Therapy Technician-Musculoskeletal

at  Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical To assist in the development of therapy services by supporting Physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of highly complex patients and the day-to-day running of the therapy environment. To accept patients referred by therapists and carry as own patient caseload. Treat patients according to treatment protocols, and competencies applying appropriate treatments and progression of treatments including exercises on land and in water, and using investigative and analytical skills make alterations (within protocols and scope of practice) to patient treatment programmes as required. Assess routine non-complex patients as 1st point of contact within agreed patient pathways To use clinical reasoning, and use a range of assessment and treatment skills and options to formulate treatment programmes.
Support physiotherapists in delivering exercise, education and water based classes. To liaise with the therapist as necessary regarding patient care. In particular highlighting any variations to expected outcomes from treatment programmes you deliver Carry out safe treatment sessions for patients individually or in a group in a variety of settings without the direct supervision or presence of a therapist, e.g. in the Aspire Centre and in the therapy gym and hydrotherapy.
Participate in the inter-professional evaluation of the rehabilitation programme to ensure patients meet their ongoing health & wellbeing needs. To demonstrate an understanding of the physiological concepts underpinning the prescribed treatment programmes to enable you to instruct, advise and guide patients. To make the appropriate adjustments independently and be able to communicate any changes to patients and prescribing staff. This may include areas of work requiring physical effort or intense concentration, with regard to risk, health & safety.
To maintain timely and accurate signed records and statistical information as required, this includes using paper records and entering information on to electronic databases. Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant team, departmental or clinical / Multi-disciplinary team meetings and comment on recommended changes to clinical care or service provision. Be responsible for the administrative arrangements in area of work e.g. booking out of equipment/ rooms in conjunction with other members To encourage patients and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence.
This requires empathy, sensitivity, and good interpersonal skills and may require motivational skills with some patients. To carry out water based treatment activities as directed by the therapists. To support patients, carers, staff and relatives by providing education and advice as appropriate under the instruction of therapists. Assess for walking aids and appliances such as knee splints.
Manage and prioritise own patient caseload delegated by the therapist. To help develop web-based and patient information materials. Organisational Keep the department tidy, clean the therapy equipment regularly and ensure that used / returned equipment is stored and collected in line with equipment loan store procedures. Be responsible for monitoring and ordering specialist equipment and materials required for therapy use across both hospital sites.
This requires liaison with both suppliers and therapists to ensure that cost and efficiency measures are considered throughout the process. Be responsible for the safe use of therapy equipment and aids by patients in your care, including the sale of small pieces of equipment. Participate in staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee. To use the provided Personal Development Plan to support your own learning and development, including gathering evidence of Continual Professional Development to keep up to date on professional issues by participating in In-Service Training, and other training activities as agreed through the appraisal process.
Maintain up to date mandatory training compliance. To be conversant with, and comply with, all organisation and departmental policies and procedures. Eg health and safety, security and confidentiality, and privacy Be responsible for the administrative arrangements supporting the therapy service e.g. booking rooms, setting up/clearing away equipment, collecting and inputting data onto the computer system, rehab booklet for rehab pts etc To support the development of Therapy students and people considering therapy as a career e.g.
work experience and access students To actively participate in the delivery of in-service training and assist in the training of newly appointed Therapy Assistants and Technical Instructors. To be an active participant within departmental audits and research as deemed appropriate to the area of work. To be an effective team member, respecting the work of others and representing the profession suitably at all times. The post holder may be required to work over weekends as the division develops 7 day working.
The post holder may be required to work on more than one site. To undertake any other duties considered appropriate by the Lead Therapists (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy)

Please refer the Job description for details