Band 8a Highly Specialised Practitioner Psychologist

The severe asthma service at the Royal Free Hospital is responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients with severe or difficult asthma, who remain symptomatic despite high levels of treatment initiated in primary care or other hospital clinics. Severe asthma services are centrally commissioned by NHSE and we are a 'satellite spoke’ within the North Central & North East London Severe Asthma Network (NCELSAN), with the Hub located at St Barts’ Hospital. We have a dedicated multidisciplinary team including physicians, specialist nurses, respiratory physiotherapists, pharmacist, voice therapist and psychologist (this post). The service is delivered in clinics at both Barnet Hospital and Royal Free Hospital. The inclusion of psychology in the MDT ensures compliance with commissioning guidance and working towards psychologically informed care. Within North Central London ICS we are the only centre to administer high-cost injectable biologic therapies locally to our patients, with approvals sought via the Network Hub. You will join a group of clinical, counselling, health and neuro-psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists based in a variety of specialties.

The Post Holder Will

• Lead on the psychological care of patients, consistent with the World
  
  

Class Care values and objectives of the Trust, within the severe

asthma specialist service.

• Provide highly specialist psychological assessment service, ensuring
  
  

onward referrals for patients within the severe asthma service as

appropriate.

• Provide formulation, advice and a consultation service on the
  
  

psychological aspects of patients’ care within the multidisciplinary

team. To support the MDT team in providing psychologically and

trauma-informed care. To ensure patients information that allows them

to understand the interplay between their disease and their distress.

To work autonomously within professional guidelines and within the

overall framework of the service’s policies and procedures.

• Work with the Network Hub to align care across the severe asthma
  
  

network and enhance working relationships and education between

the sites.

• Support the multi-disciplinary clinical and operational team to deliver
  
  

integrated care, including consultation and training concerning

psychological aspects of patient care and management along the

severe asthma patient pathway, and ensure that psychological

aspects are addressed (where appropriate) in research, audit, policy

and service development.

• Utilise research skills for audit, policy and service development and
  
  

research within the area served by the team/service as possible within

the role.

Embarking on a professional journey with the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust promises an enriching career experience. As a pioneering institution at the forefront of healthcare excellence, we offer a dynamic environment characterised by innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to patient wellbeing.

You will become part of a team dedicated to pushing boundaries, embracing cutting-edge technology, and continuously enhancing the delivery of world-class healthcare services. With a focus on professional development, work-life balance, and a culture of inclusivity, the trust provides a platform for you to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Dr Esther Hansen Job title: Consultant Psychologist Email address: [email protected] Telephone number: 02074726247

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