Orthotist

Job summary

We are looking for an Orthotist to join our experienced and exciting team. We specialise in assessing and managing complex MSK foot & ankle conditions, scoliosis and spinal cord injury. Utilising a collaborative approach the Orthotists work with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, especially Orthopaedic surgeons, clinical nurse specialists and physiotherapists. We are looking for a Band 5 Orthotist with an interest in foot, ankle and lower limb pathologies as we strive to improve this service and manage a diverse patient caseload.

Our Orthotics Department boasts a large staffed on site workshop with manufacturing facilities which provide opportunities to communicate on a one to one basis with our technical staff and develop your manufacture and design skills.

The main Orthotics Department is located on the hospital site at Stanmore. A satellite Orthotics Department also operates at Bolsover Street Central London Assessment Centre which the applicant would have to be willing to attend when required.

Applicants for this post should be :

• Graduates in Prosthetics and Orthotics, University of Salford or University of Strathclyde.
• Hold a Diploma from either the Orthotic and Prosthetic Training and Educational Council or Training Council for Orthotists.
• We will consider applications from final year students.

All applicants are required to be HCPC registered and ideally be members of BAPO.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide a high standard of orthotic care to patients. These patients will have a diverse range of pathologies and complexity. There will be treatment for both outpatients and inpatients as part of a broad MDT. They will contribute to the development, improvement and delivery of the service.

About us

At the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), we are committed to achieving the best staff experience in the NHS. In the 2023 NHS Staff Survey, we proudly :

At RNOH, we're committed to being actively anti-discriminatory and actively inclusive. We recognise our brilliant people do brilliant work, and we offer rewarding careers, no matter what their background. We continue to strive to break down barriers to be the Trust where people come together because what they do matters, makes a difference and where they can thrive.

Joining our organisation means enjoying a wide range of staff benefits, including :

At RNOH, we are more than a workplace we are committed to patients, to excellence and the wellbeing of our staff.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To perform good quality assessment of patients using advanced communication skills

To collaboratively identify patient centred goals

Use measurement and data acquisition techniques in recording all information to ensure accuracy of patient prescriptions.

Perform positive model rectifications as appropriate

Perform risk assessments in the selection of components for customised devices to ensure patient safety.

Evaluate the completed device on the patient to ensure the desired quality of body-device interface, functional alignment, comfort, cosmetic appearance and mechanical integrity and safety

To be responsible for own caseload working without direct supervision and work as an autonomous professional

To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records in line with professional standards of practice and department procedure

To liaise with other members of the RNOH multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and in other organisations to ensure the best level of care for each individual

Promote the Orthotist role within the clinical unit by undertaking evidence based audit and research projects to further own and teams clinical practice. To promote the Orthotist role as a career option and support in recruitment of future students

To make recommendations to the clinical lead / manager for changes to practice that could enhance patient or staff experience

Contribute to the smooth running of the Orthotics service through regular supervision of students

To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as the person being appraised and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.

Under direction, collect data for use in service audit and research projects.

Under direction, manage and undertake research into specific areas of clinical practice and service delivery using appropriate methodologies

Maintain, develop and record own CPD activities to ensure you strive to meet professional and service standards of care Participate in regular supervision, formal training and clinical reasoning sessions, problem case sessions and peer review. Access advice and support from senior colleagues as required

Contribute to the learning and development of the team through in service training

Assist more junior staff in the development of their IPR objectives

Inducts, supervises and educates an allocated member of staff according to their learning needs

Assists senior staff in presenting educational sessions to the MDT

Shares good practice with all grades of staff formally & informally

Discuss the most complex cases and queries with peers and senior staff as appropriate.

Support the work experience programme providing the opportunity for students to observe, thereby promoting the profession

To be aware of and comply with all RNOH policies and procedures

To actively participate in professional and departmental duties

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Professional registration

Essential

Desirable

Essential

Desirable

Experience

Essential

Desirable

Skills

Essential