Foot Care Assistant / Foot Health Practitioner

at  University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our highly skilled and enthusiastic Podiatry team.
This post will provide you the opportunity to gain experience in the treatment of a wide range of podiatric conditions in the clinic and domiciliary environment, including Nail Surgery and Biomechanics. Your future development will be supported through a programme of Continuous Professional Development and supervision. You will also play an important role in supporting the service’s ongoing development through implementation of best practice and delivery of excellent patient care.
Previous experience of working in a care environment and an understanding of the role of Podiatrists in patient care is essential.
Who are we looking for?
Passionate about delivering high quality care to our patients.
Keen to learn new skills and support the development of our service
Well organised & flexible professional
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
No previous experience within Podiatry necessary as support/training will be provided.
Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.
The post is offered at Band 4 level for registered Foot Health Practitioners, and Band 3 level for applicants without podiatry assistant training/experience (with progression to Band 4 once funded level 4 qualification is completed). The services’ future workforce development plan includes supporting funded BSc Podiatry apprenticeships to suitable Band 4 employees.
To work under the guidance and support of qualified podiatrists in podiatry clinics, patient’s homes and nursing/residential homes, performing foot health assessment on patients with diverse presentations and complex physical and psychological conditions, and to deliver individualised treatment programme
To deliver an effective and competent level of clinical care under the guidance and supervision of the podiatrists, including management of nail and skin pathology and wound care
To provide appropriate education and support to patients and carers to empower the patient to participate in their self-car
To support the team in ensuring the day to day running of the service is efficient and smooth i.e., stock control and equipment maintenance
To provide assistance during Nail Surgery procedures and manage the appointment booking process.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation’s core values.
To undertake continual re assessment of patients at risk of lower limb morbidity, including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi pathologies.
To follow an individualised podiatry treatment plan and evaluate its effectiveness, requesting a review with a qualified podiatrist if needed
To assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment in discussion with qualified podiatrist as needed
To provide, fit and demonstrate the use of off the shelf in-shoe insoles and foot protection devices with support from qualified podiatrists as needed
To offer training to patient and carers on self care techniques as relevant
To effectively communicate self-care advice and condition specific information to patients and their relatives/carers to empower and motivate patients to manage their condition.
To deal appropriately with patients or relatives who may be angry or distressed or present with challenging behaviour, seeking support from qualified podiatrist if needed.
To be able to communicate clearly and proficiently, both verbally and in writing.
To attend and actively participate in team and other relevant meetings as per the minimum requirement in relation to hours worked. If unable to attend then to ensure that the relevant meeting minutes are read and understood
To identify the need for and initiate the use of translator services as required
To maintain records of communication in line with Trust and service standards and procedures
For further details of the role please see the attached job description

Please refer the Job description for details