About this role
Job summary
In this role, you will provide specialist acupuncture assessment and treatment for people affected by cancer, supporting the management of cancer-related side effects and overall wellbeing. You will provide expert advice on the safe and effective use of acupuncture within cancer services and work as an integral member of the oncology and haematology MDT.
Working autonomously, you will assess, plan, deliver and evaluate evidence-based acupuncture interventions, maintain accurate clinical records and uphold high standards of patient care, safety and clinical governance. Subject to qualifications and experience, you may also provide additional complementary therapies to support patients throughout their cancer pathway.
Working closely with the Lead Complementary Therapist, you will contribute to the delivery, evaluation and development of the service, ensuring it remains responsive to patient needs and aligned with best practice. You will promote awareness of acupuncture and complementary therapies among patients, carers and healthcare professionals and provide specialist advice to the wider team.
In the absence of the Lead Complementary Therapist, you will support operational service delivery, assist with referrals and enquiries, and help ensure continuity of care. You will also contribute to audit, service improvement and evaluation activities, demonstrating HHFTiCARE values by delivering compassionate, accountable, respectful and encouraging care.
Main duties of the job
Provide a specialist acupuncture service for people affected by cancer, supporting the management of symptoms, treatment side effects and wellbeing. Undertake comprehensive patient assessment, determining suitability and developing individualised treatment plans. Deliver evidence-based acupuncture in accordance with professional standards, national guidance, Trust policies and clinical governance. Work within organisational policies, including the Managing Conflict of Interest SOP, and practise as an autonomous practitioner, accountable for clinical decision-making within own scope of competence. Monitor, evaluate and adapt treatment plans in response to patient needs, referring to multidisciplinary team members or external services as appropriate. Work collaboratively with oncology, haematology and other teams to support the safe integration of acupuncture within cancer services. Maintain accurate, timely and confidential patient records in line with professional and legal requirements. Promote personalised care, enabling patients to make informed decisions and actively manage their symptoms and wellbeing. Provide specialist advice on the safe and effective use of acupuncture, contribute to service development, audit, quality improvement and the collection of activity, outcome and patient experience data. Act as a role model, escalating concerns appropriately, maintaining professional registration and CPD. Deputise for the Lead Complementary Therapist as required.
About us
Our vision is to provide outstanding care for every patient. Patient care is at the heart of what we do at our three sites: Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Andover War Memorial Hospital. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides medical and surgical services to a population of approximately 600,000 people across Hampshire and parts of West Berkshire.
Our cultural ambition is to have a culture that places people at the heart of all we do, where we all belong, and where learning, improvement and excellence thrive.
We provide specialist services to people across the UK and internationally. We are one of only two centres in the UK treating pseudomyxoma peritonei (a rare form of abdominal cancer) and we are leaders in the field of tertiary liver cancer and colorectal cancer.
The trust employs more than 9,000 staff and has a turnover of over £500 million a year. As a Foundation Trust, we are directly accountable to our members through the governors. The Council of Governors represent the interests of their constituencies and influence the future plans of the Foundation Trust.
Your Next Career Move Made Easier - Accommodation May Be Offered
We understand relocating can be a big step. Hampshire Hospitals may be able to provide accommodation options for successful candidates, depending on availability. If this something you would like to explore please contact Southern Housing on 02080 360017
Job description Job responsibilities A full and comprehensive description of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role is provided in the attached Job Description and Person Specification document.
Person Specification
Trainin & Qualifications Essential
Degree level qualification in Acupuncture from a recognised training provider. Current professional registration with British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Knowledge of professional, ethical and safe practice standards relevant to acupuncture. Evidence of ongoing CPD.
Desirable
Qualification in additional complementary therapy modalities. Quality Improvement qualifications. Qualification or additional training in cancer care, supportive care or palliative care. Teaching, mentoring or assessor qualification.
Experience & knowledge Essential
Experience of delivering acupuncture independently within a healthcare, hospice or community setting. Experience of holistic assessment, treatment planning and evaluation of patient outcomes. Experience of managing and prioritising an autonomous clinical caseload. Experience of working as part of a MDT. Knowledge of evidence-based practice relating to acupuncture. Knowledge of consent, safeguarding, infection prevention and clinical governance principles. Understanding of risk assessment, contraindications and risk management related to acupuncture in cancer care. Experience of maintaining accurate clinical records and documentation
Desirable
Experience of delivering acupuncture to people affected by cancer. Experience of working within an NHS organisation Knowledge of cancer diagnoses, cancer treatments and common treatment-related side effects. Experience of service evaluation, audit or quality improvement activities. Experience of supporting students, volunteers or colleagues in learning and development activities. Knowledge of local and national cancer charities and support organisations
Skills & Abilities Essential
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work autonomously and exercise professional judgement within scope of practice. Ability to establish effective working relationships with patients, carers and multidisciplinary colleagues. Ability to manage a clinical caseload effectively and prioritise competing demands. Ability to support patients experiencing distress, anxiety or emotional difficulties associated with cancer and its treatment Ability to promote self-management and shared decision-making. Competent IT skills, including use of electronic patient records, Microsoft Office applications and data collection systems.
Desirable
Ability to deliver education and training to staff and patients.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Wellbeing Centre - Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital
Basingstoke
RG24 9NA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)