Lymphoedema Therapist (Development role)

Job responsibilities

Support specialist evidence based lymphoedema service from referral to discharge, participating in research, clinical audit and contributing to the development of guidelines and protocols that provide a comprehensive specialist service.

Ensure that accurate and complete data of service users is electronically recorded in line with governance procedures

To develop an understanding and actively adhere to the allocated budget for the lymphoedema service. To order or facilitate the ordering and maintenance of stock of equipment and supplies.

To be able to self -manage, physically understanding limits and moving and handling and know when to seek assistance. Using appropriate judgement to identify emotionally challenging situations and productively managing such scenarios.

Comprehensive assessment, planning, treatment, maintenance and evaluation of patients with lymphoedema in the context of a chronic condition with varying degrees of complexity. Offer support for relatives and carers that ensures informed choice and user involvement.

Contribute to development of a pathway of lymphoedema education and information for patients that encourages self-care.

Undertake liaison and communication with members of medical, nursing, allied health professional and social services in all settings ensuring adequate dissemination of patient information when and where appropriate.

Maintain patient records and collect data where necessary using information technology systems for internal and external audit.

Maintain an appointment system allowing provision of patient follow-up and monitoring of waiting times.

Ensure knowledge and skill base is maintained to the level of a Lymphoedema Specialist with regular skills and knowledge updates. Ensuring that patients receive the most up to date products and treatment.

Provide mentorship and support for students and learners within the Lymphoedema service.

Contribute towards the planning, delivery and evaluation of a lymphoedema education program for health care professionals in all settings.

Contribute towards the planning, delivery and evaluation of a Lymphoedema health promotion programme to the general public.

Supports and acts as a resource for other Lymphoedema practitioners and oversees directly clinical activity of non-qualified staff.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered General Nurse/Physiotherapist/Occupational therapist studied at degree level.
• Qualification in Lymphoedema or willingness to complete
• MLD/CDT qualification with current accredited course (Foldi, Casley-Smith, Leduc or Vodder) or willingness to complete
• Member of British Lymphology Society, or willingness to become a member
• Level 3 safeguarding of Children or willingness to complete

Desirable

• Palliative care/cancer care/chronic disease certificate
• Teaching certificate
• Independent/supplementary prescriber
• Masters qualification- hold or is working towards.
• Advanced communications training

Experience

Essential

• Post-registration experience
• Palliative care/cancer/chronic disease.
• Worked in a Community and Clinic setting

Desirable

• Lymphoedema management
• Experience of working with users in service development
• Experience in audit and quality of life outcomes measurement
• Working within the field of paediatrics

Key Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Patient assessment, treatment planning and evaluation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to motivate self and others
• Work without direct supervision and within time scale, using good organisational and time management skills
• Computer literate in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Outlook
• Presentation and report writing skills
• Ability to use own initiative and make reasonable, confident decisions and support other members of the team in doing this.
• Have a flexible approach to the demands of the caseload
• Able to focus on tasks, measure progress and complete projects using good time management skills
• Excellent team working skills
• Good understanding and application of the Mental Capacity Act.

Desirable

• Wound care.
• Symptom control.
• Sound knowledge of complex Lymphoedema care
• Moving and handling
• Understand of contemporary medico-legal issues

Other

Essential

• Commitment to personal and professional development
• An understanding of and demonstrable commitment to the Hospices Values as a framework for decisions, actions and behaviours.
• Understanding and commitment to the aims of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Appreciation of confidentiality
• Flexible and proactive working approach

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).