Musculoskeletal Lead Podiatrist - Surrey Downs H&C

at  Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

To act as a source of clinical expertise and be the clinical lead for biomechanics within the Podiatry service, ensuring an effective, co-ordinated podiatry service is provided throughout the area and to GP practices. Provide highly specialist diagnostic assessment, treatment and advice, including gait analysis and provision of orthotics to maintain and improve patients mobility and independence and prevention of disability. To undertake training of podiatry students, help colleagues maintain and develop their clinical skills in biomechanics, and educate other health care professionals on the role of biomechanics. Clinical Duties To work as an integral member of the Podiatry Team to deliver high quality and responsive programmes of Podiatric care to patients who have a high risk need.
To provide early intervention whenever possible, to maintain mobility and independence, and prevent disability. To use complex orthopaedic assessments, diagnose, develop highly specialised treatment plans and provide effective podiatric treatments, using a problem solving approach based on clinical need and evidence based practice. This is predominantly with patients with complex medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular insufficiencies, physical or other disabilities, children, people with sports injuries and other vulnerable groups. To be responsible for a highly complex and specialised caseload involving the implementation and co-ordination of highly specialised treatment regimens involving the assessment, prescription, manufacture and evaluation of a wide range of orthotic devices, advanced casting techniques and management programmes.
To commit to the philosophy of care with an emphasis on patient empowerment and independence by providing education and information to help patients manage their own foot needs (including footwear advice). To be able to manufacture functional and accommodative orthotic devices. To evaluate all devices produced and purchased using outcome measurements. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with Consultants, GPs, Orthotist, & Allied Health Professionals and acting as a source of advice to patients, carers, GPs and other health care professionals.
To be responsible for a highly complex and specialised caseload involving the implementation and co-ordination of highly specialised treatment regimens involving the holistic management of the At Risk foot. To be highly proficient in: comprehensive neurological and vascular assessment, wound debridement, advanced pathology, and gait analysis. To undertake diagnostic procedures effectively using appropriate equipment e.g. Doppler ultrasound.
Also to request diagnostic procedures such as X-Ray and MRI scans, competently interpreting, recording, acting on and reporting the results. To ensure best practice when exposed to unpleasant working conditions. Maintaining infection control standards when faced with malodorous wounds, ulcerations and challenging unhygienic environments. To provide services at a wide variety of sites including a patients home, clinics, GP practices, hospitals (including ward rounds) and in challenging conditions, frequently working in isolation.
To manage clinical risk within own patient caseload seeking guidance as appropriate. To obtain informed consent prior to treatment plans commencing. To ensure all patients are appropriately assessed prior to referring to junior members of staff or assistant grades. The post holder will be responsible for carrying out a thorough medical assessment to ensure suitability of local anaesthesia and minor surgery.
To undertake specialist surgical intervention for complex nail pathologies, for example nail avulsions and chemical destruction of the nail matrix with local anaesthesia. To manage a domiciliary caseload within a geographical area. This includes booking appointments and clinical time management skills. To maintain clear, comprehensive and accurate records.
To update patients medical history, evaluate progression and work with the client to develop their treatment plan as required. To teach and assess colleagues, students, newly qualified podiatrists and podiatry assistants

Please refer the Job description for details