Job overview

The individual will provide a comprehensive, patient-centred, efficient and cost effective Orthotic service. Working closely with the Service Manager the individual will play a prominent role in the development of departmental protocols and service developments ensuring the service consistently meets the needs of the Trust and its patients.

The individual will deputise for Lead Orthotist, based a Darent Valley Hospital, in their absence providing advice and guidance to junior staff within the Orthotic service where necessary. In addition, to provide sickness and holiday cover where necessary at Darent Valley Hospital for the Lead Orthotist.

Please note this role is currently based at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, however there may be the possibility that it will relocate to Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford.  Please take this into account when applying.

Main duties of the job

To provide highly specialist orthotic knowledge, treatment and advice to patients, AHP’s, Nursing and Medical and Surgical teams through clinical assessment and examination of patients with a broad range of disabilities, handicaps and impairments. 

Specify the design, specification, materials, fabrication method and suppliers of orthoses and order individual items to meet the patients’ clinical needs. This includes explaining complex orthotic objectives and manufacturing specifications to suppliers.

Evaluate the completed device on the patient to ensure the desired quality of body-device interface, functional alignment, comfort, cosmetic appearance, mechanical integrity and safety.

Provide verbal, visual and written information, explanation and highly specialised and complex clinical advice to the patient and/or carers at every stage of their provision for informed consent when there may be barriers to understanding.

Report patient adverse incidents related to the provision of orthoses to maintain patient safety and engage in national reporting and monitoring procedures for specialised medical devices. 

Ensure excellent written and verbal communications are maintained with patients, carers, relatives and members of the health and social care teams; conveying  both complex and sensitive information at an appropriate level of understanding.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.