About this role
Job summary
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic candidate to join our friendly and dedicated inpatient physiotherapy team at Bishop Auckland Hospital. We are looking to recruit a band 3 Physiotherapy Assistant; this post is 28 hours per week.
The successful candidate will work alongside qualified physiotherapists to assist in the rehabilitation of adult patients in ward environments at Bishop Auckland Hospital.
The post holder will work alongside the wider therapy team to provide treatments to patients covering a varied range of conditions.
The post holder will participate in 7 day working, including bank holidays.
Excellent communication and listening skills are required to support the physiotherapy team and patients through their rehabilitation.
Main duties of the job
This role will be based at Bishop Auckland Hospital, working on the inpatient wards. The wards include Elective Orthopaedics, General Rehab, Frailty and step down.
The post holder will deliver prescribed and specified treatment plans for post operative patients and those requiring inpatient rehabilitation.
The post holder will be expected to work independently (once deemed competent) and as part of a team.
The role also involves non-patient contact time for stock control, clerical duties & housekeeping duties.
Please see job description for full details.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
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Job description Job responsibilities
See job description for full details.
To carry out therapy regimes following assessment by the physiotherapist and to be responsible for the monitoring of these care programmes and adjustment of therapy, working within set parameters.
To be clinically competent to recognise / identify any changes in patient condition and report / document this to the physiotherapist or appropriate clinical lead within the MDT.
To assess and supply aids and appliances (eg chairs, walking aids, standing aids), ensuring appropriate sizing, and educating/assessing the client in the correct and safe use of the appliance, including on stairs.
To administer therapeutic interventions as per agreed protocols of care to patients with varied conditions.
If required, to represent qualified therapist at clinical multidisciplinary meetings.
To be responsible for keeping, maintaining and filing departmental records and reports.
To be responsible for the care of equipment and stock and ensuring that records are up to date.
To be responsible for general and specific administrative duties as required and delegated.
To demonstrate physical skills related to movement and exercise gained through work-related practice.
To facilitate the discharge planning process to ensure appropriate length of stay.
To plan and organise clinical activity with appropriate time scheduling to complete all clinical and administrative duties including statistical record keeping.
To be responsible for the correct and safe use of the physical environment, including equipment, and to be responsible for the allocation of these resources.
To be responsible for clinical record keeping in accordance with the physiotherapy guidelines for documentation and legal requirements.
To contribute to the education/support of less experienced staff within speciality areas has been designated as appropriate.
To contribute towards the provision of flexible and timely services which will include working across a seven-day working week, including bank holidays.
To work to the standards of individual speciality areas and to ensure that background knowledge within each speciality area is acquired through independent learning and collaboration during the working day with senior staff.
To maintain effective communication links with patients, carers, families and all associated professional practitioners and to complete comprehensive, accurate and legally compliant clinical records.
To write patients progression in medical notes in accordance with the physiotherapy guidelines for documentation and legal requirements.
Person Specification
Special Requirement Essential
Ability to meet physical demands of the post. The ability to understand and always behave, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values and behaviours. Ability to demonstrate empathy.
Qualifications Essential
GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English
Desirable
An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture and strategic direction. Learning to NVQ 3 level or above in healthcare related area or equivalent.
Specials Skills & Knowledge Essential
Understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Good organisational skills. Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner. Confident in the use of email and basic IT skills. Ability to follow instructions/directions to complete assigned tasks. Able to feedback effectively both verbally and in writing. Effective time management.
Experience Essential
Working within a team. Working independently and with minimal supervision.
Desirable
NHS experience. Experience working in a hospital setting with an inpatient client group. Experience working as a Physiotherapy Assistant or equivalent role in healthcare. Basic competency training in: mobility, progression of mobility, provision of walking aids, stair assessment, passive movement, passive stretches and individual exercise programmes.
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.
Employer details Employer name County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Bishop Auckland Hospital
Cockton Hill Road
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 6AD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)