Specialist Physiotherapist

Job responsibilities

The Specialist Physiotherapist role, is a full time, permanent role. The role will work across the Physiotherapist department and Rowans Discharge Service, which is led by the Lead Social Worker who are responsible to the Clinical Lead. The role is based at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook.

The therapy team is an essential part of the specialist palliative care service at Rowans Hospice. The postholder will provide highquality physiotherapy to patients with lifelimiting illness, supporting them to optimise function, independence and quality of life. The role includes providing specialist physiotherapy input across the Inpatient Unit, Living Well Centre, outpatient services and community interfaces.

Key Areas of Responsibility / Key Accountabilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Undertake holistic physiotherapy assessment and treatment as an autonomous practitioner for patients with complex palliative care needs.
• Provide physiotherapy interventions across the Inpatient Unit, Living Well Centre, outpatients and community settings.
• Use advanced clinical reasoning, analytical skills and appropriate outcome measures to guide intervention.
• Tailor assessment and treatment to individual patient needs, preferences and goals.
• Maintain focus on optimising functional ability, comfort and independence.
• Continuously reassess and adapt physiotherapy input as patients conditions change.
• Provide expert advice to the multidisciplinary team on managing functional ability, mobility, breathlessness, fatigue and postural care.
• Provide planned and spontaneous teaching to patients, families and carers to promote understanding of physiotherapy aims and safe use of equipment.

Equipment Responsibilities

• Assess, recommend and order equipment required to support patient care, including mobility aids, specialist seating, hoists, slings, wheelchairs and pressurerelieving devices.
• Ensure timely coordination of equipment delivery, installation, maintenance and collection in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist.
• Ensure all equipment is safe, appropriate, riskassessed and compliant with manual handling and hospice policies.
• Provide training to staff, patients and families on safe and effective use of equipment where required.
• Report hazards, defects or equipment requiring repair through appropriate channels.

Communication

• Communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and families in emotionally challenging circumstances.
• Initiate and maintain effective communication with therapy colleagues and the wider MDT.
• Support patients and families to engage in therapeutic interventions.
• Liaise with carers, external agencies and community services to ensure continuity of care and safe discharge planning.
• Participate in MDT meetings, case discussions and family meetings as required.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop knowledge of evidencebased physiotherapy practice in palliative and endoflife care.
• Participate in regular supervision and clinical supervision.
• Supervise junior staff, assistants and students as required.
• Contribute to inservice training and education for colleagues and the wider MDT.

Experience, Qualifications, Skills and Behaviours required

• State Registered Physiotherapist with a minimum of 5 years experience
• To be a member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care.
• Experience in Specialist Palliative Care
• Experience in Oncology
• To have completed training in communication skills

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• State Registered Physiotherapist with a minimum of 5 years experience
• To be a member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care
• Experience in Specialist Palliative Care
• Experience in Oncology
• To have completed training in communication skills

Desirable

• Experience of working in a Hospice setting

Experience

Essential

• State Registered Physiotherapist with a minimum of 5 years experience
• To be a member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care.
• Experience in Specialist Palliative Care
• Experience in Oncology
• To have completed training in communication skills

Desirable

• Experience of working in a Hospice setting.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Rowans Hospice Charity

Address

Purbrook Heath Road

Pubrook

Waterlooville

Hampshire

PO7 5RU

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.rowanshospice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)