Detailed job description
and main 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 patient’s 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 criteria
1. 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.
2. The application of the core and specialist Podiatry skills in the treatment of patients with lower limb amputation.
3. Application of treatment techniques to the contralateral/remaining limb and the residual limb/amputation stumps
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Working with patients who have undergone amputation in a ward setting and an out-patient environment, carrying out assessment and treatment.
5. Evidence of treating high risk patients and complex foot pathologies
6. Experience of treating high risk wounds using advanced debridement skills.
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential criteria
7. The assessment and treatment of patients with complex foot pathology
8. 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 criteria
9. BSc Degree Podiatry
10. HPCP Registration
11. Local Anaesthetics Certificate