Douglas Macmillan Hospice

Senior Physiotherapist #1090

The closing date is 31 August 2025

Job summary

Key Responsibilities Deliver person-centred, evidence-based physiotherapy across inpatient, outpatient and community settings. Support patients in managing symptoms and adapting to physical, psychological and social challenges associated with palliative and end-of-life care. Conduct comprehensive assessments, design and evaluate individual therapy programmes and group sessions. Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and liaise with external agencies as needed. Provide education, training and guidance to patients, families and carers on appropriate equipment and rehabilitation strategies. Support service development through participation in audits, evaluations, clinical reviews and quality improvement activities. Contribute to service planning and deputise for the Therapies Team Leader when required. ________________________________________ What We're Looking For A qualified and HCPC-registered Physiotherapist A broad background in physiotherapy, ideally with experience in palliative care or managing complex conditions. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively. A proactive, person-centred approach with a commitment to holistic care. Ability to manage a varied caseload and work both independently and within a team. Access to suitable transport and willingness to travel across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Main duties of the job

Dougie Mac is an open-culture organisation, underpinned by clear strategic aims, vision and values. The Hospices many different services provide patients, their families and carers, with physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual support ensuring that all are supported as they face death, dying and loss. By joining Dougie Mac, youll be part of a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to delivering person-led, responsive and cost effective services of the highest quality. And youll be supported in your role to develop your skills and those of the people you work with. Staff at Dougie Mac are well-motivated, with professional development pathways, and given opportunities to be reflective in their roles through supervision, reflective practice and supportive line management. The Hospice offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, funded study, free parking, Paycare and much more.

About us

Were looking for a compassionate and experienced Senior Physiotherapist to join our Therapies Team, delivering specialist, person-centred physiotherapy across our hospice services. This is a unique opportunity to support patients and families facing palliative and end-of-life challenges, using your expertise to help them adapt, maintain independence and enhance quality of life. Working across inpatient, outpatient and home settings, youll play a key role within the multidisciplinary team providing holistic, evidence-based interventions and supporting individuals with complex needs. Emotional resilience, autonomy and a rehabilitative approach are essential to thrive in this rewarding role.

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£32,000 to £39,000 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

DMH1127172

Job locations

Dougie Mac

Barlaston Road

Stoke on Trent

ST3 3NZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties & Responsibilities: 1.To contribute to the provision of specialist palliative and end of life care needs for hospice patients. 2.To undertake specialist physiotherapy assessment and design management programs for people presenting with complex problems in the field of palliative care, maintaining accurate records as an autonomous practitioner. 3.Ensure a rehabilitative approach empowering patients and their families to live well together during palliative and end of life care. 4.Promote independence, increase functional ability to improve health and wellbeing. 5.Undertake skilled, comprehensive assessments and interventions. Including, the review, evaluation and adaptation of intervention to ensure its effectiveness. 6.Work creativity to undertake a problem-solving approach. 7.To contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of the teams operational policies and services by identifying service gaps to support the continuous improvement of service delivery and outcomes. 8.To be a member of the Health and Care Professions Councils (HCPC) registered Physiotherapist and adhere to their professional code of conduct, and the code of ethics and professional conduct of the Chartered society of Physiotherapy. 9.To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual high-quality programmes of therapy within professional framework, liaising with the multi-disciplinary teams and other therapists as appropriate. 10.To prescribe, advise, educate, provide relevant instruction and training to ensure safe use of appropriate equipment and document accordingly in line with hospice policy/procedures. 11.As necessary, to carry out home visits to assess patients in the home environment when being discharged from IPU, or where patients are unable to attend outpatients due to progression/deterioration in their condition. 12.To participate in family meetings working closely with patients, families and carers to provide a holistic physiotherapy assessment. 13.Contribute to the development and implementation of effective channels of communication across the hospice/external agencies in relation to patient care, including the completion of accurate and comprehensive records on the hospice patient information management system. 14.Ensure the welfare and safety of patients, families/carers ensuring the appropriate management action is taken regarding safeguarding as necessary. 15.To deputise for the Therapies Team Leader as required. 16.To contribute to the ordering, storage and management of stock. 17.To assist in the planning and implementing of group work with patients and carers including fatigue, breathlessness, dyspnoea and falls prevention with the MDT. 18.To undertake CPD activities as are required to maintain and enhance skills necessary for the delivery of high-quality services and participate in the Hospices training programmes as required. 19.To respond appropriately with empathy and understanding to the emotional needs of patients, families, carers and other health care professionals. 20.Participate, contribute in multi professional meetings acting as the patients/carers advocate and representing the team. 21.To ensure a safe practice in relation to moving and handling of people and equipment in associated with hospice intervention across the hospice. 22.To attend and contribute to team meetings/peer support and receive regular clinical supervision in line with professional standards. 23.To participate in and undertake clinical reviews maintaining best practice. 24.Participate in research, audit and evaluation. 25.To support the Therapies Team Leader in quality management issues as they arise. 26.The post holder is expected to foster excellent working relationships with all service recipients, staff, visitors, volunteers and donors. 27.To act at all times in a professional manner, respecting the needs of colleagues and co-operating to maintain a harmonious working environment.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties & Responsibilities: 1.To contribute to the provision of specialist palliative and end of life care needs for hospice patients. 2.To undertake specialist physiotherapy assessment and design management programs for people presenting with complex problems in the field of palliative care, maintaining accurate records as an autonomous practitioner. 3.Ensure a rehabilitative approach empowering patients and their families to live well together during palliative and end of life care. 4.Promote independence, increase functional ability to improve health and wellbeing. 5.Undertake skilled, comprehensive assessments and interventions. Including, the review, evaluation and adaptation of intervention to ensure its effectiveness. 6.Work creativity to undertake a problem-solving approach. 7.To contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of the teams operational policies and services by identifying service gaps to support the continuous improvement of service delivery and outcomes. 8.To be a member of the Health and Care Professions Councils (HCPC) registered Physiotherapist and adhere to their professional code of conduct, and the code of ethics and professional conduct of the Chartered society of Physiotherapy. 9.To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual high-quality programmes of therapy within professional framework, liaising with the multi-disciplinary teams and other therapists as appropriate. 10.To prescribe, advise, educate, provide relevant instruction and training to ensure safe use of appropriate equipment and document accordingly in line with hospice policy/procedures. 11.As necessary, to carry out home visits to assess patients in the home environment when being discharged from IPU, or where patients are unable to attend outpatients due to progression/deterioration in their condition. 12.To participate in family meetings working closely with patients, families and carers to provide a holistic physiotherapy assessment. 13.Contribute to the development and implementation of effective channels of communication across the hospice/external agencies in relation to patient care, including the completion of accurate and comprehensive records on the hospice patient information management system. 14.Ensure the welfare and safety of patients, families/carers ensuring the appropriate management action is taken regarding safeguarding as necessary. 15.To deputise for the Therapies Team Leader as required. 16.To contribute to the ordering, storage and management of stock. 17.To assist in the planning and implementing of group work with patients and carers including fatigue, breathlessness, dyspnoea and falls prevention with the MDT. 18.To undertake CPD activities as are required to maintain and enhance skills necessary for the delivery of high-quality services and participate in the Hospices training programmes as required. 19.To respond appropriately with empathy and understanding to the emotional needs of patients, families, carers and other health care professionals. 20.Participate, contribute in multi professional meetings acting as the patients/carers advocate and representing the team. 21.To ensure a safe practice in relation to moving and handling of people and equipment in associated with hospice intervention across the hospice. 22.To attend and contribute to team meetings/peer support and receive regular clinical supervision in line with professional standards. 23.To participate in and undertake clinical reviews maintaining best practice. 24.Participate in research, audit and evaluation. 25.To support the Therapies Team Leader in quality management issues as they arise. 26.The post holder is expected to foster excellent working relationships with all service recipients, staff, visitors, volunteers and donors. 27.To act at all times in a professional manner, respecting the needs of colleagues and co-operating to maintain a harmonious working environment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • -Degree in Physiotherapy
  • -Registration with HCPC
  • -Ability to travel independently throughout the locality with access to suitable vehicle for business purposes.

Desirable

  • -Post graduate training in Oncology / Palliative Care / other relevant courses
  • -Attendance at relevant clinical networks or special interest groups
  • -Member of CSP

Experience

Essential

  • -Broad physiotherapy experience
  • -Experience in management of complex patients including the creation of assessment and intervention plans
  • -Understands the role of physiotherapy in a palliative care setting and knowledge of what a palliative care setting can offer

Desirable

  • -Three years post registration experience in a range of healthcare settings
  • -Experience in a Palliative Care in a healthcare setting
  • -Experience of delivering group sessions /community physiotherapy
  • -Experience of working with volunteers

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • -Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • -Organisational skills and the ability to manage complex caseload efficiently and effectively.
  • -Evidence of specialist clinical knowledge relevant to the post
  • -Ability to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a variety of medical conditions and disease processes.
  • -Demonstrate knowledge of necessary equipment and adaptations related to ill health.
  • -Evidence of competence
  • -Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • -IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint or similar)
  • -An understanding of the importance of multi-professional team-working and the ability to promote it within the organisation
  • -Able to demonstrate attention to detail and able to work independently and use own initiative
  • -Able to use initiative
  • -Team player and be able to develop, empower and delegate effectively to generate a positive workplace
  • -Dress in a manner that conforms to accepted formal codes of business dress
  • -Flexible working to meet shift requirements
  • -Able to meet the requirement of the job role

Desirable

  • -Knowledge of the loss and bereavement process
  • -Experience using standardised assessments and outcome measures.
  • -Knowledge of relevant NICE guidelines
  • -Experience in advance care planning
  • -Experience of teaching/facilitating others
  • -Ability to provide clinical supervision to students
  • -An understanding of team dynamics
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • -Degree in Physiotherapy
  • -Registration with HCPC
  • -Ability to travel independently throughout the locality with access to suitable vehicle for business purposes.

Desirable

  • -Post graduate training in Oncology / Palliative Care / other relevant courses
  • -Attendance at relevant clinical networks or special interest groups
  • -Member of CSP

Experience

Essential

  • -Broad physiotherapy experience
  • -Experience in management of complex patients including the creation of assessment and intervention plans
  • -Understands the role of physiotherapy in a palliative care setting and knowledge of what a palliative care setting can offer

Desirable

  • -Three years post registration experience in a range of healthcare settings
  • -Experience in a Palliative Care in a healthcare setting
  • -Experience of delivering group sessions /community physiotherapy
  • -Experience of working with volunteers

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • -Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • -Organisational skills and the ability to manage complex caseload efficiently and effectively.
  • -Evidence of specialist clinical knowledge relevant to the post
  • -Ability to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a variety of medical conditions and disease processes.
  • -Demonstrate knowledge of necessary equipment and adaptations related to ill health.
  • -Evidence of competence
  • -Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • -IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint or similar)
  • -An understanding of the importance of multi-professional team-working and the ability to promote it within the organisation
  • -Able to demonstrate attention to detail and able to work independently and use own initiative
  • -Able to use initiative
  • -Team player and be able to develop, empower and delegate effectively to generate a positive workplace
  • -Dress in a manner that conforms to accepted formal codes of business dress
  • -Flexible working to meet shift requirements
  • -Able to meet the requirement of the job role

Desirable

  • -Knowledge of the loss and bereavement process
  • -Experience using standardised assessments and outcome measures.
  • -Knowledge of relevant NICE guidelines
  • -Experience in advance care planning
  • -Experience of teaching/facilitating others
  • -Ability to provide clinical supervision to students
  • -An understanding of team dynamics

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).

Additional information

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

Douglas Macmillan Hospice

Address

Dougie Mac

Barlaston Road

Stoke on Trent

ST3 3NZ


Employer's website

https://www.dmhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Douglas Macmillan Hospice

Address

Dougie Mac

Barlaston Road

Stoke on Trent

ST3 3NZ


Employer's website

https://www.dmhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Therapies Team Leader

Nicola Silk

nicolasilk@dmhospice.org.uk

01782344300

Details

Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£32,000 to £39,000 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

DMH1127172

Job locations

Dougie Mac

Barlaston Road

Stoke on Trent

ST3 3NZ


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