Specialist Hand Therapist

To undertake comprehensivehandtherapy assessment of physical problems of a complexnature which may also include psychological and social problems, usingspecialistclinical reasoning and assessment skills to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment with the consent of patients and guidance of senior staff if required.

To formulate an individual and agreed treatment plan based on sound knowledge ofevidence basedpractice and carry outappropriate treatmentin a manner that respects people's privacy,dignityand individuality. Reassessing patients' progress and altering treatment plans asrequired.

Todemonstrate highly developed physical skills inclusive of dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory (sensory) skills to carry out appropriate assessment and interventions including manualhandtherapy techniques and therapeutic handling,mobilisationtechniques, complex dressings, thermoplastic custom-made splint fabrication requiring precise use of tools tomouldthe splint.

To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to educate and communicate effectively with patients, carers information regarding their diagnosis, treatment plans and discharge plans. This includes using motivational/persuasive skills and giving specialist advice.

To participate in planned research and audit as required.

To work as anindividual within the Outpatient Therapy team providingspecialisthand therapyassessment, diagnosis,treatmentand advice for a range offrequentlycomplex conditions for patients on their caseload.

To work as an autonomous practitioner taking responsibility for the management of patients onowncaseload without directsupervision.

To regularlyassistin the planning & delivery of departmental training and education sessions, to further professional and personal development for staff, working with the guidance and support of senior members of staff ifrequired

Tomaintaineffective communicationlinks with patients,carersand all associated professional practitionersregardingpatientscondition, including the completion ofaccurateclinical records in line with trust and professional body codes of practice.

To supervise, andassistsenior staff in the management ofoccupationaltherapistsandphysiotherapists and therapy support staff

Toberesponsibleforthewholeorpartoftheclinical educationand practice ofOccupational Therapy andPhysiotherapyUndergraduates accepted on clinicalplacement.

To beresponsibleforthe correct and safe use of equipment includingthesafe manufacture and provision of custom made and off the shelf splints and orthosis.

We operatefrom three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, andUlverstonCommunity Health Centre.

FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.

WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.

All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies,daycase and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

Our Community Service for adults are provided in people's homes ,community centres, clinics, GP Practices, community hospitals. Our aim is to work with people to help them remain independent , improve their health and manage their conditions through high quality care , advice and support.

Education and Qualifications

Desirable: - BAHT Level 1

Experience

Desirable: - Post graduate clinical experience in hand therapy

Skills, Ability and Knowledge

Desirable: - Manufacture and fitting of custom thermoplastic splints

Personal Qualities

Essential: - Must be willing and able to travel in and around the Morecambe Bay Area