Band 7 Functional Neurological Disorders

Band 7 Functional Neurological Disorders

Functional Neurological Disorders Service

2 x Part Time roles, 18.75 hours each

Permanent

The Walton Centre is the UKs only standalone neurosciences NHS Trust, delivering a range of specialist services to a population of 3.5 million people across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, the Isle of Man and North Wales. It has previously been named as one of the top 100 healthcare employers by the HSJ and Nursing Times.

We need suitably experienced Senior Physiotherapists with a strong interest in Neurology to join our multi-disciplinary team involved in the coordinated care of patients diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder

A high level of knowledge in the management of patients with neurological, specifically functional neurological disorders; experience of liaison across various health care teams and experience of working autonomously are essential.

Main duties of the job

You will have excellent organisational skills, be an effective team player and have a flexible approach to service delivery. You will have an interest in audit and research with a commitment to CPD. Your clinical and professional development will be supported by a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist through regular appraisals and training.

The Walton Centre Therapy service offers excellent development opportunities for ambitious physiotherapists who strive for professional excellence.

For further information or to organise an informal visit please contact Miss Jo Haworth, Principal Physiotherapist on 0151 556 3961

This post will close on reaching saturation

About us

The Walton CentreNHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for theInvestors in People we invest in people and we invest in wellbeingstandards and has been awarded Gold status for both. TheWalton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology andneurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everythingwe do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providingcomprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services weare proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission(CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originallyformed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.

Witharound 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incrediblydedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal andneurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site inFazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treatinginjuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves andmuscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-termneurological conditions.

Job responsibilities

Role summary

To provide high quality, specialist physiotherapy assessments and intervention programmes for patients living with a Functional Neurological Disorder under the care of the Walton Centre. Evidence based pathways of care informing these interventions as appropriate.

To work in collaboration with Consultants in Neurology, with the Specialist MDT and with the Therapy Managers to ensure services for patients with Functional Neurological Disorders are continually developed according to the changing needs of the patient and health priorities.

To work as an integral member of the Trusts Functional Neurological Disorders team, working closely with colleagues and other members of the MDT.

Key responsibilities

Establish and manage a complex clinical caseload of patients with a Functional Neurological Disorder appropriate to the service needs

To influence and manage the physiotherapy service to patients with a Functional Neurological Disorder ensuring high level clinical assessment, intervention and signposting based on evidenced based care.

To work collaboratively with other clinicians, including medical and nursing staff to influence service development and ensure quality of care is delivered

To provide clinical education and training to other health care professionals

Influence and participate in research, innovation and professional development for self and others.

To provide professional support and supervision across the Physiotherapy Service as appropriate

Clinical Responsibilities

To be responsible for providing a specialist physiotherapy service within the Functional Neurological Disorders team at the Walton Centre, working in line with local and national policies and procedures

To work flexible hours to meet the needs of patients and the service, including meetings and education sessions where appropiate.

To perform comprehensive physiotherapy assessments, formulating and implementing specialist treatment plans where appropriate to patients with Functional Neurological Disorders.

To provide specialist physiotherapy advice to and confer with medical staff and other physiotherapists on the assessment, treatment and care of patients referred with complex Functional Neurological Disorders

To undertake physiotherapy treatments for patients living with a broad range of complex impairments in a manner that respects peoples privacy, dignity and individuality in an environment that is appropriate to their physical and emotional needs

To participate in multidisciplinary specialist clinics for patients with a Functional Neurological Disorders under the care of the Walton Centre

To conduct risk assessments as appropriate during clinical assessments and treatments

To be an active member of the MDT, and facilitate effective communication within Functional Neurological Disorder services and the wider Therapy services by attending regular team meetings as appropriate.

To develop an understanding and appreciation of the role of the other disciplines within the Functional Neurological Disorders team and a knowledge of the impact of their role on physiotherapy practice

To play a significant role in the effective internal and external two way communication with patients, carers and all other Health and Social Care Professionals regarding all aspects of patient care.

To work in collaboration with / refer to colleagues in hospital and community settings in response to identified patient needs, ensuring effective and efficient use of these services

To provide and receive high levels of complex information that requires empathy, tact and reassurance, and utilise the required skills when communicating in situations where there may be barriers to understanding

Clinical Governance

To comply with health and safety policies of the Trust including adhering to Lone Working Procedures and undertaking all Trust mandatory training at the required intervals

To be involved in the development of departmental procedures and guidelines on areas of clinical relevance

To contribute to and take appropriate action in seeking to fulfill the action plans of the WCFT in compliance with clinical governance and national guidelines

To ensure that any equipment, furniture or building in need of repair is reported to the correct authority

To comply with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards and rules of professional conduct.

To be involved in clinical audit through developing and actively participating in audits within the Out-Patient service and the Therapy department

To promote best clinical practice for the Out-Patient therapy service ensuring a high standard of patient care is provided.

To be involved in the development of care pathways / standards of care for people with MS under the care of the centre reflecting national standards

To comply with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott recommendations

Research and Development

To actively participate in research studies of relevance to the Functional Neurological Disorders Service and the Therapy Services

To critically analyse relevant research in regard to clinical practice.

To contribute to the quality of the Functional Neurological Disorders service through standard setting and audit.

Training and Development

To actively seek out clinical supervision and take responsibility for ensuring continuation of the process

To maintain professional links with the therapy managers regarding wider professional issues

Maintain professional links with relevant professional and charitable bodies at local and national level through attendance at relevant meetings

To actively participate in and where appropriate organise / lead on the physiotherapy in-service training programme

To attend relevant courses and meetings both for personal development and the development of the Functional Neurological Disorders service through evidence based practice and to disseminate the information obtained at such course/meetings as required

To be actively involved in the organisation of seminars, study days and meetings led by the Functional Neurological Disorders Service or the Therapy Service

To complete yearly appraisals and a personal development plan

To facilitate regular training and mentoring sessions of band 5 and band 6 physiotherapists, monitoring, appraising and developing clinical skills and professional standards

To contribute to the training programme of Doctors and other Health Professionals

To teach and provide specialist advice to carers and other Health Professionals to ensure excellent provision of patient care.

To provide teaching to external agencies (including undergraduate and post graduate teaching) / meetings as agreed with the manager

To provide the managers with specialist advice on the planning and development of the physiotherapy service for the Trust

To play an active role in assisting the managers in achieving the departmental objectives and promoting an open style of management

To provide clinical supervision to band 5, band 6, student and assistant physiotherapists where appropriate

To actively participate in the professional development programme of the physiotherapy department

To represent physiotherapy / therapy services / neurology out-patient team on the management and service development committees at the Walton Centre

To be responsible for collection of statistics / records as required nationally and departmentally and to ensure that confidentiality is maintained

To assist the WCFT Principal Physiotherapist in co-ordinating the WCFT physiotherapy team at an operational level ensuring efficient running of the department and effective dissemination of information.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy
• Health & Care Professions Council Registration.
• Masters level qualification or equivalent in relevant specialism.

Experience

• Evidence of extensive post-registration clinical experience at a senior level
• Evidence of attendance at relevant post graduate courses and ongoing maintenance of up to date professional development
• Previous experience of assessment and treatment of Functional Neurological Disorders
• Experience in staff and performance and management
• Able to plan and carry out a complex and demanding workload
• To have highly developed interpersonal skills
• Able to write, implement and audit policies
• Effective and responsive communicator on all levels
• Able to use basic IT systems; Word, Excel, Outlook
• High level presentation and education skills
• High level of organisational skills
• Knowledge of all current DH guidance
• Well-developed leadership skills and a positive role model
• Ability to provide specialist high quality clinical intervention that is evidence based
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• A positive attitude to change and flexible working practices to meet changing service demands
• Ability to manage own stress and stress in others.
• Evidence of delivering on key quality performance indicators.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.