Specialist Therapist (lymphedema)

Job summary

About the Lymphoedema service

Our small physio/nurse-led team manage patients with lymphoedema that has developed as a result of cancer and its treatments. Most patients are seen as out-patients, some with more advanced disease are seen in the community or in the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading where we are based. We also see patients in Newbury and Wokingham. We are the only NHS-commissioned lymphoedema service in Berkshire West seeing around 450 patients a year.

Main duties of the job

About the role

You will be an integral member of our busy, motivated team. You will work as an autonomous practitioner, managing your own caseload of patients often with complex physical and emotional needs. You will assess, diagnose, agree and deliver management plans; these may include use of specialist interventions such as bespoke compression garments, kinesiotaping, use of intermittent compression pumps, manual Lymphatic Drainage massage techniques and multi-layer compression bandaging.

There will be a requirement to be able to administer physical treatments to patients and undertake manual handling.Crucial to achieving the best outcomes for patients is the holistic, psychosocial support you will provide to patients and families facing chronic disease and life limiting illness.

About us

About you

You will be a nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist with either: Specialist Lymphoedema experience and already been working within the speciality OR Experience in a related area (such as palliative care, oncology, community, long term conditions) with an interest and passion for learning new skills in Lymphoedema management.

We are looking for a team player; a kind, compassionate, motivated person with a positive can-do attitude and a sense of humour! You must care deeply about the work you do, enjoy working with people and within a team, and recognise the importance of working with each patient as an individual and their priorities.

You will have proven experience in managing patients with complex issues, working within a multi-disciplinary team and delivering service improvements.

You must relish a challenge, enjoy collaboration and problem solving. You will be well organised with excellent attention to detail and be prepared to undertake external training for the role.About Sue RyderThe charity provides high quality, specialist palliative care to support patients and their families.

The team at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice were honoured with a 2021 Pride of Reading Award for contribution to the community during COVID-19.

For further information about the role, please contact the Lymphoedema team on 0118 9550413 or email Fiona.harland@suerydercare.org and zoe.taylor1@sueryder.org