Job responsibilities
Key Objectives/Role Specific Responsibilities
To support the Podiatric Surgery team by providing clinical input into outpatient and theatre sessions
To contribute to specialist programs of care for patients requiring surgical intervention. This may involve pre-surgery medical assessments, management of post operative care, injection therapy, ESWT and minor outpatient procedures
To teach/instruct Specialist Podiatrists, student Podiatrists and other Podiatry Staff as requested by the Consultant Podiatric Surgeon or Team lead.
To assist in the administration of the Podiatric Surgery service and oversee support of staff working within that.
To participate in research and audit as required by the Department.
Role Specific Responsibilities
1. Clinical Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Consultant Podiatric Surgeon(s), demonstrate and apply extended scope knowledge, assessment and practical skills in relation to the foot and its associated structures.
Assist in the pre/peri and postoperative management of patients both in the outpatient and theatre setting.
Assist the team in the delivery of the whole system of shared patient care.
To provide expert advice and guidance to other clinicians (e.g. in MSK and diabetes) relating to the surgical intervention of the foot and its associated structures.
To perform advanced regional anaesthetic techniques, in particular ankle/popliteal blocks for foot surgery,
To undertake peri-operative observation and monitoring.
To be accountable for own professional action and manage an agreed caseload independently, seeking advice as appropriate.
To undertake thorough medical histories, manage medications peri-operatively / liaise with appropriate specialist / team and prescribe / supply medicines as appropriate.
To undertake additional clinical responsibilities at the request of the Team Lead / Consultant
2. Professional and Practice Responsibilities
To provide expert clinical advice to healthcare professionals and other Podiatry colleagues who work with patients presenting complex foot problems, in particular anaesthesia and surgical management.
To act as a resource of expertise and knowledge in foot pathology, with particular emphasis on surgical techniques and musculoskeletal disorders.
When required, to ensure appropriate high levels of clinical supervision and leadership for other members of the surgical team.
To assist with the identification of training needs within the team and appraise less experienced staff as appropriate to the team structure. This may involve support staff.
To support the Consultant Podiatric Surgeon(s) in the development of policies and guidelines processes. This may include Patient Group Directives, care pathway development, protocols and guidelines for both surgical and musculoskeletal processes.
To undertake Clinical Governance/audit reports/research within the local services as required.
To work independently, accessing appraisal within an individual performance framework at pre-determined intervals.
To participate and lead when required, in the development of local clinical guidelines, informed by the evidence of the clinical specialism.
To be aware of and adhere to and implement service and team plans and policies.
To maintain own personal and professional development plan and portfolio, appraising ones own performance and discussing development needs with mentors, supervisors and managers on an annual basis as a minimum standard.
To maintain HCPC registration and appropriate CPD portfolio
To work at all times within the relevant HCPC standards.
3. Training, Education and Research
To support and encourage reflective practice in Podiatry and other healthcare related professions, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.
To participate in the development and delivery of specialist training, both formal and informal, to others in areas of clinical expertise with and without support.
To contribute to the research agenda within NHFT and Higher Education institutions.
To contribute and publish work to increase the knowledge about surgical management of patients with foot pathology.
To take an active role in the development of audit and research for this speciality, using the outcomes to inform service development.
To take responsibility for the management of ongoing research data capture eg PASCOM
4. Service Responsibilities
To assist in coordinating role and responsibility for the maintenance and security of stock, requesting new equipment and auditing existing equipment as appropriate.
To gather activity accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information is available promptly within local Trust guidelines, taking the lead in the recording of surgical activity.
To take responsibility for the day-to-day supervision and co-ordination of Podiatric Surgery support staff and other colleagues as required.
When required, to participate in the recruitment of new team members.
To explain the role of Podiatric Surgery to visitors, students and volunteers as required.
To utilise any non-clinical time efficiently and effectively.
To cover other clinical duties as required by the Team Leader, according to the needs of the service.
To act responsibly as an employee to maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
This Job Description gives a general outline of the post. It is not intended to be inflexible or a final list of duties. It may, therefore, be amended from time to time in consultation with the postholder.
5. Leadership Components
The post holder will:
Promote the individual needs of the patient, by acknowledging preferences, rights and choices, respecting privacy and dignity, and by promoting anti-discriminatory practice. Alert senior staff if patient care appears to be disrespectful or discriminatory.
Ensure the maintenance of good relationships and teamwork between other disciplines and staff.
6. Job Skills
The post holder will:
Support the Podiatric Surgery team by providing clinical input into outpatient and theatre sessions.
Contribute to specialist programmes of care for patients requiring surgical intervention, including pre operative assessment for suitability to undergo surgery.
Teach/instruct Specialist Podiatrists, student Podiatrists and other Podiatry staff as requested by the Team Leader/Consultant Podiatric Surgeon.
Assist in the administration of the Podiatric Surgery service and oversee support staff working within that.
Participate in research and audit as required by the Department.
7. Information Processing
The post holder will:
Contribute to the content of policies, procedures and guidelines related to own clinical practice and clinical governance.
Continually monitor standards, by identifying risks, benchmarking, and leading on audit and research.
8. Experience and Workforce Development
The post holder will:
Participate in the teaching and assessment of all learners including HCA and trainee surgeons in accordance with the needs of the department and the requirements of their course of study, ensuring their learning objectives are met.
9. Procurement and Commissioning
The post holder may:
Assist in stock check for all theatre consumables and order as appropriate.
10. Other Specific Roles
The post holder will:
Undertake other duties within the scope of the post as agreed with Consultant Podiatric Surgeon or Podiatric Surgery Registrar.
