The Dorset County Hospital (DCH) addictions team is managed within the Gastroenterology Department. It consists of 1 x Band 7 and this 1 x Band 6 part-time role (18 hours).
The aim of our addictions service here at DCH is to support our inpatients with substance misuse with an aim to improving clinical outcomes. The service supports medical and nursing staff in their treatment advice for patients who use alcohol and drugs harmfully.
They liaise with services such as REACH, Dorset Healthcare, GPs, housing services, First Point, and the domestic violence and safeguarding teams to support patients on discharge, minimize length of stay, and prevent readmissions.
Main duties of the job
This post holder will review and assess patients from the point of admission and advise on treatment.
The addictions team offers support for patients and advocates on patients' behalf.
This post holder would work independently to review a set case load of patients, accept ward referrals, and liaise appropriately with members of the large MDT.
We also support relatives and carers and provide staff training. Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for more details.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is that Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB PURPOSE
To provide a high standard of assessment, medical and psychosocial interventions for clinical and non-clinical issues related to patients presenting with alcohol and drug-related difficulties across DCHFT. To contribute to the ongoing development of effective care pathways between hospital and community treatment services for alcohol and drugs issues.
To undertake comprehensive assessments, planning, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive treatment programmes providing specialist advice and maintaining associated records, utilising acquired knowledge and skills, including levels of decision-making and problem-solving abilities, health assessment, pharmacology and disease processes, in line with individual patient needs and multi-disciplinary discussions.
To contribute towards the ongoing development of an integrated alcohol assessment and referral service within the West Dorset locality.
The post holder will be expected to contribute to the education of alcohol and drug-related issues, with staff of all grades and disciplines across DCHFT.
Decide on and carry out treatment, which may include the prescribing of medicines, or investigations and make initial diagnoses.
Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols and within the scope of practice.
To work collaboratively with the Emergency Department and ward areas to improve the quality of care provided to patients.
To monitor the progress of patients until their discharge, coordinating resources and the input of the multidisciplinary team.
Develop and sustain new partnerships and networks to influence and improve health, outcomes and healthcare delivery systems.
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
* RMN / RGN (NMC Registered)
* Educated to degree standard or equivalent
* Training Qualification or equivalent
* Non-medical prescriber or willingness to undertake
* Evidence of continued professional development.
Desirable
* Nurse practitioner course including nurse prescribing or the ability to work towards.
* Postgraduate diploma/degree or equivalent qualification in Alcohol and Substance Misuse
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
* Assessment of problematic alcohol (& drug) users
* Risk assessment / management
* Knowledge of counselling skills / cognitive behavioural skills, psychosocial interventions
* Experience of working autonomously under pressure
* Alcohol detoxification
Desirable
* Ability to interpret research and apply to practice
* Experience of identifying training needs for MDT's in relation to alcohol and drug misuse
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
* Evidence of ability to practice as a proficient practitioner with a wide range of general clinical skills with recent clinical experience in surgical care.
* Competent and demonstrative expertise in communication skills with professionals, patients, carers and families.
* Competency and high standards in relation to documentation, record keeping skills (including electronic systems) and information governance.
* Development and management of change.
* Ability to act as an advocate for patients/carers and their families.
* Ability to work well with colleagues and within a team
* Ability to adhere to regulations as well as work flexibly to meet the needs of the Trust
* Ability to maintain confidentiality
* Understanding of ethnicity and diversity and implications for practice.
* Ability to engage challenging and/or acutely distressed patients in potentially hostile and/or antagonistic situations and use de-escalation techniques effectively.
* Sufficient clinical knowledge to be able to make autonomous decisions, based on an analysis of complex presenting problems and judgement about available options.
* Communication skills to give and receive complex clinical details with patients, carers and colleagues in sensitive, potentially hostile situations
* Problem solving skills in potentially contentious and antagonistic situations.
Desirable
* Computer skills
* Knowledge of mental health disorders as well as their relationship to physical disorders, or vice versa.
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Dorset County Hospital
Dorchester
DT12JY
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405-25-SAN004GE
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