Lymphoedema Assistant Practitioner
Job Description
Job summary
Bay Lymphology has an exciting opportunity to recruit a Health Care Assistant to train and develop to become a part-time Assistant Lymphoedema Practitioner to our Lymphoedema service, based in Kendal.
We are looking to appoint a compassionate and caring support worker, who is enthusiastic and highly motivated to progress their own professional development. The successful applicant will be committed to working closely with health and social care colleagues to provide high quality care for patients with both primary and secondary Lymphoedema and those at risk of developing the condition. Full training will be given, and a full preceptorship will be put in place to allow the successful candidates to transition into the specialist role, with eventual qualification as an Assistant Lymphoedema Practitioner. Although experience is not essential, the post would suit someone with an interest in chronic illness, cancer and palliative care.
Main duties of the job
This role involves understanding lymphoedema, including its causes, development, signs, symptoms, and current management practices. You will assist in managing the caseload, providing high-quality, patient-centred care, including skin care advice, simple lymphatic drainage (SLD), compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and fitting compression garments.
You will work closely with patients and the Lymphoedema Practitioners (Specialist Nurses) to carry out care plans in line with agreed treatment protocols, regularly assessing patients progress and treatment effectiveness and reporting/ escalating concerns to senior colleagues. Collaboration with the wider team will ensure continuity of care and that patient needs are met.
Flexibility to meet service needs and participation in research, audits, and service awareness campaigns will be key to this role.
Ongoing professional development, including skills training and professional updates, will be essential.
Additionally, you will help ensure the prevention and control of infection, prioritise health and safety, and contribute to the evaluation of the lymphoedema service through the collection of statistical information. This job description may evolve as needed to meet service requirements.
About us
Bay Lymphology is a close-knit team of dedicated nurse specialists and assistant lymphoedema practitioners, based in the charming town of Kendal, Cumbria. As a specialist outpatient service, we are open Monday to Friday from 09:00-17:00, accepting referrals from both primary and secondary care. Our main clinic, located in the heart of Kendal, is equipped with the latest technologies, including photo- biomodulation therapy, Kinesio taping, negative suction therapy, and intermittent pneumatic compression therapyall of which the successful candidate will receive comprehensive training to use.
At Bay Lymphology, we believe that early intervention is crucial to effective lymphoedema management. Our service offers a high standard of care, providing expert lymphoedema management, advice, and information aimed at preventing swelling, reducing progression and complications, and empowering patients to self-manage their condition.
Before applying, we warmly invite anyone interested in this role to visit our clinic and experience firsthand the supportive and professional environment we offer.
Job responsibilities
Main Duties:
This role involves understanding lymphoedema, including its causes, development, signs, symptoms, and current management practices. You will assist in managing the caseload, providing high-quality, patient-centred care, including skin care advice, simple lymphatic drainage (SLD), compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and fitting compression garments.
You will work closely with patients and the Lymphoedema Practitioners (Specialist Nurses) to carry out care plans in line with agreed treatment protocols, regularly assessing patients progress and treatment effectiveness and reporting/ escalating concerns to senior colleagues. Collaboration with the wider team will ensure continuity of care and that patient needs are met.
Flexibility to meet service needs and participation in research, audits, and service awareness campaigns will be key to this role.
Ongoing professional development, including skills training and professional updates, will be essential.
Additionally, you will help ensure the prevention and control of infection, prioritise health and safety, and contribute to the evaluation of the lymphoedema service through the collection of statistical information. This job description may evolve as needed to meet service requirements.
NB, the service is not within the NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions and is not eligible for NHS pension, however benefits and a generous nest pension scheme is available.
During the application and on boarding process a mandatory orientation invite will be provided and supported for applicants to experience the service environment and meet team members.
WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR MOBILE NUMBER ON YOUR APPLICATION SO WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF NEEDED.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths
- Computer literacy
Desirable
- NVQ/ BTEC in Health and Social Care
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
Essential
- This post has been identified as involving access to vulnerable adults and/or children and successful applicants will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service Disclosure Check.
Skills
Essential
- Sensitivity to the needs of the overall service as well as to individual staff
- Up to date knowledge and awareness of the bigger picture and developments in the NHS and social care
Desirable
- Demonstrates knowledge of clinical innovation relevant to the role
- Presentation skills
Experience
Essential
- Willing to undertake specific training in therapeutic treatments for Lymphoedema management
Desirable
- Experience of Lymphoedema management
- Experience of tissue viability
- Experience of working in the field of palliative care
- Experience of working in the community
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to practice hands on clinical skills
- Responsible and reliable attitude towards daily service management
- Supports the development of integrated working across boundaries of health and social care
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Morecambe Bay Primary Care Collaborative
Address
Kendal Lymphology
64 Stramongate
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 4BD
