Clinical Specialist Hand Therapist OT/PT

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen to recruit an experienced Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to join our Hand Therapy team. The team is a part of the Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (iMSK), incorporating Orthopaedics, Chronic Pain, Rheumatology and MSK therapy for the population of North West Surrey.

The Hand Therapy team currently delivers a service at Ashford Hospital working closely with support from orthopedic surgeons and Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs), in assessing and managing a range of acquired and traumatic hand and wrist injuries/conditions. These include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervains, OA/RA, wrist and finger fractures, RSI/Tendonitis, and any post-surgical rehab/complications.

An advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the hand and ability to fabricate static splints for conservative management of a variety of the conditions commonly seen in hand therapy is essential.

The successful candidate will be an innovative therapist with leadership skills and an advocate for specialism. They will work with the existing B7 therapist to support the Clinical Lead for OT & PT MSK in the effective operational management of the hand therapy service.

For more information, please contact Ryan Mackie Clinical Lead MSK Physiotherapy & Hand Therapy via ryan.mackie1@nhs.net or Sarah Joyce, B7 Hand Therapist via sarah.joyce1@nhs.net or 01784 884043.

Main duties of the job

To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes.

To be able to manage potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner.

To undertake comprehensive assessments of patients using analytical skills, seeking guidance from senior staff as needed. Devise individualised hand therapy / physiotherapy management and / or treatment plans, using clinical reasoning skills, evaluating the outcomes of your interventions. Then formulate a patient centred treatment care plan.

To be responsible for and actively record your own personal development.

To supervise Band 6/5 occupational therapist, physiotherapist and physiotherapy assistants and to participate in the appraisal scheme as an appraisee.

To monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others. To be competent with lone working when appropriate with patients remotely and have awareness of when clinical support is required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Diploma/degree in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy leading to inclusion on HCPC register

Candidates will have a proven history of providing patient-centred care within occupational therapy / physiotherapy service. It is important for candidates to be able to communicate effectively with all disciplines involved in a patients care both those from within the organisation and those outside to ensure effective multidisciplinary working, while maintaining accurate patient records in line with the The Royal College of Occupational Therapists & Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards and Trust and service standards and policies.

To ensure timely and effective communication with the clinical/therapy leads and senior staff on all professional matters.

There is a need to attend staff meetings and actively participate ensuring understanding of information imparted. Additionally, to engage within the departmental objectives to progress the hand therapy service. To work under the supervision of a clinical specialist physiotherapists to apply clinical skills in assessment, treatment and evaluation in line with the iMSK pathways.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.