Odstock Medical Ltd.

Specialist Physiotherapist (Paediatric FES)

The closing date is 24 June 2025

Job summary

Reporting to the Specialist Physio Lead. After training, you will be working as an autonomous clinician. There is no on call or shift working requirement and only occasional weekend teaching commitment. Training would take place at the National Clinical FES Centre in Salisbury. Once all clinical competencies and initial training have been completed, some remote working can be accommodated. Travel within the UK for teaching and clinical commitments will be required occasionally.

Main duties of the job

To provide physiotherapy and FES to neurological patients, predominantly paediatrics, but also adults who have conditions including CP, stroke, MS, SCI, TBI, HSP and other upper motoneuron conditions under the care of the National Clinical FES Centre outpatient service. The service provides Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for clients with neurological impairment and includes the application of FES to assist walking and upper limb function as well as other specialist applications. Clients are primarily NHS funded with some privately funded. Working with the Specialist Physio Lead and Clinical Director, the successful candidate will develop and expand the paediatric FES service and promote the use of FES in paediatrics across the UK. There will also be opportunities to expand the evidence base for FES. Please note, that although the role will focus on paediatrics, treatment of some adult patients will also be required, particularly in the early stages of the role.

To deliver training and mentorship to FES clinicians through OML FES accreditation courses, conferences and exhibitions. To be an advocate for FES as a valuable adjunct in the management of children and young people with neurological conditions to optimise wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

To assist with the development and assessment of new FES techniques and bring them to the paediatric clinical service. To participate in ongoing research projects of OML.

About us

Odstock Medical Ltd. (OML) is a subsidiary of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust and based in the Laing building on the Hospital Site. We are the UKs leading provider of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) devices and clinical treatment. We were established in 2005 by Salisbury NHS Foundation trust to build on FES expertise.

Odstock Medicals devices have been designed by Clinical Engineers, Clinicians and patients at the National Clinical FES Centre for over 25 years through collaborative effort.

We want to improve the lives of people with neuromuscular disabilities worldwide by providing the highest quality in medical device technology and service. As well as providing the FES devices, treatment and support, we offer FES training for Clinicians so they can offer FES treatment to their patients too.

Employees are entitled to 24 days paid annual leave (pro-rata for part time staff). Additional benefits include: Company pension scheme, paid on-site parking permit and Life Assurance Scheme.

OML staff can also access the onsite leisure centre (2 indoor heated swimming pools and a fully equipped gym and squash court). There are also restaurants and coffee shops located on the Hospital site.

Salisbury is an attractive place to live and work. With easy access to London and local airports, Salisbury also has one of the 31 UNESCO world heritage sites in the UK (Stonehenge) and in addition boasts a number of museums and famous landmarks which are well worth a visit.

Date posted

30 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience £37,500 - £45,000 depending on relevant experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share

Reference number

E0382-25-0000

Job locations

National Clinical FES Centre, Laing Building

Salisbury District Hospital

Salisbury

SP2 8BJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITES

Following extensive induction and training to attain FES competencies, the post-holder will assess and treat a caseload of FES patients and maintain associated records, as an autonomous practitioner.

To be professionally and legally responsible for all aspects of own work including managing clinical risk.

To carry out assessment and treatment of patients as an autonomous practitioner using clinical reasoning skills.

To deliver clinical support to clinicians using FES in external clinics/hospitals.

To complete Individual Funding Request forms which assist in gaining funding for patients appropriate for FES.

Responsible for maintenance of accurate written records using clinical pathways and use of computerised data collection and records and comprehensive progress/discharge reports to GPs and ICBs.

Conduct applied research to create case studies and evidence to support FES treatment of paediatrics using OML devices & equipment.

To be able to manage potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner as they arise.

EDUCATION AND MENTORSHIP

To support the OML FES accreditation programme which delivers courses to health professionals, which mostly include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthotists and clinical scientists and support the development of paediatric specific FES education.

Provide mentorship and support to FES clinicians, calling into the centre, visiting clinic or at other centres.

Provide advice and education to healthcare professionals at exhibitions and conferences.

To support the development and promotion of OML services and activities.

To provide support and mentoring to visiting students and trainee clinical scientists.

Participate in and contribute to clinical governance sessions.

Through individual performance review (IPR) and in-line with HCPC registration requirements maintain and develop CPD activities.

SERVICE DEVELOPMENT

Working with the Specialist Physio Lead and Clinical Director, the successful candidate will develop and expand the paediatric FES service offered by OML at the National Clinical FES Centre and its regional clinics.

In conjunction with the clinical team, advance service development opportunities and methods to ensure effectiveness of patient care at OML.

RESEARCH AND NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The post holder will collect clinical outcome data from the clinical service and use it to expand the evidence base for FES in Paediatrics.

Development of and involvement in research projects and initiatives that explore novel applications of FES.

Identify the clinical requirements for new product development projects and evaluate OMLs new devices.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

The post-holder will be HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

At least 2 years experience post-graduation.

At least 12 months post graduate experience in the field of paediatric physiotherapy.

Experience in treating children and adults with neurological conditions.

Evidence of CPD in neurological conditions.

Experience in FES is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.

Able to motivate and inspire patients, carers and FES practitioners as individuals and groups.

Computer skills.

The post requires a current valid driving licence.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

A keen interest in the application of FES in rehabilitation.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Able to adapt communication strategies to the needs of individuals.

Able to identify and employ effective presentation skills.

Able to plan and manage time effectively in changing/developing environment.

Team player who works well with other professional groups.

Able to work independently and use professional autonomy effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Able to employ frequent moderate effort to assist neurologically impaired patients in undertaking 1:1 therapy and FES related activities.

To be willing to visit FES clinical partners to provide clinical support when required.

To be willing and available to attend conferences, exhibitions and training courses across the UK (with full remuneration of any expenses).

Able to give sustained concentration in both clinical and non-clinical activities and deal with challenging emotional situations.

Person Specification

Job title:

Specialist Physiotherapist (Paediatric FES).

Employer:

Odstock Medical Limited (OML).

Education/Qualification

Essential

Degree (BSc or MSc) in Physiotherapy.

Post graduate experience and education relevant to clinical area.
HCPC registration.
Special Interest in neurology.

Desirable

Member of Professional Body.
Member of special interest group.

Experience

Essential

Experience of working with adults and children with neurological conditions.
Two years post graduate clinical experience.
12 months post graduate experience working with paediatrics.
Ability to demonstrate working autonomously in assessment and developing treatment plans for patients with neurological conditions.

Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

Experience of implementing evidence based practice.
Substantial experience in neurology.
Experience of teaching or presenting.
Experience of working with FE.S

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Evidence of autonomous assessment and treatment of patients with a range of neurological conditions
Up to date professional portfolio which will demonstrate reflective practice and evidence of on-going professional development/education.
Excellent verbal and written skills.
Empathetic when dealing with emotional situations and giving sensitive information.
Able to negotiate, influence and build professional relationships and networks.
Able to remain calm in difficult situations.
Able to deal with conflict and manage appropriately.
Ability to manage own workload and plan the workload of others.
Ability to make decisions and prioritize actions.
Working knowledge of clinical governance and evidence based practice.
Evidence of comprehensive range of clinical skills and expertise relevant to the role.
Able to identify own and others learning and development needs and actively seek ways to meeting those needs.
Basic IT skills including use of Microsoft Office package and email.
Knowledge of Personal Development Planning.

Desirable

Analytical skills to deal with interpreting complex clinical information.
To have an understanding of research/ audits and other factors which contribute to evidence based practice.
Able to deal with conflict and manage appropriately
Experience of using video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Teams.
Experience of using remote teaching platforms such as Moodle.