Hand Therapist

at  Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Job Summary: To provide specialist assessment and management of patients with complex hand presentations. Your caseload will include patients who have a range of acute and chronic hand conditions, with referrals generated from Orthopaedics, Trauma, Plastics, Rheumatology and potentially Neurology and Paediatrics (supported by senior clinicians). Working autonomously and without direct supervision, you will be accountable for own professional actions. Key Responsibilities Clinical/Professional Hold caseload of patients requiring complex hand therapy treatment, as allocated by Band 7.
Demonstrate sound knowledge of hand and wrist anatomy and physiology. Demonstrate sound knowledge of pathology relating to acute hand conditions and inflammatory disease processes. Demonstrate a working knowledge of surgical procedures and interventions relating to hand conditions. Demonstrate high level of skill in carrying out hand assessments, including use of standardised assessment tools.
Demonstrate competency and creativity in splinting skills and hand therapy modalities using up to date knowledge and evidence-based practice. Demonstrate skills in managing chronic inflammatory conditions including pain management, joint protection education and vocational rehabilitation. Manage effective wound care for hand therapy patients in hand therapy treatment sessions. Maintain regular liaison with nursing staff to update knowledge on wound management.
Discharge patients from hand therapy service when full potential is achieved following hand treatment, based on clear clinical reasoning and knowledge of specific hand conditions. Attend hand clinics on regular basis, liaising with other professionals within the MDT as appropriate, providing hand treatment as required. Seek relevant training opportunities to maintain and develop clinical skills in hand therapy. Provide clinical advice and support to district colleagues for patients with hand therapy and splinting needs

Please refer the Job description for details