Therapy Technician

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our existing support team. You will have the opportunity to work alongside Physiotherapists, occupational Therapists, Assistant Practitioners and Assistants. Following all appropriate training you will contribute to delivering a high standard of care to our post-operative patients. The successful candidates will work predominantly on our in-patient wards and will be responsible for direct patient care. They will progress patients mobility, prescribe walking aids, teach and supervise exercise programmes and activities of daily living. They will also be expected to undertake any relevant clerical and/or housekeeping duties in order to ensure a safe and timely discharge for our patients. The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest specialist orthopaedic units in Europe. We offer planned orthopaedic surgery to people locally, nationally and internationally. Our Trust is a very special hospital; big enough to deliver world class services and small enough to offer exceptional patient and staff experience. We offer a working experience unique in the West Midlands and we're always on the lookout for passionate people to join our award-winning team. The ROH is an equal opportunities employer. We employ people of difference and are committed to growing an inclusive culture, where difference is celebrated, and people feel able to bring their whole and authentic self to work. We are a Disability Confident Leader and offer a range of inclusive, family friendly and flexible working arrangements and policies, to support our people in the workplace. The Trust is committed to the Disability Confident Interview Scheme and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy and consider them on their abilities. If you have a disability and need any support with your application or require any reasonable adjustments to be implemented please do get in touch with the Recruiting Manager for this position so that the team can support you. To find more about our staff benefits, please visit our website.

Responsibilities

To participate in a rotation scheme assisting qualified Physiotherapist’s (PT) and Occupational Therapist’s (OT) in meeting the needs of patients requiring therapy intervention.
To carry out specialised programmes of care/activities of daily living (ADL) which have been pre-selected/delegated by the qualified Therapist following assessment
To plan and prioritise own caseload of patients delegated by a Therapist, organising this effectively with regard to clinical priorities and use of time
To undertake clerical and administration duties in line with departmental requirements.
To complete Care Certificate
To complete clinical and administration competencies for each area of work within Therapies
To demonstrate, teach and supervise selected patients with exercise and gait re-education programmes as directed by a qualified physiotherapist
To assist qualified staff in teaching appropriate techniques to and assessing safety of post-operative patients on stairs in preparation for discharge.
To be responsible for the safe and competent use of equipment within your current area of practice. This will include checking of the condition and cleanliness of equipment and the teaching and supervision of its use by patients
To accurately measure for and supply appropriate mobility aids, demonstrating, teaching and progressing their use to patients
To assist qualified physiotherapy staff with mobilisation of patients utilising therapeutic handling and positioning as necessary for the purpose of rehabilitation including immediately post-operatively and within other areas as required
To assist in addressing groups of patients/carers to provide information and advice on physiotherapy and occupational therapy input and procedures relating to primary hip/knee arthroplasty
To participate in handover from nursing staff on wards
To supervise selected patients with the practice of daily living tasks and demonstrate safe use of equipment as assessed by the professional OT staff
To issue and teach use of wheelchairs to patients following assessment from a qualified OT
To assist with home visit assessments as and when requested by the professional OT or PT staff
To prepare patients, both mentally and physically for treatment. This can involve assisting the patient to undress whilst respecting their individual beliefs and maintaining dignity
To supervise classes of patients undergoing group exercises including hydrotherapy classes
To communicate effectively and gain informed consent from patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential and ensure understanding of condition and/or surgery. This will require skills of explanation, motivation and persuasion to overcome physical, emotional, mental and cultural barriers
To communicate effectively with all staff and to feedback regularly to qualified staff and Therapy Assistant Co-ordinator
To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date documentation in line with departmental, CSP and COT standards
To maintain own clinical development and portfolio by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, incorporating them into current clinical practice as necessary
To be an active member of the in-service training programme, through attendance and presentation at tutorials and training sessions within the Therapies department
To make patient appointments and arrange transport when required, using computerised systems as appropriated
To collect daily statistics, inputting data into computerised databases as required
To be aware of departmental policies and procedures with regard to treatment, equipment and administration acting accordingly
To prepare and maintain clinical areas for patient use being aware of cleanliness and safety
To independently monitor and maintain levels of stock throughout the department, ordering and rotating stock as required following authorisation from Therapy Services Manager
To prepare and maintain emergency and electrical equipment for Therapy areas by testing output, safety and cleanliness
To provide induction, mentorship and support for other members of staff. This will include teaching of duties appropriate to role
To comply with all Health and Safety standards of the Department and the Trust, including prompt reporting of accidents and incidents and ensuring that equipment usage is safe
To remain up-to-date and attend all mandatory training provided, in line with Trust policies
To be available for work from 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday including Bank Holidays working no more than contracted hours over a seven-day period.