Job overview

The post is primarily based at the West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham. This post is ideal for those seeking to further their medical experience in a specialist rehabilitation setting following Foundation or Core Training. This post will give the successful applicant a chance to experience the role of a Level 2 specialist neurological rehabilitation service in supporting patients with serious neurological injuries from a wide variety of causes. There are opportunities to gain experience with complex patient groups including neurological disorders and major traumatic injuries. Learning is supported through regular educational activities and the post is well suited for those preparing for membership exams.

The appointee will join the existing multidisciplinary team to provide specialist care for Complex Neurorehabilitation patients with severe brain injuries in line with the BSRM standards that form the National Best Practice guidelines. The unit contributes data to the UKROC database, and the appointee is expected to ensure that data quality is maintained. The appointee may also be expected to undertake domiciliary visits to deliver spasticity management and neurological reviews.

Main duties of the job

To be a key member of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

 Ensure that the medical process from referral to discharge/transfer of the patient is effective and efficient.

To take part in all aspects of clinical assessment and treatment for patients admitted for neuro-rehabilitation.

To provide appropriate healthcare to the patient's physical needs and make appropriate referrals to general and surgical services.

Maintain a high standard of medical records on EPR/paper files/UKROC documentation/writing letters as appropriate,

To ensure proper communication with other involved professionals in the daily patient care, including the preparation of progress reports and discharge summaries.

To work in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines.

The post holder will have an active role in development of services, on-going and new research projects, clinical audit, journal clubs and clinical meetings.

There are good opportunities to attend a wide variety of clinics

Continuity of care and team-working are prioritised as teams of doctors, nurses and AHP staff look after patients from admission to discharge

Working for our organisation

There are 8 beds for community rehabilitation at West Berkshire Community Hospital in Thatcham, Nr Newbury, which receive a weekly ward-round and multidisciplinary meeting from one of the Neurorehabilitation consultants. There is also collaboration with the Community Based Neurorehabilitation Team based at West Berkshire Community Hospital who continue the rehabilitation process in the community. An Early Supported Discharge Team provides rehabilitation for stroke patients who need only a short hospital admission.  The appointee is expected to strengthen the links with all the above services, both on site and in the community, and with social services and voluntary agencies like Headway.