Rehabilitation Assistant and Pressure Garment Technician

at  Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Key result areas: To fabricate individually measured compression garments, soft splints and adaptive devices as required by occupational and physiotherapists. This requires competency in complex garment fabrication for contour fit garments, exercising specialised techniques and using dedicated machines coupled with high standards of tailoring skills. To provide assistance in pressure garment fabrication to occupational therapists/ physiotherapists. To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all sewing room equipment and appliances.
To take on delegated responsibility from therapists for tasks within the To assist in measuring for garments. To provide assistance in rehabilitation to occupational therapists/physiotherapists working within the burns, plastics and head and neck team. Engage in rehabilitation programs and provide sessions for patients within prescribed parameters including exercises, mobility, scar management, activities of daily living and personal care. Supervision takes the form of access to regular formal training and peer review.
Access to advice and support from therapists is available. Technical work is peer reviewed by the Band 4 therapy technician Organisational To be responsible for own workload identified and prioritised by a therapist to meet service and patient priorities. To ensure that routine administration duties are carried out in line with department To be flexible and readjust plans as situations change or arise. To record personally generated pressure garment monthly and annual production statistics using local databases.
Professional To be able to comprehend and work within the trust’s policies of data protection, equal opportunities and health and safety and meet the differing needs of patients. May be required to comment on policies in own role which are determined by others. No responsibility for service development. To be able to present information written and orally in a clear and logical manner.
Including accurate and legible notes. To assist in monitoring resources and equipment to ensure safety and adequate stocks to meet service needs. To liaise with therapists to maintain appropriate stock levels and to assist in ensuring financial containment of non-pay resources. To adhere to the safety policies and procedures set out by department, directorate, hospital and governing bodies.
To ensure equipment and environment is safely maintained for patients, visitors, employees and self and report any defects or concerns to a senior colleague. To adhere strictly to the Data Protection Act of 1998 by maintaining confidentiality of information about patients, staff and health service Be an active member of the training programme by attendances, as appropriate at and participation in in-service training programmes, tutorials and individual training sessions as available. To maintain production standards of own Clinical Manufacturing tailored pressure garments using patterns, as prescribed by Band 4 Therapy Technician and therapists. Modify garments as necessary.
To assist therapists to measure and fit patients with garments. To assist occupational therapists and physiotherapists in treating patients from burns, plastics or head and neck wards, implementing rehabilitation sessions within prescribed parameters and reporting back progress to therapists. Assist therapists in advising patients on wear and care of garments. This may involve using a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to facilitate garment application and compliance.
To be able to answer telephone questions and enquiries from patients relating to pressure garment delivery, in an empathetic manner. This may involve making judgments and using analytical skills as well as making decisions when to deal with patient garment concerns independently or request assistance/review from the Band 4 Therapy Technician or therapist. To make customised soft splints for patients attending a variety of clinics. Communication and Working Relationships To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to provide and receive routine information where there may be barriers to understanding.
This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. For example, patients may be dysphasic, depressed, deaf, blind or who may be unable to accept diagnosis. This communication may require tact or persuasive skills Utilise formal and informal reporting mechanisms to ensure effective communication across the health team. Maintain strict confidentiality consistent with the governing bodies and local trust and service policies.
Act as an advocate on behalf of patients and carers by using a client centred focus. Effort To carry out sessions where there is frequent requirement to exert moderate physical effort. This job will also require frequent predictable periods of prolonged concentration. To be able to cope working in a stressful environment with frequent exposure to emotional circumstances.
To deal sensitively with patients who have high levels of anxiety and aggression. To comply with the Trust Manual Handling Policy and local therapeutic handling guidance at all times. The job requires highly developed accurate physical skills with manipulation of material using fine motor skills and requires good levels of hand, eye and sensory coordination

Please refer the Job description for details