Job responsibilities
Principle ResponsibilitiesClinical Duties
To assess, diagnose, develop specialised
treatment plans and provide effective podiatric treatments, using a problem
solving approach based on clinical need and evidence based practice. This is
frequently with patients with complex medical conditions such as diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis, vascular insufficiencies, physical or other disabilities
and other vulnerable groups.
To provide early intervention whenever
possible to enable long term gain.
To commit to the philosophy of care with
an emphasis on patient empowerment and independence by providing education and
information to help patients manage their own foot needs. This will include
providing education sessions for new and current patients.
To provide services at a wide variety of
sites including a patients home, clinics, GP practices, community hospitals and
in challenging conditions, often working in isolation. The post holder will be
expected to work as part of a multidisciplinary team when required and act as a
source of advice to patients, carers, GPs and other Health Care Professionals.
To manage clinical risk within own
patient caseload seeking guidance as appropriate.
To obtain informed consent prior to
treatment plans commencing.
To ensure all patients are appropriately
assessed prior to referring to the assistant grade.
To undertake diagnostic procedures
effectively using appropriate equipment e.g. wound swabs, Doppler ultrasound.
Competently interpret, record, report and act on the results.
To be proficient in comprehensive
neurological and vascular assessments, wound debridement, advanced pathology
and wound management e.g. dressing selection.
The post holder will be responsible for
carrying out a thorough medical assessment to ensure suitability of local anaesthesia
and minor surgery.
To undertake specialist surgical
intervention for complex nail pathologies, for example nail avulsions and
chemical destruction of the nail matrix with local anaesthesia.
To undertake basic biomechanical
assessments in order to prescribe, manufacture and dispense orthotics or simple
insoles referring to specialist service as required.
To maintain a domiciliary caseload. This
includes working with admin teams to book appointments and using clinical time
effectively.
To maintain clear, comprehensive and
accurate records. To update patients medical history, evaluate progression and
work with the client to develop their treatment plan as required.
To actively participate in clinical
support (clinical supervision) and utilise reflective practice as a method to
ensure quality of care for all service users.
To teach and assess students, newly
qualified podiatrists and podiatry assistants.
Professional
To work as an autonomous clinician
within Professional, Departmental and CSH guidelines. Using clinical reasoning
and decision making skills to determine how to best achieve positive clinical
outcomes for patients.
To be aware of ones own scope of
practice and to refer to peers/ other professionals as necessary.
To keep up to date with clinical and
professional developments.
To maintain and update individual
Professional Portfolio, and achieve statutory hours of CPD per year.
To participate in departmental clinical
governance initiatives for example collection of audit data, contributing and
supporting the development of clinical standards.
To attend all mandatory training in line
with CSH Surrey employment and professional need.
To actively participate in personal
development plans (PDPs), team objectives and life-long learning.
Organisational
To work towards achieving the objectives
and values of CSH Surrey.
To be responsible for the operational
management of an assigned clinical base. This includes controlled pharmacy
supplies, ordering and managing stock of the base whilst adhering to health and
safety guidelines (for example moving heavy weights, such as medical supplies
in line with manual handing guidelines), infection control and local policies.
Ensure equipment is properly maintained
at all times for self and others, assuming responsibility to follow problems up
and report faults / irregularities to the appropriate person e.g. team leader,
estates department.
To be responsible for recording clinical
activities and outcomes and referring patients (as required) using the electronic
patient system (currently RiO, soon to be EMIS).
To use IT systems appropriately.
To report all clinical and non-clinical
accidents or near misses promptly and when required, co-operating with any
investigations undertaken.
To be responsible for security of clinic
rooms, equipment and supplies (especially controlled items), when working at
any clinic site or on a domiciliary visit.
Communication & Working Relationships
To communicate effectively with all
patients, carers and relatives regarding their understanding of relevant foot
care and self care advice, appointments and procedural systems. Understanding
pathology and prognosis of different medical conditions, to ensure that
patients are fully aware of their foot risk status. Provide empathy and support
to patients as required.
Regular effective communication with GPs,
Allied Health Professionals, Tissue Viability Nurses, District Nurses,
Practice Nurses, Multi Disciplinary Teams, Health Visitors, Carers, Social
Services and peers to ensure co-ordinated delivery of care.
To provide health promotional activities
with individuals and groups (patients and healthcare professionals) for
example, foot health education sessions as well as individually tailored
education during treatments.
To liaise with administrative and
clerical staff as the post requires.
To contribute to the development of
patient care by actively participating in team and department meetings and
supporting colleagues and peers. This includes reviewing case studies and
sharing best practice.
This job
description is subject to review and development from time to time in liaison
with the post holder. As an employee of CSH Surrey you will be required to
adhere to all the organisations policies and procedures.
Standards
of Business Conduct
The post holder will be required to comply with
CSH Surreys Leadership behaviours,
corporate and financial policies
and any relevant Codes of Conduct eg: for NHS Managers. S/he is required, at all times, to deal
honestly with the organisation, with colleagues and all those who have dealing
with the organisation including patients, relatives and suppliers.
