.

Interview and Application Information

Interview Date: Tuesday 14 October 2025.

You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.

Additional Information

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS foundation trusts in the country, with around 15,000 staff. The Trust values equality, diversity and inclusive recruitment and welcomes applications from all communities. Flexible working arrangements may be available where service needs allow. The Trust operates across multiple sites including Freeman Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary, and other sites listed in the original posting.