Senior Hand Therapist

Surrey Downs Health & Care

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and motivated Hand Therapist to join our wonderful MSK Hand Therapy Team. Experience of working within a Hand Therapy Service is essential, preferably within the NHS and with experience of managing patients from Acute Elective, Acute Trauma, Plastics and Rheumatology.

We have an active In-Service training programme and excellent links with our Consultant Surgical colleagues who also provide training for the team.

The caseload is varied with the majority being acute trauma or post-elective surgery but also includes community referrals from local GPs and FCPs.

The Hand Therapy unit is very busy but the team are very cohesive and supportive of one and other. The Hand Therapy Service is also part of the wider Surrey Downs Health & Care MSK Service.

Main duties of the job

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy
• Registration with Health Professions Council e.g. HCPC
• Evidence of CPD including relevant post graduate specialist training courses in appropriate clinical fields

Desirable

• BAHT Member
• Completion of BAHT Level 1 course

Experience

Essential

• Relevant and significant post graduate experience with a variety of client groups and service settings to include: an acute hospital environment or a physical community service working with orthopaedic patients

Completed a previous rotation (or equivalent) in a Hand Therapy Dept.

Working knowledge of a broad range of conditions and client groups

Experience with acute elective, acute trauma patients as well as plastics and rheumatology.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

• Knowledge of the workings of other interlinking services eg intermediate care, social care, other therapies in the UK
• Involvement in audit, research and understanding quality issue
• Experience of hand conditions /splinting.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Able to provide bespoke splints for patients.
• Able to manage wounds and remove stitches where necessary
• Able to provide personalised recovery and rehabilitation plans to a broad range of Hand/wrist related pathologies.
• Awareness of College of Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy standards
• Good written and verbal communication skills in providing and receiving complex information, and able to use skills of persuasion, negotiation and motivation

Ability to analyse, evaluate and make rapid accurate clinical decisions in a fast paced clinical environment

Prioritisation of workload, good time management and ability to work to protocols and deadlines

Ability to delegate appropriately to others to maximise use of skill mix, whilst remaining responsible for outcome and completion of task

Computer literate

Car driver/owner

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Excellent time management
• Commitment to personal, professional and service development
• Professional approach and appearance
• Flexible, reliable, team worker
• Empathetic
• Initiative and problem solving skills
• Physical fitness to undertake manual activities
• Ability to work under pressure
• Self directed learner

Desirable

• Good sense of humour
• Willingness to occasionally attend out of work hours learning/development opportunities.

About the employer

Surrey Downs Health and Care deliver care closer to people's own communities through our Primary Care Networks, Community Hospitals, Specialist Services and our innovative partnership of local NHS organisations.

Surrey Downs Health and Care has a track record of providing person centered care that goes beyond organisational boundaries to do what is best for the individual. This partnership includes: