Job summary
Are you anOrthoptistlooking for a challenging adult neurologicalcaseload?
Do you have a passion forworking not only in the out-patient environment but also within a ward setting?
Would you liketo work within abrand new purpose builteye unitin one of the largest and highest performing Trusts in theNorth West?
If the answer isYESto theabovethen we have the perfect job foryou!
We are looking to recruit a Specialist Orthoptist for a period of 12 months to cover maternity leave with a focus onthe orthoptic stroke,ABIand neuro-ophthalmology caseload.
Youwillsupport ourOrthoptic Stroke and ABI Leadand work alongside 2 other specialist orthoptistsalready involved in this caseload, as well as undertaking variousadditionalorthoptic hospital and community clinics and the chance to be involved inorthoptic teaching that the whole teamparticipatein.
This is an amazing opportunity for anOrthoptist withexperience of an adult caseloadto join ourwell-establishedteam to providenot onlyan excellent standard of care to all patientsbut todevelopthemselves withina stroke and ABIroletoo.
Main duties of the job
To support the Orthoptic Stroke and ABIService in providingclinical assessment, management and multidisciplinary working in the outpatient, ward and HASU setting for individuals who have had a stroke,ABIor other neuro-ophthalmology diagnosis.
Responsible for providing specialised Orthopticservices as an autonomous practitioner withinthehospitalsettingand community outreach clinics,accepting direct referral of patientsof all ages who have a wide spectrum of ocular motility disorders and visual problems.
To assess, diagnose, manageand treat patients of allages referred to the Orthoptist,being responsible fortheinstigation of follow-up care and/or onward referral to thesub-speciality Orthoptists / Optometrists / Ophthalmologistsasappropriate.
To be involved in the clinical teaching ofundergraduate Orthoptists,pre-registration Optometrists, medicalstudentsand other healthcare professionals asrequired.
About us
Theorthopticdepartmentisbased at Royal Preston Hospitalwithadditionalcommunity clinicsandourOphthalmology Unit at Chorley District General Hospitalwhichopened inDecember2021.
Our new unit has been designed to not only give the patient and their relatives/carers the best experience but also our team too; with individual 6m Orthoptic rooms fully equipped even with a window for those far distance cover tests wehope wehave thought of everything.
Our HASU is to be based at Royal Preston Hospitalalong with other wards we visit andanadditionalstroke rehab ward at Chorley District General Hospital.
Weareavery busydepartment who work closely with our eyecolleaguesstriving to provide excellent care with compassion; if youmanageyourtime well and work well withinadynamicteamthen this is the place for you.
We are always looking for ways to further develop ourselves and theteamplus looking to see what we could do differently and in fact better. This is why we actively encourage and supportCPD, audit and researchand havementorshipin place for this role.
It'shard to fit everything we do in to one advert so if you would like to know about the roleand the teamthen we would genuinely love to hear from you-call my fabulous team on 01772 522417 or email me claire.critchley@lthtr.nhs.ukto arrange a call
Job description
Job responsibilities
Assesses in-patients including within the HASU and out-patients who have suffered from a stroke, ABI or other neuro-ophthalmology diagnosis such as MS within the given timeframes for testing.
Formulates management plans for these patients in communication with the Stroke MDT and Head Orthoptist.
Clearly communicates to the patient, carers and Stroke MDT such findings as reduced vision, visual field loss, visual inattention and other limiting factors to the patients rehabilitation or ability to drive again.
Records clinical findings, management plans and other relevant information within the patients notes and formulate letters to summarise and refer on to other professionals as required.
Records and inputs relevant data relating to HASU performance and SSNAP.
Actively involved in audit, research and quality improvements relating to this aspect of the Orthoptic service.
Undertakes delegated duties from the Head Orthoptist regarding e.g. the developing of resources for this cohort of patients.
Actively involve themselves and support the other Orthoptists involved with this cohort of patients to develop the service.
Participates in the Stroke Diagnostic Clinics and Neuro-ophthalmology Diagnostic Clinics as required undertaking the relevant assessments, recording information and discussing results with the Head Orthoptist and/or Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Actively promote the orthoptic profession and involvement with this cohort of patients through such things as school/college open days and work experience days plus discussions and education of the Stroke MDT.
Independently assess, plans, implements and monitors individual orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways for each patient using clinical experience, knowledge and evidence-based practice, selects appropriate assessment techniques relevant to each individual patient based on clinical experience and by using clinical reasoning.
Communicates to convey complex diagnoses and treatment plans, break bad news and provide support, gain consent and understanding by combating barriers, gain the confidence and cooperation of children and parents or to present and explain complex concepts, ideas and issues to service users who are unfamiliar with them.
Discharges or arranges onward referral as required.
Actively involved in discussions and decisions around treatments with the Orthoptists/Optometrists/Ophthalmologists.
Responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the decision to instil eye drops for refraction tests, diagnostic and treatment purposes, to decide the appropriate strength of drops required and to advise patients/parents of the side effects following departmental PGDs.
To liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising from any orthoptic treatment.
Demonstrates compassion by recognising and responding to individual needs in a warm, thoughtful, sensitive and helpful way.
Proactively engages with patients, relatives and carers to seek their views, gain agreement and to keep them informed about their treatment and care.
Receives positive feedback from own patients, relatives, team and students.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Assesses in-patients including within the HASU and out-patients who have suffered from a stroke, ABI or other neuro-ophthalmology diagnosis such as MS within the given timeframes for testing.
Formulates management plans for these patients in communication with the Stroke MDT and Head Orthoptist.
Clearly communicates to the patient, carers and Stroke MDT such findings as reduced vision, visual field loss, visual inattention and other limiting factors to the patients rehabilitation or ability to drive again.
Records clinical findings, management plans and other relevant information within the patients notes and formulate letters to summarise and refer on to other professionals as required.
Records and inputs relevant data relating to HASU performance and SSNAP.
Actively involved in audit, research and quality improvements relating to this aspect of the Orthoptic service.
Undertakes delegated duties from the Head Orthoptist regarding e.g. the developing of resources for this cohort of patients.
Actively involve themselves and support the other Orthoptists involved with this cohort of patients to develop the service.
Participates in the Stroke Diagnostic Clinics and Neuro-ophthalmology Diagnostic Clinics as required undertaking the relevant assessments, recording information and discussing results with the Head Orthoptist and/or Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Actively promote the orthoptic profession and involvement with this cohort of patients through such things as school/college open days and work experience days plus discussions and education of the Stroke MDT.
Independently assess, plans, implements and monitors individual orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways for each patient using clinical experience, knowledge and evidence-based practice, selects appropriate assessment techniques relevant to each individual patient based on clinical experience and by using clinical reasoning.
Communicates to convey complex diagnoses and treatment plans, break bad news and provide support, gain consent and understanding by combating barriers, gain the confidence and cooperation of children and parents or to present and explain complex concepts, ideas and issues to service users who are unfamiliar with them.
Discharges or arranges onward referral as required.
Actively involved in discussions and decisions around treatments with the Orthoptists/Optometrists/Ophthalmologists.
Responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the decision to instil eye drops for refraction tests, diagnostic and treatment purposes, to decide the appropriate strength of drops required and to advise patients/parents of the side effects following departmental PGDs.
To liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising from any orthoptic treatment.
Demonstrates compassion by recognising and responding to individual needs in a warm, thoughtful, sensitive and helpful way.
Proactively engages with patients, relatives and carers to seek their views, gain agreement and to keep them informed about their treatment and care.
Receives positive feedback from own patients, relatives, team and students.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Orthoptics or equivalent
- Registration with HCPC
- Evidence of appropriate ongoing professional development
Desirable
- Evidence of postgraduate training and certificates
- Stroke Masters Module or other relevant qualification
- Teaching qualification or willingness to undertake 2 day BIOS course
Knowledge
Essential
- Proven knowledge and experience managing specifically an adult Orthoptic caseload
- Proven knowledge of the investigation, diagnosis and management of a broad range of specialist and complex Orthoptic patients and be able to explain findings to patients/parents/carers/students/GP's and other health professionals on varying levels
- Proven knowledge of formulating treatment plans involving complex facts and situations and problem solving techniques and be able to explain these to patients/parents/carers/students/GP's and other health professionals on varying levels
- Proven ability to work single handed in the hospital and or community clinic
- Proven postgraduate clinical experience
- Evidence of CPD Knowledge of relevant national policies and procedures relating to role
Desirable
- Experience of an Orthoptic Stroke caseload
- Experience working as an Orthoptist in the ward environment
- Experience of various Neurological conditions seen by Orthoptists
- Evidence of Audit
- Experience of teaching orthoptic undergraduates and or other health professionals and students
- Evidence of Research
- Awareness of Dementia
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Orthoptics or equivalent
- Registration with HCPC
- Evidence of appropriate ongoing professional development
Desirable
- Evidence of postgraduate training and certificates
- Stroke Masters Module or other relevant qualification
- Teaching qualification or willingness to undertake 2 day BIOS course
Knowledge
Essential
- Proven knowledge and experience managing specifically an adult Orthoptic caseload
- Proven knowledge of the investigation, diagnosis and management of a broad range of specialist and complex Orthoptic patients and be able to explain findings to patients/parents/carers/students/GP's and other health professionals on varying levels
- Proven knowledge of formulating treatment plans involving complex facts and situations and problem solving techniques and be able to explain these to patients/parents/carers/students/GP's and other health professionals on varying levels
- Proven ability to work single handed in the hospital and or community clinic
- Proven postgraduate clinical experience
- Evidence of CPD Knowledge of relevant national policies and procedures relating to role
Desirable
- Experience of an Orthoptic Stroke caseload
- Experience working as an Orthoptist in the ward environment
- Experience of various Neurological conditions seen by Orthoptists
- Evidence of Audit
- Experience of teaching orthoptic undergraduates and or other health professionals and students
- Evidence of Research
- Awareness of Dementia
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
