Podiatry Assistant

To provide a range of clinical, diagnostic and administrative functions

To work as an integral member of the podiatry team, providing a high standard of foot care to a pre-assessed caseload of patients.

To assist podiatrists to carry out foot care and health promotion activities, to maintain or improve health, independence and quality of life. This requires a general knowledge of all aspects of podiatric practice to know when to refer patients, and successfully manage own caseload.

Organise and assist in podiatric clinics. This may include clerical duties such as pre and post op organisation of nail surgery for example.

Diagnostic tests as directed by Podiatrists using equipment such as Doppler or toe pressure machines, reporting findings to Podiatrist.

To undertake defined administrative responsibilities e.g. stock management for the department, orthotics, ordering and dispatch, collating audit data.

To provide high quality foot treatment to maintain patients mobility, independence and prevention of hospital admission.

To carry own patient caseload, continually assessing and treating routine patients, following patients individual treatment plans after they have been assessed by a podiatrist. These plans include utilising a variety of podiatric skills and being able to manage non routine situations as they arise. Monitor and evaluate progress, making minor alterations to treatment programmes as required. Undertake risk assessments when carrying out domiciliary visits, and working with challenging clients / in different environments.

Work unsupervised reporting back patient progress and informing the podiatrists of any problems. Meeting regularly with an assigned lead to assess progress and review development of clinical skills. To provide support in dressings clinics including carrying out simple re-dressing procedures and postoperative advice as set by podiatrists. To ensure best practice when exposed to unpleasant working conditions including, maintaining infection control standards and working in accordance with Trust Health & Safety Guidelines. The role includes a wide range of support tasks in addition to patient focused time. All of the tasks are important to ensure the service runs smoothly and that patients receive the best possible service. Good communication and people skills are at the core of all of the duties involved in this post. To attend specialist clinical sessions gaining knowledge and experience in more advanced areas of podiatric practice.

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:

Historically, there have been boundary lines between the organisations that provide care to people in their homes, in GP surgeries and in hospitals, but we have always been united in our mission to provide great care to the people who need us.

It's on those grounds that the Surrey Downs Health and Care was formed - we want local people to receive the care that they need in the right environment. By bringing together our expertise, we can improve patient care and enable local people to access the right support, care and treatment more easily than ever before.

In bringing this partnership together, we are working to the same set of values that will translate into better care for our residents.

Qualifications

Essential: - Car Driver (Full Licence) with access to a car for business use; - Evidence of secondary education including English & Mathematics at C or above

Experience/ Knowledge

Essential: - Commitment to continuous learning and development

Skills