Physiotherapy Assistant

at  Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES: Clinical After a period of training to be responsible unsupervised for implementing the standards and policies relevant to the speciality working within codes of practice and professional guidelines. Within specific guidelines and following training, to be solely responsible and accountable for a clinical case load working within codes of practice and professional guidelines. This includes patient documentation in both professional and medical notes and recording contacts on EPIC. Clinical caseload work will mainly include patient exercise supervision, assistance with patient group exercise classes - land and hydrotherapy, and issuing of walking aids and splints.
Following adequate training, be able to manage the administrative duties and patient bookings for the hydrotherapy classes and be poolside support for the physiotherapist during classes. After receiving instruction from the physiotherapist, to teach and supervise exercises and mobility on those patients who required initial assessment by the qualified physiotherapist Assist the physiotherapist in running of regular group exercise classes within the department whilst ensuring a safe environment for the patients After receiving instruction, to be able to issue patients with walking aids or splints, which would include measuring up, teaching the patient correct use and ensure their safe use To seek advice from Senior staff when: Progression of a specialised programme of treatment is required, Deterioration in the patients progress has occurred, Uncertain on how to proceed. To demonstrate a sound understanding of clinical risk and reporting untoward incidents. To demonstrate a physical ability to carry out physiotherapy interventions and therapeutic handling without direct supervision.
There is frequent requirement to exert moderate physical effort for several short periods of time during a day. To be responsible for the safe use of equipment used in carrying out physiotherapy duties adhering to the departments medical devices policy. This includes competency and accuracy to use equipment by you and other healthcare professional, carers and patients. This job will involve occasional exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g.
bodily fluids, including sputum, unpleasant smells and occasional exposure to hostility in the form of verbal and physical aggression Management After a period of time in post, to be delegated a caseload to treat on a daily basis. This may include responding to urgent referrals and occasionally unpredictable work patterns, liaising with the Senior Physiotherapist. After a period of training in post and with some assistance from the Senior Physiotherapist, to be able to prioritise clinical work and balance other patient related and professional activities in accordance with the departments requirements. This will require occasional concentration in an unpredictable environment.
With some assistance to be able to manage potentially upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner including but not limited to elderly, confused patients and neurological events. To work well within the Outpatients team and MDT to provide an efficient and effective service To be involved in the implementation of department policies and the yearly performance plan. To maintain and provide accurate and timely statistical information. To participate in the Trust Appraisal Scheme as an appraisee.
To ensure that all equipment defects, accidents and complaints are reported to your line manager and the Physiotherapy Manager immediately to ensure that appropriate action may be taken. To be responsible for cleaning and checking the conditions of relevant equipment Administrative To undertake administrative duties e.g. basic reception desk cover when necessary, photocopying etc Ordering office / physiotherapy supplies as needed Collect and manage patient feedback questionnaires / responses etc. After instruction, being able to use electronic diary system EPIC for making / changing patient appointments and registering new patients on the system After instruction, to be able to locate / enter patient notes on EPIC electronic notes system To organise archiving / retrieval of patient notes, which are stored off site as and when required Communication To liaise with all members of the MDT with regard to patient care.
To communicate effectively with other disciplines both internally and externally to ensure a comprehensive, seamless approach to care. Under indirect supervision to be able to communicate information to patients, carers and other staff. To ensure timely and effective communication with the Physiotherapy Manager and Senior Staff on all professional matters. To maintain an accurate record keeping system in line with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards and local guidelines.
To attend and be an active participant in speciality and departmental staff meetings. To use interpreters when required to ensure effective communication occurs with patients who are hard of hearing or do not speak/understand enough English for the purposes of consent and co-operation for treatment. To be pro-active in reading minutes of meetings that occur outside of your working hours/during leave and in keeping up to date with information. To report all complaints/incidents to the immediate senior member of staff and document accordingly.
To liaise with Information Governance regarding retrieving patient notes from off site documentation storage as and when required Education To be responsible for and actively record your own personal development. To participate in the in-service training programme and be pro active with regard to learning from Senior Staff within the unit/department. To attend external courses where appropriate giving feedback from any attended. When required to have work experience students working alongside you on the unit.
Research/Audit/Quality In line with the Trusts commitment to Clinical Governance to participate in the departments clinical audit programme. After a period of time in post to initiate audits relevant to your caseload. To participate in the specialities annual quality and audit plan which, as part of the performance plan, is monitored on a quarterly basis

Please refer the Job description for details