GUERNSEY PHYSIOTHERAPY GROUP
JOB DESCRIPTION
Name:
Job Title:
Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurological
Outpatients
Team:
Neurological Physiotherapy Team
Grade:
Band 7
Salary & Scale:
Hours:
37.5 Hours per week plus evening and
weekend on-call duties in respiratory care.
Reporting to:
Team Lead, Neurological Physiotherapy
Team
Accountable to:
The Partners of GPG
Line Management responsibility for:
Band 7’s, Band 6’s, Band 5’s and Student
Physiotherapists, Physiotherapy Assistants
within the Neurological outpatient service.
Guernsey Physiotherapy Group (GPG) is a private physiotherapy practice that is contracted
by the Health and Social Services Department of Guernsey to provide all secondary
physiotherapy services within the health system in Guernsey. GPG work on various sites
and this position is based at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH) on the outskirts of St
Peter Port. The physiotherapy department at the PEH was purpose built in a new wing of the
hospital and opened in 2010.
The island of Guernsey is British but not part of the UK or the European Union. The health
system operates in a different way to the NHS in the UK although professional standards
remain the same. General practices provide family doctors on a private basis, with
specialists having access to hospital facilities. A compulsory Specialist Health Insurance
Scheme applies to island residents with general hospital services funded by the States of
Deliberation (the island government) and acute specialist services are covered by the
scheme.
There is a housing license system that operates with strict controls on housing purchasing
and rental. GPG can make housing license applications for their professional staff which are
usually fixed for a period of 5 years or sometimes longer for more senior roles.
All Allied Health Professionals working in Guernsey must be registered with the Health
Professions Council (HPC). GPG also require current Membership of the Chartered Society
of Physiotherapy.
ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
The Neurological Team
Service
Managers
Michelle
Green
Team Lead
Neurological
Inpatients
Neurological
Outpatients
OP Lead
Vicky Rang
(Band 6)
Rehab ward
Elaine
Strappini
(Band 7)
Acute
Inpatients
Kitty Case
(Band 7)
Tom Jones
(PTA)
Frances Le
Poidevin
(PTA
Adam
Gleeson
(PTA)
Susi
Storey
(Band 7)
Tomi
Rekikoski
(Band 7)
= This post
Main Purpose of the job
The post holder will work as an integral member of Guernsey Physiotherapy Group (GPG)
within the Neurological Physiotherapy Team. Within that role he/she will act as advanced
physiotherapist in care of neurological outpatients taking a lead role in the management of
this service and supporting the neurology physiotherapy team lead.
The post holder will provide highly specialised physiotherapy management for patients with a
variety of neurological conditions including complex neuro-disability.
The post holder will deputise for the Team Lead of the Neurological Physiotherapy Team
when required and will assist in the development, promotion and co-ordination of the
neurological physiotherapy service and wider neurological services.
Profile of the Clinical Area
The post holder works as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and inter-disciplinary
team (IDT) contributing to the assessment, management and treatment of patients
referred to the service to offer a comprehensive patient centred service.
The physiotherapy services at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital are made up of the
neurology team, the medical/surgical team and the orthopaedic and general rehabilitation
team.
The neurology team covers provision of physiotherapy from acute services to the
management of long term chronic neurological disability within the community. This
includes provision of physiotherapy on the Intensive Care Unit for patients with
neurological conditions with support from the respiratory team, the acute wards, the
rehabilitation ward, the neurological outpatient and community services including work in
a variety of settings.
1. Clinical Responsibilities











To undertake physiotherapeutic management of patients with a neurological
condition using highly developed evidenced based specialist knowledge. This
includes independent assessment and analysis; implementation of specialist
neurological physiotherapy treatment programmes, goal planning; prioritisation;
treatment on dry land and in hydrotherapy; objective measurement of progress; and
advice and education.
Demonstrate the skills to manage own caseload being able to respond to change in
caseload and patient needs, prioritising as necessary being fair in how the service is
delivered in liaison with the team lead.
Supervise and delegate treatment programmes to more junior physiotherapists and
physiotherapy assistants.
To be an integral member of the MDT/IDT, setting joint patient-centred aims, goals
and targets within comprehensive care packages.
To represent physiotherapy and negotiate with other members of the team in
managing cases such as in team meetings or case conferences.
To bring the patients unmet needs to the attention of appropriate practitioners when
appropriate.
To demonstrate highly developed dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory senses for
assessment and manual treatment of patients including facilitation of normal
movement and posture management.
To provide specialist clinical skills in neurology for e.g. splinting, provision of
orthotics, tone management, assessing and advising on walking aids, standing
frames, moving and handling equipment and techniques to the patients and
members of MDT/IDT.
Assessment and treatment of patients who are frequently highly dependent and
require facilitation to achieve and progress their functional ability. Managing this
safely including ongoing risk assessment e.g. moving and handling activities.
Involvement, as required, in the MDT/IDT development and review of guidelines to
assist in managing patients with neurological conditions.
Provide, as an integral member of the inter-disciplinary team, ongoing support for the
patient and their family / carers during the episodes of patient care. This involves:
- Ongoing education and assistance to both patients and carers in the
understanding of the complex nature and effect of the condition both short term
and long term.
- Ongoing emotional support. This often includes assisting clients / carers through
the grieving process.
- Involvement of family / carers in the rehabilitation process. This often includes the
handing over of practical skills and care.











2.
To undertake education and training of student physiotherapists as a trained clinical
supervisor.
Assessment of home and discharge environments to establish their suitability and
requirements for ongoing needs. To contribute to the discharge planning process
liaising with the relevant members of MDT/IDT and external services.
Make referrals to other support/services as appropriate.
To promote, support and empower individuals to participate in decision making to self
manage and be independent were appropriate.
To maintain a high standard of patient record keeping, being responsible for keeping
records according to professional standards and departmental policy.
To create patient reports e.g. discharge and progress reports.
To be involved in evaluative work as required. Routinely use objective measures in
own clinical practice.
When working on the emergency respiratory on-call rota, undertake the assessment
and treatment of acutely ill patients with respiratory problems, who may have
complex presentation and provide advice to members of the multi-disciplinary team
(MDT) regarding the patients’ respiratory function/ condition. Maintain associated
records as an autonomous practitioner.
Report on stock levels and equipment needs as required.
To gather and update service activity, timely and accurately and to keep other patient
statistics as required.
Provide expert clinical advice to multi and inter disciplinary colleagues.
Professional responsibilities










To actively participate in a clinical supervision programme as agreed through
personal development review meetings.
To be an active member of the in service training programme by attending and
delivering sessions.
To maintain own continuing professional development (CPD), recording regularly in
CPD log including reflective practice, demonstrating an awareness of current
developments in neurological physiotherapy integrating as appropriate into clinical
practice and taking the initiative for self directed learning. This includes attending
courses as required for personal and service development needs.
To partake in own personal development review meetings with line manager at least
annually and identify objectives and training needs for an agreed timeframe.
Actively seek to develop clinical skills through attendance at clinical education and
training forums; reading relevant journal articles and publications; reflecting on
clinical practice; case discussion and presentations.
To be accountable for attending mandatory training such as fire, infection control,
manual handling, basic life support and evacuation in hydrotherapy if required on a
regular basis.
To ensure that your own practice and that staff under your supervision meet the
required professional standards.
Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of his/her
activities.
To comply with CSP code of members professional values and behaviour including
honesty and integrity , responding compassionately and sensitively to individuals
showing empathy and altruism by giving priority to the interests of the individuals,
accountability for decision making and actions, including the delegation of activity to
others and commitment to excellence.
To comply with Health Professions Councils Code of Ethics and Professional
Conduct. To maintain up to date registration. To be accountable for own
physiotherapy action and recognise own physiotherapeutic professional boundaries
working only in areas that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to practice
lawfully, safely and effectively.












3.
The post holder will, at all times, be aware and adhere to any policies, procedures
and regulations issued by Guernsey Physiotherapy Group. Special attention will be
given to procedures relating to the Data Protection legislation and procedures relating
to Health and Safety at Work, and the post holder will request/ensure that any
defects which may affect safety at work are brought to the attention of the appropriate
service manager.
To adopt a professional approach to customer care at all times promoting high
standards of care.
To treat staff, patients, colleagues and potential employees with dignity and respect
at all times, complying with equal opportunities guidelines at all times.
To comply with vulnerable adult policies, procedures and best practice
To participate in the department Clinical Governance programme as required.
To demonstrate strategies to cope with frequent exposure with the distressing and
emotional needs of people with complex acute, chronic and progressive neurological
conditions.
To take personal responsibility for ensuring that Guernsey Physiotherapy Group and
HSSD resources are used efficiently and with minimum wastage.
To comply with GPG and HSSD policies for personal and patient safety and for
prevention of healthcare-associated infection; this includes a requirement for rigorous
and consistent compliance with policies for hand hygiene, use of personal protective
equipment and safe disposal of sharps.
To represent the physiotherapy profession and GPG as part of the team.
To work within defined Neurological Physiotherapy Team’s protocols/ policies
To assume delegated tasks as requested by the Team Lead or Service Managers.
To maintain confidentiality at all times ensuring that confidential information acquired
in all types of activity remains secure.
Communication Responsibilities









To communicate effectively including communication of physiotherapy diagnosis,
prognosis, anticipated outcomes, gaining consent to and understanding of treatment
programmes. This will frequently be to patients who have complex emotional,
physical and psychological conditions with cognitive, behavioural or physical
difficulties impacting on their ability to communicate.
To form productive relationships with patients who may demonstrate aggressive
and/or challenging behaviour. Maintain safety of self and patient and other staff. To
ensure that patients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their treatment
where possible.
To demonstrate sensitivity to patients when imparting potentially distressing
information e.g. when discussing the physiotherapy intervention for patients with poor
functional prognosis, or for the terminally ill.
Regular communication with members of inter-and multidisciplinary team regarding
ongoing patient management.
To maintain professional level of communication at all times e.g. to students,
assistants, peers, line managers, patients and carers, and all other Health Care
Professionals or personnel that you come into contact with in this role, add in
respecting colleagues perspectives and contribution.
To maintain effective communication between the physiotherapy service, the patients
and their carers/family and other professionals external to GPG.
Give advice, as required, to external parties regarding management of neurological
conditions.
To deal with complaints sensitively to avoid escalation following the appropriate
complaints procedure.
Create reports for consultants, GPs and other referees and external agencies both
uni-disciplinary and as interdisciplinary team.
4.
Research and Service Development Responsibilities






5.
Participate in implementation of policy and service development changes to GPG’s
and Neurological Physiotherapy team’s working practices and initiate and implement
changes to working practices where this will result in improved performance.
Contribute to initiation and implementation of GPG’s and the team’s clinical and
procedural guidelines, policies and procedures following good practice guidelines.
Provide highly skilled and specialised opinion that informs the development and
establishment of standards, protocols of care and patient pathways to achieve best
practice in collaboration with other professionals.
Participate in the development, promotion and evaluation of service quality through
clinical effectiveness, standard setting, audit and research as an ongoing
responsibility.
Initiating, in liaison with team lead/service manager, and participating in audit, clinical
effectiveness and research projects.
To be proactive in influencing and implementing changes to clinical practice.
Management and Administrative Responsibilities



5.
To manage the complex logistical task of giving patients and staff structure, through
daily support, in an unpredictable environment. Ensure physical and human
resources are available, clashes avoided and participate in monitoring, reviewing,
supporting the team’s performance in the light of ongoing daily events in liaison with
the team lead.
Deputise for the team lead when required and assist in the development, promotion
and co-ordination of the physiotherapy and inter-disciplinary services.
Report to the team lead where appropriate any concerns or issues.
Human Resources




6.
To cross-cover team areas when the service needs demand in liaison with team lead
and service managers.
To manage more junior physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants on a day-today basis.
To assist in co-ordinating student placements in the area together with the team lead.
To regularly attend and contribute to staff meetings, physiotherapy planning meetings
and wider multi-professional service planning meetings in order to assist in the
promotion and smooth running of the service provision and development issues.
Physical Resources





Provide expert advice and teaching on the use, indications and contraindications of
physiotherapy related equipment including the hydrotherapy pool, moving and
handling equipment, standing frames and splints, and assist team lead/service
managers with ensuring that designated staff attain and maintain competency to use
through regular training sessions.
Monitor equipment needs within the physiotherapy department and being actively
involved in identifying, trialling and selecting equipment, and training and
demonstrations to other staff members as appropriate.
Identify equipment for clients/patients and staff and delegate the ordering of
equipment to administrative staff as per GPG protocols.
Maintain and update the departmental reference library.
Contribute to the efficiency of the service by taking responsibility for routine
administrative tasks.
7.
Education and Training Responsibilities








8.
Participate in supervision, training and developing other staff within the clinical area
in liaison with the team lead
Participate in planning, developing, co-ordinating and providing teaching and training
programmes to physiotherapy staff as part of GPG’s in-service training programme.
Regular education and training of staff within the IDT/MDT when actioning individual
packages of care e.g. writing and handing over of guidelines and face-to-face
sessions showing positioning, transferring techniques and facilitation of walking.
To deliver education, advice and training of patient carers and external agencies as
part of care packages in liaison with team lead as required.
Participate in induction and training of new staff as required.
Teaching of students as required
Occasional participation in education and training on internally and externally run
courses and events in liaison with team lead.
Ensure appropriate feedback/dissemination of skills is undertaken following specialist
training in liaison with team lead.
Supervision Responsibilities



9.
To work within broad professional guidelines to assist in making clinical diagnosis
and setting of treatment plans. Work is not routinely assessed but the post holder is
responsible for seeking advice on particular patient conditions or problems.
To act as a clinical supervisor including personal development reviews of more junior
physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants, within the team as agreed by team
lead.
To supervise students in learning and development needs according to learning
outcomes provided by the universities.
Health & Safety





10.
Abide by the Health & Safety Policy of GPG and the requirements of the Health and
Safety legislation.
Abide by any local Health & Safety policies in use at the Hospital and this will include
the wearing of protective clothing as directed.
Have a high regard for safety; for self, patients, and all others, maintaining a safe
environment for visitors, staff and patients within the areas utilised by the
physiotherapy service. Responsible for demonstrating safe practise at all times,
including for all equipment used and perform risk assessments
Report faulty equipment to an appropriate person and take responsibility for notifying
others.
Follow GPG’s Incident reporting policy and procedure.
Additional Responsibilities



As an experienced clinician you may be expected to take on additional roles within
GPG which may sit outside other roles and duties, for example, representation on
health and safety, moving and handling, essence of care etc.
This job description is subject to change in accordance with organisational and
service development, and will be regularly reviewed with the post holder.
All staff will be regularly reviewed on all aspects of the job description, in line with the
Guernsey Physiotherapy Group’s personal development review system.
Job Title:
Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurology
Team:
Neurological Physiotherapy Team
Grade:
Band 7
Person Specification
The following criteria will be assessed from information provided on your completed
application form (A), at interview (I) and/or by your referees (R)
REQUIREMENTS
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Education/Qualifications/
Training
Degree/ or equivalent in Physiotherapy
Registered Physiotherapist (HPC)
Evidence of attendance on specialist Post
graduate neurosciences courses (e.g. Normal
movement)
Evidence of appropriate advanced specialist
neurological rehabilitation training such as
Basic Bobath training, Splinting, administration
of botulinum toxin
Member of the Chartered Society of
Physiotherapy
Active member of ACPIN special interest group
Documented evidence of continuing
professional development
Evidence of active participation in in-service
training programmes
IT Training e.g. European Computer Driving
License (ECDL)
Evidence of a strong focus on continuing
professional development
Experience
Minimum 2 years postgraduate experience as
a Band 6 physiotherapist in neurological
rehabilitation.
Experience in the assessment and treatment of
complex neurological conditions and acquired
brain injury demonstrated by advanced clinical
reasoning.
Knowledge or practical use of audit
Previous experience of work in an IDT/MDT.
Experience supervising other staff or students
Experience of project work and identifying and
implementing evidence based practise.
Audit and research experience
E/D
How
Tested
E
E
E
A
A
A/I
D
E
A
A/I
E
E
A/I
A/I
E
A/I
D
A
D
A/I
E
A/R
E
A/I
E
A/I
E
D
A/I
A/I
D
A/I
EVIDENCE TO
SUPPORT
ASSESSMENT
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15
3.16
3.17
3.18
3.19
3.20
3.21
3.22
3.23
Skills and Knowledge
Ability to work unsupervised at a specialist
level as a competent autonomous practitioner
Ability to manage own workload assessing and
treating acute, chronic and progressive
complex and challenging patients and to
determine priorities.
Application of sound clinical reasoning to a
diverse neurologically impaired patient group
demonstrating specialist analytical skills and
use of objective measures.
Ability to plan develop, co-ordinate and adapt
appropriate physiotherapy treatment
responding to functional changes and changes
in medical condition.
Demonstrate good time management,
prioritising and changing plans as appropriate
to allow for day to day changes in staffing and
patients conditions.
Ability to work efficiently, effectively and
professionally within the MDT/IDT
Excellent interpersonal and communication
skills.
Ability to reflect and critically appraise own
performance.
Evidence of initiative.
Ability to maintain judgement under pressure.
Innovative and forward thinking approach.
Ability to prepare and deliver presentations.
Computer literate including use of Word, email
and internet services.
Ability to prepare clear and concise patient
reports.
Ability to communicate complex and sensitive
information about well being to anxious
patients and relatives.
Committed to personal and team development
Effective oral communication skills with
patients who may have cognitive or
communication difficulties, line managers,
other Health Care Professionals,
demonstrating negotiating skills and ability to
manage and diffuse potential conflict.
Constructive assertiveness.
Ability to deputise for line manager, take on
key worker / coordinator role and to
demonstrate an understanding of the teams
dynamics.
Application of health and safety and risk
management policies
Ability to advise other health care professionals
on a 24 hour approach for the management of
patients.
Evidence of concise written communication.
Ability to adhere to retaining confidentiality.
E
A/I
E
A/I
E
A/I
E
I
E
A/I
E
I
E
I
E
A/I
E
E
E
E
E
A/I
I
I
I
A/I
E
A/I
E
A/I
E
E
A/I
A/I
E
E
I
A/I
E
I
E
E
I
A/I
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Other Requirements
The physical skills and capabilities for the
assessment and skilled therapeutic treatment
of patients with acute, chronic and progressive
neurological conditions on the wards, in the
therapy treatment areas and in the community
visits including home visits and in long term
care settings.
Willingness to work flexibly.
Ability to understand and comply with GPG
policies.
Valid Driving Licence
E
A/I
E
E
I
I
D
A
Effort and Environment
Job Title:
Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurology
Team:
Neurological Physiotherapy Team
Grade:
Band 7
Effort and Environment Factors
Physical Effort
Mental Effort

Frequent need for moderate physical effort in the lifting
and moving of weights (over 5kg) ongoing throughout
each day in the rehabilitation of neurological patients e.g.
mobilising, transferring and facilitating patients.

Moderate physical effort is required for prolonged periods
of time e.g. when supporting the patient in a sitting
position, supporting limbs during splinting, supporting the
patient when facilitating gait. A large range of positions
and postures must be adopted on a regular basis to
achieve this.

Treatment sessions last on average 45 mins but may
vary from 20 mins to 2 hours. Sessions often run back to
back with no break.

The effort involved in moving patients/beds/hoists and
equipment is regularly increased by restricted space.

Prolonged focused concentration (to minutiae) required
in analysing the patients’ condition and adjusting or
changing treatment interaction during each face-to-face
contact with the patients to ensure safety and quality
rehabilitation.

Pro-actively engage with the patient during assessment
and treatment. Frequently adapt intervention and
respond to unpredictable situations.

When not with the patients, high concentration is needed
when attending meetings that can last up to 2 hours e.g.
IDT meetings, compiling reports alone or within an
interdisciplinary group. Throughout the day there is a
need to be actively thinking, planning and organising
within each activity. Work is constantly interrupted
throughout the day by phone calls and the need to
answer people’s questions, there is a lack of privacy and
constant background activity and noise within the office
space.
Mental Effort (continued)
Emotional Effort
Working Conditions

There is an imposed time pressure on all activities due to
time constraints, unpredictable nature of the work,
frequent interruptions and dealing with unplanned
absence.

The logistics of consistently re-timetabling/re-prioritising
whilst being cognisant to the impact of any changes on
patients and on other professionals represents a daily
complex challenge.

Throughout the day there is a requirement to rapidly
switch attention, concentration and problem solving
between different domains (e.g. assessment/treatment,
to dealing with distressed or angry relatives, to careful
wording of computerised reports).

Daily exposure to patients with complex needs including
behavioural problems that can manifest as verbal and
physical inappropriateness/aggression.

Regular need within the job to discuss upsetting news to
patient and family regarding potential physical outcome
e.g. whether a patient is likely to walk again or not, or the
recommendation that further physiotherapy treatment is
not appropriate.

Frequently expected to respond to patients and their
cares who may be questioning and challenging your
practice.

On an ongoing basis there is a need for the therapist to
provide energy to motivate patients.

Regularly on a daily basis involved with dealing with
uncontained body fluids and participating in washing
patients who have soiled themselves as part of or prior to
treatment sessions.

Exposure to smells on a daily basis and high
temperatures within the Department.

Regular exposure to verbal/physical inappropriate and
aggressive behaviour. This can be daily dependant on
the caseload of patients.

There is no individualised desk space to work in the staff
office.
Sign-off sheet
Job Title:
Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurology
Team:
Neurological Physiotherapy Team
Grade:
Band 7
Declarations
Post-holder:
I confirm my agreement that this job description (including person specification) is a
proper reflection of my job.
Signed:
Date:
Name:
Line Manager:
I confirm my agreement that this job description (including person specification) is a
proper reflection of the job of the post-holder for whom I am the line manager.
Signed:
Date:
Name:
Job Title: