Senior Physiotherapist, Neurology Team, Band 6

Job overview

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for a physiotherapist join the  Acute Neurotherapy Team at Gloucester Royal Hospital on a fixed term basis. You would be joining an experienced, supportive and friendly team.

This post would suit an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about working with patients who have a Neurological condition (such as GBS, MS, FND and Parkinsons)  or someone that is looking to develop their clinical experience in acute Neuro rehabilitation.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder assumes responsibility for the day-to-day management of the clinical area, in the absence of the team leader.
• The post holder is supervised by a named therapist, who may not be present at all times. Clinical and professional supervision is in the form of regular clinical reasoning sessions, observed practice, peer review and formal training.
• The post holder will link with the Band 7 clinical lead therapist to support the use of resources within budget. The level of managerial responsibility involves the supervision and appraisal of junior therapists, support workers and undergraduates, with the support of the Band 7.
• When performing on call duties, staff must be available on the ward within 45 minutes of the call.*  For staff living more than 45 minutes from the hospital, a designated on-call room for overnight stay is available in GRH and is free of charge.  This room can be used by staff at both sites.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In line with the Trust Vision to provide the “Best Care for Everyone…”

Professional values

• To deliver therapeutic interventions, acting as a specialist clinician in Acute Neurology, using the principles of Physiotherapy in an integrated and client-centred way supported by the Therapy Competency Framework.
• To assume responsibility for personal development and supporting the development and supervision of others by CPD (continuing professional development), linked to appraisal.
• To support evaluation and service development in the clinical area in line with national and local drivers.

Communication and interpersonal skills

• To communicate effectively with patients and carers potentially complex, sensitive or distressing information; in order to provide patient centred care, to encourage self-management, maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of the condition.  Patients may have communication, perceptual or cognitive/understanding difficulties.

• To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing, other allied health professions and other colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service.

Leadership, management and team working

• To support leadership and work within the Neuro Therapy team, providing an effective and evidence-based service through assessing, planning and implementing treatment programmes.