Physiotherapy Assistant Orthopaedics

We are looking to recruit Physiotherapy Assistant’s to work within the inpatient physiotherapy service at Royal Sussex County Hospital. Applicants should have some experience working with patients in the healthcare setting and an enthusiasm and/or background in exercise and rehabilitation. Applicants must have excellent, adaptable communication skills and enjoy working in a busy team environment, in a variety of settings.

You will be working under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist to treat patients across our two busy wards. The successful candidate will also assist the team with day to day administrative duties including ordering stock, completing referrals and any other ad hoc duties.

Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops.

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Improving lives: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

Build a career with us: As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communication

• To communicate effectively with all other disciplines / other parties involved in the patient’s care.
• To ensure timely and effective communication with the physiotherapists on all professional matters.
• To communicate effectively with patients especially those who have significant barriers to understanding such as cognitive, visual and hearing impairment.
• To communicate sensitively regarding information in an understandable form to patients, carers and other staff members.

Service Delivery and Improvement

• Ensure ward stock of physio equipment is maintained at the designated level.
• Photocopying, filing and faxing, as requested
• Retrieve, as requested, patient notes and X-rays from medical records.
• Provide administrative support to the orthopaedic and vascular team, i.e. starting any outpatient or community physiotherapy referrals and sending to appropriate service once approved and completed by the physiotherapist.
• Maintain updated and accurate daily records of patient’s treatment in line with the department’s documentation policy.
• Maintain and collate activity statistics
• Assist, as requested, with typing patient related information.To be competent in basic word and excel skills and Physio Tech.
• Become familiar and use Trust IT systems
• Assist in the provision of a seamless orthopaedic and vascular service
• As needed, work cohesively with Band 3 Technical Instructor for Major Trauma.
• To participate in service improvement projects.

People Management and Development

• Maintain professionalism in public/ ward areas.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and dignity at all times.
• Adhere to Trust and departmental policies and procedures, inc. The Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Participate in the department’s annual appraisal scheme.
• Attend and participate in departmental/ specialty in-service training as directed by senior or superintendent staff.

Patient Care Delivery

• Assist the physiotherapist and/or technical instructor in patient care, moving and handling and treatment programmes.
• Undertake basic prescribed treatment or exercise programmes on a delegated caseload of patients that have previously been assessed by a physiotherapist. Progress and modification of treatment in light of patient performance is carried out after discussion with the physiotherapist. Progress and variances reported to the appropriate physiotherapist at the earliest opportunity, and clearly documented.
• Prepare patients and treatment areas for activity i.e. the initial greeting of patients and carers, assisting with dressing, undressing and toileting of patients, ensuring call bells and drinks are readily available.
• Maintain a clean, safe and tidy working environment.
• To be responsible for the effective and safe operation of equipment during treatment sessions, the cleaning of equipment used and the reporting of any faults that would otherwise compromise patient care and safety.
• Undertake basic mobility assessment on patients previously assessed by a physiotherapist. Measure and instruct in the use of the appropriate walking aid and progress patients mobility under the direction of the physiotherapist, on achievement of corresponding competencies.
• Provide relevant advice to the patient/ carer regarding safety issues associated with the mobility aid being used and according to departmental policy and as per manufacture instructions.
• Assist the physiotherapist or Technical Instructor with stair assessment.
• To reassess patient’s condition in all aspects of physical health – report any relevant changes to physiotherapist / MDT / and or carer.
• Complete as appropriate a mobility aid/ appliance loan form accurately upon issue of equipment if required by team.