Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist: Acute Stroke Unit and Neurology

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity to cover the Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist for Acute Stroke Unit/Neuro Outliers team at North Middlesex Hospital. This post is  for a 9month fixed term contract to cover a maternity leave.

This opportunity would be suitable for any Specialist Neuro Band 7 Physiotherapists or existing Band 8a Neuro therapists interested in the role.

The North Middlesex Hospital is part of the wider group Royal Free London and has an Acute Stroke Unit (ASU). The team also cover Stroke and Neuro outliers across the hospital.

The successful post holder would work together with the Clinical Lead ASU/Neuro OT in managing the ASU and Stroke team, by providing both clinical specialist input and operational input into the running of the team. As an 8a, the post holder would also be expected to deputise for the Head of Physiotherapy when necessary.

Main duties of the job

To manage the Multi-professional therapy and Physiotherapy input to the Acute Stroke Unit Service, Neuro-Outlier service, NMUH and alongside the NMUH Physiotherapy Manager for inpatients engage in planning, co-ordinating, delivering and evaluating the service, participating in the design and implementation of physiotherapy and multidisciplinary research, audit and policy.

You will perform the role of Clinical Lead for Neurorehabilitation Trust wide and within the ASU. Your specialist patient population will be Medical Brian Injury (MBI) and neuro-outliers .

To perform expert physiotherapy assessment and design management programmes for patients presenting with highly complex acute and chronic neurological and neuromuscular disease, performing the role to the highest degree of autonomy.

To provide specialist support and advice to physiotherapy colleagues across the NCL sector regarding neuro-rehabilitative management as well as influencing national theory and practice through your involvement in research and other postgraduate work.

To initiate specialist practice, for example, outpatient clinics / spasticity management clinics, or work normally performed by medical personnel once appropriate protocols or training has been agreed.

To educate and train Senior and Junior grade physiotherapists, Physiotherapy Technicians, Assistants, students and other healthcare professionals in the physiotherapy management of acute stroke patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To manage the Multi-professional therapy and Physiotherapy input to the Acute Stroke Unit Service and Neuro-Outlier service at NMUH and alongside the NMUH Physiotherapy Manager for inpatients engage in planning, co-ordinating, delivering and evaluating the service, participating in the design and implementation of physiotherapy and multidisciplinary research, audit and policy. You will also be responsible for the initiation and development of physiotherapy and multi-professional Acute Stroke practice within NMUH and across the Trust.

To engage in the planning, co-ordination, delivery and evaluation of the acute stroke/ neurology service, participating in the design and implementation of physiotherapy/multidisciplinary research, audit and policy.

To be responsible for the initiation and development of physiotherapy and multi-professional Acute Stroke practice within ASU and the wider NMUH Trust.

To perform expert physiotherapy assessment and design management programmes for patients presenting with highly complex acute and chronic neurological and neuromuscular disease, performing the role to the highest degree of autonomy.

To act as a source of expertise on the physiotherapy management of neurological and neuromuscular disease, providing advice to consultant physicians, patients, carers, all grades of physiotherapists, other health care professionals, general practitioners, and social services.

To provide specialist support and advice to physiotherapy colleagues across the NCL sector regarding neuro-rehabilitative management as well as influencing national theory and practice through your involvement in research and other postgraduate work.

To initiate specialist practice, for example, outpatient clinics / spasticity management clinics, or interventions normally performed by medical personnel once appropriate protocols or training has been agreed.

To educate and train Senior and Junior grade physiotherapists, Physiotherapy Technicians, Assistants, undergraduate and adaptation students, other healthcare professionals in the physiotherapy management of acute stroke patients.

As part of your extended role, you will be a non-medical prescriber for the Neuro rehabilitation service of the North Middlesex University Hospital. As a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist for the Acute Stroke and Neurology services, you will use advanced assessment skills, knowledge and complex decision-making processes to manage patients presenting with neuropathic pain and spasticity management.