Podiatrist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities To maintain the highest possible standards of clinical practice and to follow Trust policies and standards. To manage the patient caseload at your place of work. Staff are encouraged and expected to seek professional advice from colleagues as required. To develop a foot-care treatment plan for medically at risk patients i.e. Peripheral Vascular Disease, Neuropathy, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis. To implement the access criteria with a view to providing patients with an appropriate treatment plan and communicate this information to patients/parents/relative/carers and referrers. To discharge patients from the service once the treatment has ended. To plan and provide a comprehensive course of treatment for patients including nail surgery with the use of local anaesthetic, treatment of open wounds on the feet and biomechanics. To refer to and have knowledge of the full range of services available within the department for the benefit of the patient e.g. refer for Nail Surgery, pressure relieving devices i.e. Aircast/Bespoke Scotch Cast Boot, Vascular and Neurological assessment (Doppler ultrasound). To carry out invasive scalpel work (debridement) of foot wounds and/or pressure areas. To arrange antibiotics, X-ray and take swabs for culture and sensitivity testing in discussion with clinical lead. To interpret pathology results in discussion with clinical lead. To comply with the Policies of Infection Control when dealing with blood and/or sepsis. To comply with the Control of Substances Harmful to Health requirements in the use of chemicals for the treatment of patients e.g. Sodium Hydroxide for use in nail surgery. To perform diabetic footscreens where duties will include referring to specialist as required and to identify risk factors and categorise patients into risk band high/medium/low. To deliver foot health education to patients/parents/relatives and carers. To manufacture and fit chair side and laboratory made orthotics. To work with and maintain good communication with G.P.s/Health Professionals and other agencies. To maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records and provide statistical information as required. To ensure effective communication by involving patients/parents/relatives and carers of treatment plans and progress and in order to obtain diagnostic information. To gain consent by informing, explaining, persuading and motivating patients for whom some may have barriers of understanding e.g. deaf, learning difficulties, language problems. To ensure confidentiality of information is preserved at all times whether at or away from work. To use the patient administrative electronic booking system. To attend and actively contribute in staff meetings and participate in new projects when requested to do so. To participate in audit of all aspects of work when requested. To take part in performance development reviews and personal development plans. To order and receive stock and maintain an adequate and secure stock level at your place of work. To book patient appointments and deal with patient enquiries, including telephone and answer phone messages. To deal with patient enquiries including telephone and answer phone messages. Attend mandatory training e.g. Child Protection, Resuscitation (adult) and Equality and Diversity Training and updates, and to undertake continuing professional development and clinical governance. Observe all responsibilities and carry out all duties, whether general to all employees or specific to the post, relating to health and safety in accordance with the Trust and Departmental Safety Policies and any statutory requirements. Liaise with the Clinical Team Leader regarding the delivery of service to patients. Undertake any such appropriate duties or responsibilities as directed by the Service Manager.