Tissue Viability Assistant Practitioner

Job overview

To provide support to patients undergoing radiotherapy treatments, ensuring good clinical management of radiation skin reactions.

To assist radiographers with the care of radiotherapy patients, assisting with clerical procedures and radiotherapy procedures as required.

To provide support and assistance to patients and staff as required in the Arden Radiotherapy department.

Please be advised that sponsorship is not eligible for this post.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake protocol led clinical assessment of skin reactions for patients undergoing Radiotherapy, and devise and implement an appropriate care plan within departments operating hours
• Perform routine and complex dressings on patients following UHCW NHS Trust and Arden Cancer Centre’s policies and procedures.
• Undertake routine observations of patients and other clinical tasks for which the post-holder is appropriately trained and authorised. This will include venepuncture, stitch removal and wound swabs.
• In combination with the Macmillan Information and Support  Radiographers, act as a source of advice with regard to radiotherapy related skin care and wound management.
• Inform the Radiotherapy team immediately of any unusual skin reactions or any concerns raised by the patient.
• Effectively communicate information regarding clinical decisions, policy and care pathways to patients/carers and keep appropriate records and documentation.
• Provide relevant written and verbal information for documents relating to patient progress and liaise with external agencies on clinical matters under the direction of qualified staff.
• Participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting, including the delivery of presentations and practical demonstrations on radiotherapy dressings.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Act as cascade trainer for handwashing in the department.
• Utilise IT systems to access accurate and timely patient information.
• Ensure that up to date written and/or electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with departmental policies and Trust Standards.
• Manage expected and unexpected clinical events recognising when to refer to a senior member of staff where appropriate in an unexpected event.
• Form professional relationships with patients and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
• Support patients, carers and others during situations arising in a clinical area i.e. when bad news has been given.
• Contribute to the development of the Radiotherapy Dressings service ensuring that practices are evidence based, in line with UHCW NHS Trust Policies and national guidelines e.g. SoR, RTOG

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.