IPOCH Community Therapy Assistant EDNHS

Job summary

An exciting post for a Band 4 Therapy Assistant to work within the Home First Team within the Integrated Placement of Care Team (IPOCH). The post holder will work across the Emergency Department (ED), admission avoidance pathways, inpatient wards and community settings to support in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, and support patients to receive care in the most appropriate setting.

The post holder will work collaboratively and cooperatively with multidisciplinary colleagues to meet the needs of patients and their families, taking an active role in facilitating safe and timely discharge from hospital, supporting admission avoidance initiatives within ED and Urgent Care pathways and undertaking ongoing assessments within community settings in line with National Hospital Discharge Guidance and Home First principles.

This role offers the opportunity to enhance skills within the ED and community therapy services, linking in with the wider support network and being part of an integrated support system. You will work across ED and our Discharge to Assess beds and across all care communities as required.

The successful candidate will undertake record keeping using an electronic device for which training will be provided.

Applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence.

Main duties of the job

The candidate will support the delivery of Home First Principles across the Emergency Department (ED), admission avoidance pathways, inpatient areas and community services.

Working autonomously and as part of the multidisciplinary team, the candidate will work alongside the therapist in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and promoting independence, adopting a Proportionate Care and Home First approach. They will work closely with colleagues within ED, Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), acute wards, community services, primary care, and social care to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Responsibilities will include supporting complex home visits, overseeing patient flow through Home First pathways, and ensuring timely reviews and progression of discharge plans.

The IPOCH team is based at Leighton Hospital and provides services across the Emergency Department, acute hospital wards, and patients own homes within the community. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across these settings and participate in weekend and Bank Holiday working as required.

Job description

• To make therapeutic contact with newly referred patients as identified by the qualified therapists following admission and triage.
• To independently complete specified holistic assessments, interventions and create rehabilitation programmes either independently or with help of a qualified clinician for community-based patients
• To follow departmental protocols and guidelines referring to the qualified clinician who is available for advice.
• To hold a caseload as delegated by the qualified clinician. Reporting back at agreed timescales, highlighting any necessary actions. Working independently and supporting the band 3 Therapy Assistants as required.
• To work with an individual in a variety of settings, such as their home, 24 hours care facility ensuring patient safety and dignity is always maintained.
• To modify interventions and programmes within defined parameters and within their scope of practice
• Complete initial assessments and commission a range of basic equipment and adaptations as appropriate to the service user. To complete necessary risk assessments before prescribing basic equipment and review them on a timely basis.
• To be responsible for the ordering and stock control of materials and equipment as required for the unit.
• Instruct individuals, carers and other professional in the safe use and maintenance of equipment- simple aids such as walking frames, sticks, elbow crutches and functional aids.
• To refer patients to appropriate services and health care professionals where patients are found to have a complex health need.
• Discharge patients within your workload after consultation with qualified member of the team.
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings and participate in clinical decision-making process for individual patients as delegated by the qualified staff.
• To ensure accurate, up to date clinical records are kept, always ensuring their security and confidentiality
• Work within their competency and seek qualified therapist guidance were appropriate.

This job description is an outline of the role and function. It is not intended to describe all specific tasks.

About us

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) provides good quality, safe and effective healthcare to the people of Cheshire and beyond. The Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, was established as an NHS Trust in April 1991 and became a Foundation Trust in April 2008.

We employ almost 5,000 members of staff, provide around 540 hospital beds, with a range of services including accident and emergency, maternity, outpatients, therapies, and children's health.

The Trust is also part of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), a unique local health partnership that provides a range of community services for people across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

At Mid Cheshire, we value our staff and appreciate that in order to give our patients the best quality, compassionate care, we also need to look after our colleagues.

We offer full induction on commencement of the role. Supervision from senior physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. Setting individual objectives through appraisals and competencies will be provided. All generic therapy assistants benefit from regular supervision sessions which are fortnightly to start. Given equal opportunities to undertake a variety of Continuing Professional development (CPD) and Band 4 competencies to develop and support you in your role.