Therapy Assistant

Job summary

Physiotherapy Band 3 Hand Therapy Assistant

Band 3; 23 hours per week - Crow Thorne Therapies Centre, Torbay Hospital

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 MSK Therapy Assistant to work within the Hand Therapy department. The role is to provide 1:1 patient care and group rehabilitation sessions for patients recovering from musculoskeletal hand injuries and orthopaedic surgery, and also for those with rheumatological hand conditions.

Experience of working with MSK conditions within healthcare or fitness settings, including supervision of exercise or running group rehab classes is an advantage.

The Hand Therapy team offer regular clinical support and have a strong emphasis on service development. The service operates a rapid access service with some patients coming directly from fracture clinic, whereas others are routine referrals. We accept referrals from GP's, consultants, other clinicians and also self-referrals post-injury.

• To work under the direction of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist but frequently to work without direct supervision.
• To manage a caseload of MSK hand therapy patients referred by the therapists within the service

For further information, please contact Mrs Suzanne Smith at suzanne.smith7@nhs.net

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will support the physiotherapy and occupational therapists to deliver assessment, diagnosis & treatment of a specified caseload within the hand therapy team either on an individual or group therapy basis. This caseload will be allocated and indirectly supervised by the relevant qualified Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.
• The caseload will be variable, but will mostly consist of elective and trauma hand patients (adult and paediatric) but will also include cancers, congenital deformities, rheumatological and pathological conditions. Patients will be treated in a range of settings including clinics (Consultant and therapist), the rehabilitation departments (outpatients) and wards (inpatients). Patient management will include exercise therapy, scar management, group rehabilitation, and splinting amongst others.
• This post may also involve support of students.
• The post holder will also be involved in maintenance of stock / equipment / leaflets and may also be involved in clerical and administration duties.

About us

As an organisation Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) values staff and the diverse experiences and contributions they bring. We pride ourselves in being an inclusive organisation where every individual has the opportunity to make a difference. We are a mindful employer recognising employee health and wellbeing as a fundamental part of our success.

TSDFT is a leader in innovation-integrated health and social care across acute and community services. Our aim is to provide high quality, safe health and social care at the right time, in the right place to support the people of Torbay and South Devon to live their lives to the full. The Physiotherapy Service is integral to ensuring that this statement of purpose is delivered to our communities. For staff this gives unequalled scope for joint working, skill sharing and learning in a supportive environment.