Fulham Medical Centre jobs

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed physiotherapy assistant to join our welcoming and friendly children’s physiotherapy team. The team provides high quality, family-centred care and support for our children and families with complex or long term medical needs within the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, South Kensington and Chelsea, and South Westminster.

This post is based at Jack Tizard Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in White City. The post holder may also provide some support to our teams at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital site in Chelsea and Parkview Centre for Health in White City as required.

The physiotherapy team works closely with families and children in Jack Tizard School as well as in their homes and clinics settings. We are focused on delivering a high quality physiotherapy service and work alongside the Jack Tizard school team to integrate and embed our physiotherapy treatments. The physiotherapy team works as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team which includes other therapy staff such as speech and language therapists and occupational therapists, as well as the medical and nursing teams, teachers and teaching assistant staff.

Whilst in this role you will be working under the direction and guidance of the physiotherapy team to support the implementation of physiotherapy treatment and programmes to the students at Jack Tizard School.

You will also be providing administrative support to the team.

You will be supported to learn and develop a wide range of skills within this role and will have access to our departmental in-service training opportunities.

You will be expected:
To carry out designated tasks and activities independently as delegated by the responsible physiotherapist.

To work under the direction and appropriate supervision of the responsible physiotherapist although initiative is encouraged.

To provide administrative support to the physiotherapy team in the community including mainstream and special school settings.

To assist in maintaining a safe work environment.

To participate in CPD and other developmental activities related to the area of work.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

Roles and responsibilities

C linical

To carry out the appropriate procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency. It is the joint responsibility of the therapy assistant and the supervisor to ensure the assistant is competent and confident in carrying out the required intervention and duties. These may involve mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with personal care tasks, undertaking home visits, carrying and installing equipment, well as carrying out and supervising others in carrying out exercise programmes.

To support the paediatric physiotherapists in specific treatment programmes this may involve regular manual handling of clients with considerable physical disability. The post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, move inert young adult limbs and support clients whilst mobilising. They may also be expected to transfer clients; push wheelchairs, use hoists, and carry/install equipment.

To provide clients and carers with direction and guidance on a range of physical activities as directed by the physiotherapist. This may include encouraging clients and carers to become actively involved in maximising and maintaining their physical abilities.

Setting up equipment for use by therapists during treatment sessions or for use in the school or home environment.

To demonstrate knowledge of and provide advice and training on the safe use of therapy equipment to patients and those appropriate.

To participate in the maintenance, cleaning and recharging of therapy equipment.

To participate in maintenance of treatment areas in accordance with the health and safety policy and departmental procedures.

To cover for absent physiotherapy staff e.g. therapy assistants who work in another area, or support a physiotherapist/ occupational therapist who have staff shortages in their section if the need arises.

To comply with the Trust and school policy on confidentiality, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding any information pertaining to clients and their families.

Administration

To participate in the smooth running of work areas by undertaking administrative tasks e.g. making appointments, telephone calls and other clerical activities.

To keep regular and up to date records written or electronic data and assist the therapists as necessary with departmental statistics.

To make initial appointments for patients on the trust information system according to departmental procedures

To make follow-up appointments for clients in person or changing appointments on the computer system as required and informing clients by telephone or letter.

Maintain appropriate levels of stock within the therapy team.

Arranging transport for clients and equipment.

Registering client referrals on the departmental computer system.

Booking interpreters by fax, phone or online.

To be able to use good communication skills with clients of all age groups and carers including those with communication difficulties.

Dealing with clients/ relative’s queries both in person and on the telephone courteously and efficiently.

To report all complaints and accidents to the immediate senior member of staff as soon as possible and document accordingly.

Personal development

To ensure that all mandatory training is completed within the required timescales.

To participate in the appraisal system as an appraisee and be responsible for fulfilling your agreed objectives and personal development plan.

To ensure adherence to Trust policy and guidelines at all times

To role model Trust values at all times

Communication

To liaise with the physiotherapist regarding client care and report to the supervising therapist any change in the clients condition.

To communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers, external agencies and those related to the clients care. To use effective communication with clients or relatives who have barriers to understanding or communicating. e.g. visually impaired, hearing or speech disability and to be aware of any device e.g. hearing aids which may hinder communication

To deal sensitively with clients and carers who have a high level of anxiety or aggression due to for example, pain, fear or failed expectations.

The post holder is expected to concentrate frequently on a daily basis during treatment sessions and ensure effective communication with those who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties. There may be unpleasant exposure to verbal or physical aggression.

Please review the attached job description for full details.