Job summary
To work as part of an autonomous and innovative team specialising in foot and lower limb pathologies

To use clinical reasoning, critical thinking, analysis and reflection to support assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning and to develop and implement individualised care programmes for patients with foot pathology and medical need. This will include patients with a wide range of clinical need, including neuropathy, chronic diseases, vascular impairment and wound management.

To provide general care in a range of locations including clinical, domiciliary, hospital, nursing homes and other external settings

To commit to a philosophy of patient centred care with emphasis on patient empowerment

To work as a highly motivated team member to achieve the best patient outcome

To undertake and complete the band 5 competency programme. Mentorship and supervision will be provided to support this

To undertake nail surgery assessment and surgery

To follow care plans written by band 6 podiatrists and escalate and refer on where deterioration in the patient's foot health, e.g. provision of wound care for stable neuropathic patients

To undertake basic biomechanical assessment and management for patients presenting with simple pathomechanical conditions, e.g. heel pain

To provide generalised clinics and domiciliary visits. To develop care plans for healthcare assistants to follow and provide support for assistant staff

Main duties of the job

To be responsible and accountable for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of new and existing patients with a wide range of podiatric problems including:

• Systemic diseases
• Vascular and neurological disorders
• Immunosuppressive disorders
• Dermatological disorders
• Chronic pathologies
• Emergency treatments
• Simple stable wound management
• Basic biomechanical conditions
• Paediatric conditions
• Nail and skin pathologies

Responsibilities

• To utilise evidence based material to assess, treat, implement, evaluate and document podiatric provision
• To treat a wide range of patient groups including those with barriers to communication and vulnerable groups
• To provide tailored podiatric care plans to the patients' medical need with regular review and ability to identify where further intervention is required. To ensure timely and appropriate referral to other specialists, facilitating safe and appropriate discharge where indicated
• To undertake general podiatry sessions. Duties will include: assessment of new patients; following care plans written by specialised podiatrists; writing care plans for healthcare assistants to follow; arranging timely referral and escalation where deterioration in foot health
• To carry out biomechanics assessment and management for simple biomechanical conditions. Duties will include: the prescription, fitting and evaluation of insoles/orthotics; the prescription and evaluation of appropriate exercise and stretching regime
• To work as a band 5 podiatrist under the line management of a band 6 specialist podiatrist, providing support and clinical guidance to healthcare assistants within the service
• To mentor healthcare assistants through competency programmes and training. To mentor student podiatrists on placement within the trust
• To utilise the support of more senior staff in specialist areas of practice when required and clinically indicated
• To support specialist caseloads at times of increased service pressures as indicated in the service BIA and resilience
• To regularly attend and actively contribute to departmental team meetings, 1:1 meetings, appraisal and in service and mandatory training
• To have highly developed physical skills, precision hand/eye coordination requiring frequent concentration for prolonged periods, e.g. skilled debridement techniques
• To have the necessary skills to assess and where appropriate move and handle patients who may be immobile, wheelchair or bed-bound, often in confined spaces
• To plan and manage a house bound high risk caseload with responsibility for prioritising need and co-ordinate involvement of other healthcare professionals, social services, adult safeguarding and voluntary services where need is identified
• To perform regular and on-going risk assessment of working environments
• To actively participate in and meet the requirements of the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) of continual professional development
• To participate in extended hours working if required to do so
• To support other areas of the trust at times of increased pressures, e.g. NEEP 4. This may involve working in areas outside of normal working practice and job description
• Demonstrate commitment to IWL principles and flexible working patterns, to meet the needs of the service and staff
• Tackle discrimination and harassment, and promote equality and diversity in the workplace
• Reduce sickness absence; workplace accidents; and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff
• Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan
• Carry out regular appraisals for staff, ensuring business goals are clearly communicated and linked to objectives
• Review training and development of all staff, so all staff have a personal development plan, and support staff in reaching their full potential as identified through the appraisal process
• Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene. To undertake annual training/updates in infection prevention and control

Essential

• Degree level qualification in podiatry, State Registration with the HCPC as a podiatrist, Local Analgesia Administration Certificate

Desirable

• Post graduate training, PGCE / teaching or mentoring qualification or training

Employer details
Employer name: North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Address: University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 8PE
Website: Apply through our website

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Disclosure and Barring Service check applies to this post.