Neuro-Spinal Surgery Extended Scope Practitioner

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Spinal Extended Scope Practitioner in the NMSK division at Southmead Hospital. This is a Part time, permanent, Band 8A Clinical Lead role.

We are seeking a highly experienced spinal ESP physiotherapist who ideally is already well established in this role and has previously worked alongside spinal surgeons as the first point of contact managing spinal patients in secondary care through to discharge or referring on as appropriate.

Applicants will have detailed knowledge of indications for further tests and investigations to facilitate diagnosis of patients presenting in neurosurgical clinics with spinalpain, andwill have a proven record of working as an autonomous practitioner at ESP level with this case-type.

You will need to have excellent assessment skills for all MSK conditions and especially be able to demonstrate a highly advanced level of assessment and management of spinal conditions and differential diagnosis, including knowledge of non-surgical and surgical management options.

You will also be responsible for managing the clinical ESP service as one of the clinical leads including triage, coordinating onward referrals and patient care. You will have clinical support from attendance to complex spine MDT's weekly, ESP peer support for case discussions and management.

Cover across the ESP team will be required during periods of leave and absence to maintain service efficiency and triage targets.

Main duties of the job

To work in an extended role beyond the usual physiotherapy scope of practice. This involves the clinical management of patients with complex spinal problems referred for a hospital outpatient opinion.

As an autonomous physiotherapy practitioner to be responsible for the examination, assessment and further management of patients designated by a Consultant Spinal Surgeon within an outpatient setting.

Complex patient management includes listing for surgery, referring patientfor further tests/investigations (e.g. blood, x-rays, scans, etc), to other healthcare professionals.

To liaise and work closely with Consultant Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Surgeons and with other healthcare professionals, referring General Practitioners and Speciality and Divisional leads.

To communicate effectively with patients and carers, explaining complex information such as diagnosis, disease progression, prognosis and treatment/management options.

About us

*Working with distressed, anxious and aggressive patients and relatives on a daily basis.*Frequently imparting unwelcome news to patients and carers relating to patients condition and outcome of any interventions.

*Working with patients with severe physical disability, cognitive impairment and communication problems on a daily basis.*To be able to concentrate for long periods of time throughout the day but deal with repeated and varied interruptions.

*To carry out physical assessments of patients on a daily basis with moderate physical effort