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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To participate in the provision of a quality service to the Orthopaedic unit as delegated by the registered Therapists (OT or PT) or Therapy Associate Practitioners (with the required competency assessments completed to refer or delegate patients or tasks to Therapy Support Workers.)

To work as a support worker within the Multi Disciplinary Team under the guidance of, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, to enable patients to achieve their optimum level of independence in mobility and ADL on the Orthopaedic unit.

All activities will be under the direction of the registered Therapist or Therapy Associate Practitioner responsible for the care of the patient in co-ordination with the ward team.

To support the OT staff in maintaining an efficient, responsive equipment loans service to patients

To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary colleagues to ensure a high quality of treatment for patients

To participate in/and carry out the treatment of patients on the Orthopaedic Unit, (who may have complex physical and psychological conditions)

To provide clinical and non clinical support to therapy staff in order to maintain efficient organisation of the orthopaedic service.

CLINICAL

Under the indirect supervision of trained staff, be able to use own initiative and be able to assist patients in all activities of daily living within own level of competencies.

To be actively involved in pain management of the patient, monitoring changes during treatment.

Provide patient care, which may require the use of physical effort to roll, manoeuvre and stand patients. The use of manual handling equipment and training is essential, to reduce physical strain and maintain safety of the patient. Annual manual handling training is mandatory.

To have an awareness of the patients’ status and care needs. To be able to identify specific requirements during therapy treatment and act accordingly. This would include activities such as taking the patient to the toilet whilst assisting with gait re-education, or bringing a commode to the bed space whilst sitting the patient out of bed. The patient bed space will be left clean and tidy.

Provide a safe and clean environment for patients by having and demonstrating a working knowledge of all Health and Safety issues and adhere to Trust infection control and prevention policies.

To participate in and carry out the treatment of patients on the orthopaedic unit, following assessment by a registered therapist, to enable them to achieve their optimum level of functional independence.

To observe and monitor the patient’s performance during treatment and to report to more senior staff promptly and accurately.

To advise and instruct patients and their carers in the safe use of specialist equipment to improve the mobility and functional independence of the patient

To provide instruction to patients in the use of particular techniques and precautions following orthopaedic surgery. To move, handle or position patients safely within the limits of their condition

To provide and instruct in the safe usage of appropriate mobilising aids

To be actively involved in the mobilising of patients post operatively on the ward, providing and preparing the appropriate equipment, to enable them to practice daily activities safely. Activities may include washing and dressing, hygiene and toileting, transferring from bed,
chair, toilet and car.

To support patients on the safe negotiation of stairs/steps with or without mobility aids.

To participate in the treatment of patients who are seriously ill, or anxious, or of different ethnic and religious beliefs. (Communication skills of persuasion, motivation, explanation, empathy, reassurance and encouragement are needed.)

To be responsible for performing prescribed tests/electrical treatments and to be responsible for the safe and competent use of all electrotherapy equipment, gym equipment and patient
aids/appliances

To demonstrate a level of competency required to conclude a patient’s care from in patient therapy services

PROFESSIONAL

Ensure due regard is given to the customs, culture, values and spiritual beliefs of the patient, family, carers and staff. To uphold the Trust's Diversity/Equal Opportunities Policy.

Be accountable for own practice, and take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence. This will be in line with Royal College of Occupational Therapy RCOT and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy CSP guidelines.

To be aware of own sphere of competence and acknowledge any limitations within knowledge and skills.

 Attend yearly statutory training to ensure adherence to Trust policy and current legislation, and be responsible for applying the learnt principles to everyday practice, thereby providing a safe working environment for patients and peers.

 Attend relevant in house training sessions which are pertinent to own clinical practice, to enhance knowledge and skill, maintaining competencies and keeping a portfolio which reflects  personal development

Maintain personal training records and participate in a yearly appraisal, setting personal objectives for own professional development plan.

To maintain and develop current knowledge of orthopaedic surgery and relevant treatment protocols

To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records in line with CSP and COT and the Trust’s standards

ORGANISATIONAL

To identify workload priorities and manage time effectively.

Report verbally to the nurse in charge / therapist lead, any defect or hazard in equipment used. Ensure equipment is cleaned after use following correct protocol.

To prepare and ensure that electrical and exercise equipment is kept clean and safe for use by clinical staff and patients

To prepare and ensure patient treatment areas are clean and safe for use.

To produce accurate statistical returns of patients treated in line with department, Trust and NHS requirements. To collate the statistics for the orthopaedic team, recording performance against agreed standards, using the department proforma.

To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records which meet all legal requirements and are in line with departmental and Trust policies, COT and CSP standards.

To provide advice and demonstrate own activities to new or less experienced colleagues and students.

To be responsible for organising own clinical and non-clinical workload.

To be responsible for monitoring and maintaining stock levels for the RJAH patient equipment loans system, condemning any unsafe equipment in line with H&S regulations and department protocols.

To perform some clerical duties.

To be responsible for department duties as delegated and agreed.

COMMUNICATION

Maintain good interpersonal relationships with patients, relatives and staff, whilst maintaining confidentiality.

To manage complex or sensitive information about patients, dealing with confrontation where you will be able to reassure, calm and refer to a senior nurse / therapist when required.

Be able to persuade the patients to cooperate with prescribed treatments and care required. To undertake, as directed, communication with other hospitals and medical centres regarding patients’ follow up treatment

To ensure effective communication of information to patients and staff as appropriate (This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating; for example patients who are deaf, blind, illiterate, dysphasic, experiencing difficulties accepting their
diagnosis, and for those who may not speak English or it is their second language.)

Be able to understand and interpret body language of patients with special needs whose own communication skills are impaired through illness or disability.

Be able to recognise when there is a need to refer issues to the relevant member of the multidisciplinary team.

To report deterioration or change in a patients condition, in a timely manner, to the relevant registered member of the multidisciplinary team.

To participate in the nursing handover report, sharing any relevant information regarding the patient’s progress.

Attend meetings as directed and feedback information as appropriate.

Share information sent electronically, and verbally which is pertinent to ward and outpatient staff, patients and members of the multidisciplinary team. Disseminate information verbally to staff through handovers, team briefs, ward meetings and memos.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker Sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Job seekers should be aware that not all roles will be eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).