Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population.  We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation.  Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff. 

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we.  We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger.  If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. 

Welcome to Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust, where we have a wonderful opportunity for you to work as a Band 3 Therapy Technician within the Orthopaedic Team. These posts are integrated roles supporting both Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to provide assessment and treatment for patients on the busy Trauma and Orthopaedic wards. This role cares for patients admitted following traumatic orthopaedic injuries such as hip and spinal fractures as well as elective orthopaedic surgery.

You need to enjoy team working and treating this population of patients. You need to be able to communicate clearly and demonstrate care with compassion. We work in a busy and sometimes highly pressured environment so a calm, professional approach is required. The post involves working as part of a 7-day working pattern, with a rough expectation of completing 1 weekend in 4.

As this is an integrated therapy technician role, this provides the opportunity to develop a wide range of clinical skills across both Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy to provide holistic patient care, whilst being supported by expert clinicians and our own therapy practices educators, all with a wealth of experience. There is also the opportunity to attend external training days and courses as well as take part in an in-service training programme and complete the Trust’s Care certificate.

You will be able to provide follow-up treatment to non-complex patients, including mobility progression and exercise provision, supported by the qualified team member, experiencing a range of Orthopaedic injuries such as fractured hips, poly-trauma, spinal injuries and elective joint replacements. You may also be required to deliver equipment to patient’s properties therefore being a car driver with you own car is desirable.

Key duties and expectations include:

• Preoperative teaching and preparation to ensure a smooth and positive patient experience for elective surgery patients
• Implementing goal achievement treatment plans
• Supporting patients to achieve safe and efficient discharge plans
• Teaching the safe use of walking aids and other functional aids and equipment
• Work with the other Therapy Technicians to complete patient related administrative tasks including onward referrals and data inputting and stock replenishment.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us to discuss the post further or arrange a visit to meet us. Please contact our friendly administrative team on 02392 286141 who will happily direct your enquiries.

Job Description

Essential

• Maths & English GCSEs (grades 9-4 or A*-C) OR Functional Skills Level 2 in English & Maths
• Care Certificate - This should be completed within 3 months of joining the Trust

Desirable

• Level 3 Apprenticeship or equivalent

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Self-resilient
• Approachable and sensitive of the needs of others
• Ability to recognise personal risk
• Ability to handle stress/pressure of work

Desirable

• Previous healthcare experience, particularly within therapy
• Able to participate in manual handling of patients and equipment where necessary
• Experience of liaising with other agencies

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to work safely under own initiative
• Self-motivated
• Able to use a computer keyboard
• Ability to travel between sites and community settings
• Knowledge of the underpinning philosophy of rehabilitation
• An awareness of one's personal and professional limitations
• Commitment to personal development
• Understand the importance of patient confidentiality

Desirable

• Understand the role of the therapy team within an acute Trust
• Skilled in motivating others
• Knowledge of health and social care issues

For team members looking to further progress in their careers, we are able to offer opportunities for level 5 and Level 6 apprenticeships.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and Disability, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.