An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a friendly multi-disciplinary team consisting of Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Nurse, Counsellor, and administration staff delivering specialist care to patients with limb loss. This service in Bournemouth is on the South Coast, with easy access to Southampton and London, and surrounded by the Solent, Jurassic Coast and the New Forest for watersports, walking and cycling.
This role requires an active UK HCPC Registration
Base Location: Bournemouth
Interview Date: TBC
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a dynamic, motivated and forward thinking podiatrist with experience of working with patients who primarily are diabetic, and/or smokers who have vascular insufficiency. Experience of working with patients with musculoskeletal problems and experience in the prescription of foot orthotics would be a great advantage.
As amputees coming in to our service are at high risk of losing their surviving limb, you will play a key role in assessing and treating their limbs alongside other members of the MDT. These patients will not only need your management of their surviving lower leg, but also input to their amputated residual limb as the new 'end of leg' transferring weight through their prosthesis.
Patients will benefit from your education both individually and in group sessions where appropriate. In addition, specific podiatric education sessions to the clinical team within the service and for those treating our amputees in community therapy services will help improve the overall care of this patient group. You will also undertake audits for discussion within the department, as well as benefit from improving your broader knowledge by attending education meetings led by other members of the clinical team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide specialist podiatric clinical input (assessment, diagnosis and treatment), to patients with diabetes dealing with foot ulceration, infection and other complications of the diabetic foot.
Manage patients presenting with vascular problems and wound management/tissue viability issues.
Provide care for patients presenting with chronic disease e.g. rheumatology conditions, and infectious diseases.
Conditions such as foot ulcers, calluses and corns, skin conditions and infections will be treated in the initial stages but with routine interventions being referred to local providers where possible. Toenail abnormalities will be treated initially, if possible, to aid mobility and referrals then made for more complex foot surgery as appropriate.
Musculoskeletal problems will be identified and treated where possible using bio-mechanical assessment, and gait analysis will be used to further analyse problems to assist with identifying the most appropriate treatment.
Order clinical investigations including X-Rays and undertake the prescription of a range of medications to treat infection.
Provide podiatric care to the patients residual limb as the weight bearing end of limb: offering an appropriate range of interventions similar to those undertaken on the contra-lateral foot.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Desirable
* The aetiology of conditions which can cause amputation and an understanding of the medical conditions encountered owing to the multi pathology often found with patients requiring amputation.
* The application of the core and specialist Podiatry skills in the treatment of patients with lower limb amputation.
* Application of treatment techniques to the contralateral/remaining limb and the residual limb/amputation stumps.
Experience
Essential
* Working with patients who have undergone amputation in a ward setting and an out-patient environment, carrying out assessment and treatment.
* Evidence of treating high risk patients and complex foot pathologies.
* Experience of treating high risk wounds using advanced debridement skills.
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential
* The assessment and treatment of patients with complex foot pathology.
* Ability to undertake intricate work in using sensitive diagnostic tools and a range of surgical instruments. e.g. in the management and debridement of poor tissue viability wounds.
Qualifications
Essential
* BSc Degree Podiatry.
* HPCP Registration.
* Local Anaesthetics Certificate.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
RBH
Castle Lane East
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
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153-SU03636 #J-18808-Ljbffr