Therapy Assistant (Hand Therapy)

As a capable administrator, you will be working with the outpatient Hand therapy team based at South Wing.

Your role will be to provide support to a team of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in providing care to patients who require hand therapy.

You will have skills in interpreting and inputting data accurately, to have a basic understanding of hand conditions and the treatment they require (in order to be able to answer telephone enquiries). The role will involve giving advice or identifying someone who is able to do so.

You will also need to order clinical stock, manage the waiting areas and act as a chaperone when required.

Training will be given to undertake this role successfully

To be first point of contact for telephone enquiries to the Hands service outpatient service, liaising with staff where appropriate. Contacts to include:

• Patients and members of the public.
• GPs.
• Other medical and hospital-based staff.
• Community/acute therapy staff.
• Transport/Interpreter services.
• Other Hospital base staff
• Stores
• Plastic Surgery Secretaries and Plastics/trauma services
• GP Practices

Ensure messages are dealt with competently, accurately and in a polite/courteous manner.

To provide non-clinical general advice to patients, relatives/public i.e.:

• Appointment information
• Telephone/face-to-face enquires
• Data Entry onto Excel spreadsheets and access databases
• Accessing Therapy staff and contacting different work areas.
• Statistical information

To work in an, extremely busy office and, therefore, demonstrate a high level of concentration in order to combat noise levels and frequent interruptions to enable performance of duties competently accurately and efficiently

To use VDU equipment for the majority of the working time and therefore be aware of own health and safety/ergonomic issues, i.e. workstation and report any concerns to the Office Manager.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

To adhere to patient confidentiality and data protection, including the Caldicott Report, understanding its implications and raising any concerns to the Team Lead or other Senior member of staff immediately

Receive and process incoming mail and undertake the preparation/distribution of out-going mail, as necessary

To assist with the training of new members of staff in the following: -

• Data Entry onto Excel spreadsheets and access databases
• Accessing Therapy staff and contacting different work areas.
• Admin tasks on System One

To be systematic in your approach to work by being able to use initiative and good time management.

Be able to prioritise work and be aware of the following deadlines and ensure these are met, highlighting any abnormalities or problems to the Team Lead-

• Statistical information
• Ordering of clinical equipment

Participate in staff appraisal scheme and be responsible for complying with agreed Personal Development Plan (PDP).

To attend any other courses deemed necessary by the Team Lead and ensure information, skills gained are acted upon. To comply with all relevant Trust Policies, procedures and guidelines including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety and Confidentiality of Information and attend all mandatory training, e.g. Data Protection, Moving and Handling, Fire, CPR.

Be aware of own health and safety and ergonomic issues related to use of VDU equipment for a majority of the day and report any concerns to the Team Lead Physiotherapist.

To provide support to the Team and assist with general clerical duties such as:

• Filing
• Answering phone queries
• Copy typing
• Photocopying and distribution of work
• Making up patient education packs
• Re-booking appointments
• Cleaning equipment
• Ordering Stock
• Documenting any relevant details into patient record on SystmOne medical record

To provide cover during leave and busy periods.

To undertake any other adhoc duties which may be required, under the direction of the Team Lead