As a team we also work closely with our colleagues within the Speech and Language Therapy team to share knowledge/ our experiences and support our patients throughout their health journey.

This role is a full time post (37.5) with the scope for flexible working.

The successful applicant will be based in the acute hospital sites and will will work closely with the Team Lead.  Care is provided in the acute hospital sites, people’s homes, outpatient clinics and remotely via video consultations.

We are looking for a Speech and Language Therapist with the required clinical knowledge and skills to work autonomously with patients who have communication and swallowing disorders. We are able to provide extra training to developing B5-6 therapists in order to support their progression.

As this is a acute and community service that covers a large geographical area, being a driver is essential

The role includes a specialist caseload across our  acute medical and surgical wards, emergency department and short term rehabilitation ward (Abbey view); with opportunities to work alongside our Supported Discharge and Discharge to Assess service.  As part of the role the post holder will contribute to Occupational therapy intervention to the cardiac rehabilitation programme. 

You will require good clinical knowledge within acute inpatient care and physical rehabilitation; working to facilitate safe and effective care and hospital discharge.

You will work with a dedicated and motivated team of Occupational Therapists and work closely with colleagues across the MDT and complex discharge team. You will be supported by the Occupational Therapy Team Managers and the role will include supervision and support to Occupational Therapy team members  and students and engagement in service development.

The post will involve the management of an inpatient respiratory and medical team working across acute respiratory, acute medical rehab, non-stroke neuro and acute frailty wards. This post will also involve working alongside the other advanced physiotherapist within the wider inpatient team.

You will be required to participate in the respiratory on-call and weekend service.

The advanced physiotherapist role will include staff management and service management responsibilities such as completing probation reports, managing absence and completing annual appraisals. You will be responsible for the leadership of the acute inpatient physiotherapy respiratory and medical services, implementing service development in line with current evidence and standards and delivering training for physiotherapists, students and the wider MDT.

Experience of working with complex respiratory patients is essential as we strive to provide assistance with weaning from NIV, O2 and step down patients from ICU, including those with a tracheostomy.  Experience of treating patients with asthma, hyperventilation with recognised techniques is also an essential clinical requirement for the post.

Experience within respiratory paediatrics is desirable, working alongside the paediatric and surgical advanced physiotherapists to provide cover of the inpatient paediatric ward.

Working together to deliver care to patients you will need to: 

• work as an individual within the community physiotherapy team undertaking specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with frequently complex problems in their own homes, community hospital or residential/nursing home.
• have completed a range of core rotations within the NHS as a physiotherapist  with a desire  to develop your clinical skills further 
• demonstrate and evidence your own professional development 
• demonstrate your ability to work independently when necessary
• have a friendly and flexible attitude, which is patient focused and dedicated to quality care 
• use your expertise to supervise and teach physiotherapy students and other staff within the service 

The role will mainly be carrying out Psychotherapy / Counselling on a one to one basis, both face to face and over the telephone. There may be some opportunity for group work.

You will also be require to participate in development of policy, Standard Operating Procedure, and guidelines for the Therapy Department.

The role will also require the successful applicant to carry out some teaching sessions and training sessions for staff members.

As part of the wider Occupational Health Team, you will work alongside the Occupational Health Team.

The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to be involved in teaching sessions, and develop areas of special interest.

The role Of an Occupational Health Psychotherapist will be positioned within the wider Occupational Health Team, providing services to all staff members of University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust.