Therapy Assistant Practitioner

To accept patients referred to by the ward staff, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist and hold responsibility for own caseload, mainly working without direct supervision but with regular liaison with the Therapist. At these times, access to advice and support from a Therapist is available if required. All clinical work is routinely evaluated and monitored by an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist on a regular basis
To accept patients referred by the Multi-disciplinary Team and relay all necessary information to the Therapists to allow timely interventions.
To treat all patients according to set treatment protocols, monitor progression and make alterations as required within agreed parameters.
To develop and maintain competencies through continuing professional development (CPD), + As a highly skilled support worker, assist the Occupational Therapists and/or the Physiotherapists in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of patients in order to maximise their potential.
+ To hold delegated responsibility for the therapy management of a discrete area of the service.
+ To Carry out individual programmes as established and delegated in broad terms by the Therapist, having the ability to teach and demonstrate specific exercises and techniques to patients and assist the patient in regaining independence in respect to activities of daily living.
+ To obtain a daily hand-over report of current and new patients within the designated areas from the appropriate source.
+ To screen and prioritise new referrals for discussion with the Therapists. To screen and prioritise daily caseload for ward areas as necessary.
+ To attend Board Round and gather and share information to the MDT.
+ To conduct initial interviews and extract relevant information accurately from the patient's medical notes and nursing documents.
+ Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
+ Complete relevant outcome measures, such as MOCA or Barthel.
+ Monitor and analyse the patient's condition during and following treatment. This necessitates the ability to record, understand and interpret clinical observations e.g. blood pressure.
+ To use clinical reasoning skills to alter / progress treatment, complete the required discharge reports/DPN's within the post holder's scope of competence and within treatment parameters agreed by the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
+ Following discussion with the Therapist responsible for the patient, to provide feedback to the ward staff about the patient transfers, mobility and any relevant social history in order to ensure efficient sharing of information.
+ To demonstrate and fit standard mobility and functional equipment and provide and / or order equipment as required.
+ To check all equipment prior to use and report any faults to the relevant authority.
+ To accurately prescribe, order, complete and process equipment orders on a timely basis.
+ To assist with the provision of basic wheelchairs - on loan from the department and/or for issue via the equipment service.
+ Be responsible for the set up of the basic wheelchair with any relevant accessories.
+ To conduct stair assessments with other therapy assistants or students, analysing and reporting findings to the therapist.
+ To conduct functional assessments, including wash/ dress and kitchen assessments on the ward, analysing and reporting findings to the Occupational Therapists.
+ To assist the Therapists when necessary during home visits, analysing and reporting back the outcomes and discuss appropriate actions.
+ To independently complete access visits when necessary, analysing and addressing care outcomes appropriately, and discuss with the therapist.
+ To attend and actively participate in the decision-making and discharge process at MDT meetings and case conferences.
+ To maintain up to date, comprehensive and accurate patient treatment records. In accordance with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) standards and departmental policies.
+ To conduct clinical treatment with respect to individual patient's dignity, privacy and cultural needs at all times.
+ To have a sound working knowledge of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and the availability of follow-up rehabilitation and treatment services.
+ Make timely and appropriate referrals to MDT and community colleagues either independently or as directed by an Occupational Therapist/ Physiotherapist, using the agreed documentation.

We are looking to appoint a passionate, highly motivated, and proactive Band 4 Therapy Assistant Practitioner to work within our well-established therapy team. You will be working in a fast-paced environment in the Urgent medicine team. Carrying out patient centred assessment and treatment to improve patients' functional outcomes and discharge from hospital to the right place at the right time, supported by qualified Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy staff.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job., + To cope with unpleasant working conditions, for example: Odours.
It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.