Physiotherapist, Month Contract

Marymount University Hospital & Hospice provides specialist palliative care services and services to care for dependent older people. Its origins date back to 1870 with its foundation by the Religious Sisters of Charity in Cork. The original hospital was built on the north side of the city, but the service relocated in 2011 to purpose-built, modern, high-quality facilities in Curraheen, Cork.

An independent voluntary hospital, Marymount works closely with the statutory health services and is a section 38 organisation under the Health Act 2004 and a registered charity. It is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors and staffed by a CEO and a multi-disciplinary team who provide clinical and care services, education, and research.

Its services comprise a 44-bed in-patient specialist palliative care unit, a Day Care service (Day hospice), an out-patient department, community-based services, and bereavement & family support services. For older people, Marymount Hospital provides a 63-bed long-term care unit, and palliative care support services. Both services have a reputation for excellence in care.

Purpose of the Post

The provision of a quality Physiotherapy service in line with standards of Physiotherapy practice. To provide quality, client centered Physiotherapy assessment and treatment to identified client groups as directed by the Physiotherapy Manager.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is responsible for:

• Carry a clinical caseload appropriate to the post
• Be responsible for client assessment, development and implementation of individualised treatment plans that are client centered and in line with best practice.
• Be responsible for goal setting in partnership with the client, family and other team members as appropriate.
• Communicate and work in co-operation with other team members
• Develop effective communication with and provide instruction, guidance and support to service users, family, carers etc.
• Document client records in accordance with professional standards and departmental policies
• Provide a service in varied locations in line with local policy / guidelines and within appropriate time allocation (e.g. clinic).
• Participate in review meetings, case conferences, ward rounds etc. as appropriate
• Maintain professional standards of practice
• Maintain quality standards of work and co-operate with quality assurance programmes
• Work within own scope of professional competence in line with principles of best practice, professional conduct and clinical governance.
• Seek the advice of relevant personnel when appropriate / as required
• Operate within the scope of practice of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists

Education & Training

• Participate in mandatory training programmes
• Take responsibility for, and keep up to date with Physiotherapy practice by participating in continuing professional development such as reflective practice, in service, self directed learning, research, clinical audit etc.
• Engage in performance review processes including personal development planning
• Participate in the practice education of student therapists. Take part in teaching / training / supervision of staff / others as appropriate (once sufficient clinical experience has been attained) and attend practice educator courses as relevant to role and needs.

Quality, Safety & Risk

• Develop and monitor implementation of agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards
• Ensure the safety of self and others, and the maintenance of safe environments and equipment used in Physiotherapy in accordance with legislation
• Assess and manage risk in their assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Take the appropriate timely action to manage any incidents or near misses within their assigned area(s)
• Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment, aids and appliances both by clients and staff under their supervision
• Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment, aids and appliances both by clients and staff under their supervision
• Comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005
• Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Policies, Protocols and Procedures relevant to their area
• Take reasonable care to protect her/his own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by her/his acts or omissions at work
• Adhere to Departmental and Hospice policies at all times
• Ensure confidentiality in all matters of information obtained during the course of employment
• Report any malfunctions or defects in equipment or any such suspicions immediately to the Senior Physiotherapist / Physiotherapy Manager
• Have a working knowledge of Marymount policies

Administrative

• Actively participate in the improvement and development of Physiotherapy services by liaising with the Senior Physiotherapist / Physiotherapy Manager.
• Gather and analyse statistics and participate in audits as directed by the Senior Physiotherapist / Physiotherapy Manager.
• Represent the department at meetings and conferences as designated
• Assist in ensuring that the Physiotherapy service makes the most efficient and effective use of developments in IT
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace
• Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service
• Carry out other duties appropriate to the post as required from time to time by the Physiotherapy Manager

Teamwork

• Communicate oral and written information in a clear, concise and well structured manner appropriate to the content and the target audience.
• Manage communications in a professionalism manner.
• Facilitate and maintain communication within own department, across multi-disciplinary and practice education teams
• Promote and improve communication in their area of responsibility
• Present lectures and research projects at local and national level
• Negotiate clearly and effectively with relevant stakeholders.
• Act as a positive and supportive team leader in their own area with strong leadership skills

Sustained Personal Commitment

• Assume responsibility for personal and professional development and safe work practice
• Show enthusiasm and a high level of motivation in leading and completing projects.
• Be highly committed to the profession and keeps abreast of current issues.
• Contribute to the learning and education of others participating as required, in teaching/training of staff/students of own or other disciplines.

Confidentiality

• You will have access to various types of records/information in the course of your work. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instruction of an authorised person, on no account must information concerning staff, patient s or other Hospital business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.

The post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to him/her from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. This job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances. It is not intended to be exhaustive but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which individuals work.

The duties and responsibilities detailed above reflect the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendment to meet the changing needs of the service.

Required Criteria

Qualifications and / or experience

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

i. Be registered on the Physiotherapist’s Register, maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU

ii. Be a member of, or be eligible for membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists

iii. Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable Qualifications and / or experience

i. Membership of appropriate clinical interest groups.

ii. Experience in respiratory care/neurology/rehabilitation

Other requirements specific to the post

· Proficiency with technology tools, including Office 365.

The successful candidate will be appointed on a full-time basis for a fixed term of 12 months.