Lymphoedema Assistant

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated Lymphoedema Assistant to join our friendly and dynamic team. The successful applicant will assist the lymphoedema team to deliver assessment and treatment to outpatients with lymphoedema and provide administrative support., To assist the Lymphoedema Team in the provision of Complex Lymphoedema Therapy

To undertake delegated patient assessment and treatment

To assist in clinic alongside the Lymphoedema Therapists.

Utilising judgemental skills, required to assess and evaluate patient clinical conditions within the parameters set by the lymphoedema service.

Recognise and report clinical changes and signs of deterioration and emotional distress, reporting to appropriate members of the lymphoedema team

To use effective communication skills, verbal and non-verbal to communicate treatment programmes to patients who have barriers to understanding and communicating

To encourage the bariatric patient group to adhere to treatment and to continue with dietary and exercise plans over a long period of time, being aware of the multi-factorial nature of obesity and body image concerns of the patient

To teach skin care to patients, with a view to preventing cellulitis, especially around foot care, nail care and check their compliance on follow up visits.To carry out limb volume measurements and calculations and be able to present accurate information from results calculated

To be responsible for maintaining accurate written records of patients in line with RCHT documentation guidelines

To answer patient's telephone / email queries, addressing concerns or passing on as appropriate

To manage discharge letters, including conveying clear prescription details and codes

Lymphoedema is a chronic and disabling condition that can affect any part of the body and occur at any age. Lymphoedema requires life-long management including skin care, compression, lymphatic drainage, exercise and weight management. Training in lymphoedema and patient self-management strategies will be provided but applicants should be able to demonstrate a caring attitude, excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with patients and other healthcare professionals.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We serve a population of around 500,000 people - a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £580 million.

We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.

The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles.

Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.

Sustainability is integral to the Trust achieving the NHS Net Zero target. All staff are therefore actively encouraged and supported to implement new ways of working within their field of expertise.