The Physiotherapy Department provides a comprehensive in-patient & outpatient service.  Specialties include Care of the Older Person, Stroke Service (including ESD), ED, MSK, Acute Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Respiratory (Medical & Surgical), Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Occupational Health.

There is also a COPD Outreach Service, Integrated Respiratory Care and a Frailty Intervention Team.

An out of hour’s emergency service and week-end service is provided. 

The successful candidate will be part of the In-Patient Trauma & Orthopaedic Service of Connolly Hospital.  The In-Patient Trauma & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy service also encompasses care of amputees, plastics and certain spinal cord injury patients under the care of Orthopaedics in Connolly Hospital. 

Post Holder will be based primarily in In-Patient Trauma & Orthopaedics.  The Post Holder will lead the In-Patient Trauma & Orthopaedics Physiotherapy team, comprising of 1WTE Senior, 1WTE Staff Grade and 1WTE PTA.  Currently there are six Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeons providing the Orthopaedic service in Connolly Hospital. This service encompasses Redwood Orthopaedic Ward & Surgical Day Ward.  The post holder will be responsible for the management of elective & trauma orthopaedic patients together with rehabilitation of complex polytrauma patients from the major trauma centre.  The service also provides cover for specific rapid review Orthopaedic presentations into the ED.  The Post holder will act as a clinical resource and be available for consult with Physiotherapy colleagues across the service.  Post holder will also be responsible to further develop & operate the Therapy Pre Assessment Clinic (TPACS) with their MDT colleagues. 

To work in conjunction with other team members in co-ordinating and developing the service to meet the needs of the population it serves in line with the objectives of the organisation. Play a key role in the Orthopaedic Physiotherapy service provision in Connolly Hospital.  Post Holder will be responsible for the provision of a high quality Physiotherapy service in accordance with standards of professional practice.

The Post Holder will carry out clinical duties and educational duties as required, while developing the Physiotherapy service in line with National Clinical Care Programme.  The successful candidate will participate in the Hip Fracture Clinical Governance meetings, reviewing data and engaging in QI based on same, as recommended by the Irish Hip Fracture Database Reports.  The post holder will present service data at the quarterly Orthopaedic Clinical Governance meetings in the hospital.

The successful candidate will work with the Physiotherapy Manager/Orthopaedic Consultants in ensuring the co-ordination, development and delivery of a quality, client centred physiotherapy service across all relevant clinical spheres.

Professional reporting relationship for clinical governance and clinical supervision will be to the Head of Discipline through the professional line management structure.

The HSE offer an attractive and competitive relocation package for international candidates.  The relocation package includes allowances payable to candidates to meet initial costs for relocating such as an accommodation and flight allowance up to €4,160 for EU/UK candidates and €4,710 for Non-EU candidates.  Additional costs such as registration fees to Regulatory Bodies, Visa fess etc. are also payable on behalf of the candidate.

This campaign will run in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

The CPSA Code of Practice can be accessed via https://www.cpsa.ie/.

The RCSI Hospital Group includes the following hospitals

• Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9
• Cavan General Hospital, Cavan
• Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
• Louth County Hospital, Dundalk,
• Monaghan General Hospital, Monaghan
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda
• Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 15

The Academic Partner for the Group is the RCSI. RCSI Hospital Group provides a national service and a regional service to Dublin and the North East and is committed to the provision of world-class care, exceptional clinical services with respect and compassion.

Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown is a major teaching hospital providing a range of acute medical and surgical services, day care, outpatient, diagnostic and support services.  Emergency services are provided on a 365-day, 24 hour basis.  Multi-disciplinary teams representative of medical, nursing, allied health professionals, management and general support staff play a pivotal role in the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of these services. 

The hospital is affiliated to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) for medical education, to Dublin City University (DCU) for nursing education and to University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Institute of Technology for allied health professional education.

Connolly Hospital is one of 8 hospitals in the RCSI Hospitals Group covering a population of over 800,000 people.  Connolly Hospital’s Catchment Population of over 331,000 covers Dublin West, North Kildare and South Meath.

Professional / Clinical

The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:

• Be a lead clinician and carry a clinical caseload appropriate to the post
• Be responsible for client assessment, development and implementation of individualised treatment plans that are client centred and in line with best practice
• Be responsible for goal setting in partnership with client, family and other team members as appropriate
• Be responsible for standards of practice of self and staff appointed to clinical / designated area(s)
• Be a clinical resource for other Physiotherapists
• Communicate and work in co-operation with the Physiotherapy Manager and other team members in providing an integrated quality service, taking the lead role as required
• Communicate effectively with and provide instruction, guidance and support to staff, clients, family, carers etc
• Document client records in accordance with professional standards and departmental policies
• Participate and be a lead clinician as appropriate in review meetings, case conferences
• Develop and promote professional standards of practice
• Develop the Orthopaedic Physiotherapy service under the care of the Orthopaedic Consultants
• Work within own scope of professional competence in line with principles of best practice, professional conduct and clinical governance
• Seek advice of relevant personnel when appropriate / as required
• Operate within the scope of practice of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
• Be available to take part in on call/week-end rota for respiratory and orthopaedic services as required by physiotherapy management.

Education & Training

The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:

• Be required to evaluate and disseminate evidence based practice in the broad area of Orthopaedics thereby influencing clinical practice.
• Initiate and participate in own continuous professional development and performance management with the Physiotherapy Manager.
• Contribute to the continuing professional development activities programmes of the Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Dept.
• Attend where possible relevant post graduate courses and lectures.
• Co-operate in the provision of safe and productive clinical placements in accordance with the department’s commitment to clinical training programmes.
• Serve as a resource to other staff in this area of clinical speciality at regional level.
• Manage, participate and play a role in the practise education of student therapists.
• Have a working Knowledge of the health information and quality Authority (HIQA) standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, national Standards for the prevention and control of healthcare Associated infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Quality Safety and Risk Management

The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:

• Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of a quality service in line with best practice
• 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
• Identify, assess and report any risk and contribute to the management and review of all risks
• Take the appropriate timely action to manage any incidents or near misses within their assigned area(s)
• Report any deficiency/danger in any aspect of the service to the team or Physiotherapy Manager as appropriate
• Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment, aids and appliances both by clients and staff under their supervision
• Develop and promote quality standards of work and co-operate with quality assurance programmes
• Contribute to forward planning and development of Clinical Pathways
• Oversee and monitor the standards of best practice within their Physiotherapy team
• Be aware of and adhere to relevant standards, policies and legislation for example, Health & Safety, Freedom of Information Act 1997, Childcare Act, HIQA standards as they apply to the role.

Communication Leadership and Teamwork

The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:

• Work as part of the physiotherapy & multidisciplinary team.
• Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings.
• Lead and develop strong links with Consultants and MDT colleagues.
• Negotiate evidence based changes in clinical practice to deliver improved clinical pathways.
• Ensure timely communication and collaboration with the Multi-disciplinary Team, and Physiotherapy Manager.
• Build and maintain good relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively within the designated region with the Physiotherapist Clinical Specialists.
• Serve on and advise such committees as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Undertake other responsibilities as are agreed from time to time with the Physiotherapy Manager or other such person to whom he/she may be accountable.
• Deputise for the Physiotherapy Manager as required

Planning Organising and Performance

The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:

• Work as part of the multidisciplinary team in the design, planning, organisation and delivery of services for the patient cohort.
• Keep accurate written and/or electronic records on the assessment, treatment, outcome and other information relevant to patients.
• Record, collate and submit statistics including key performance indicators for the programme within agreed timeframes.
• Participate in relevant service and professional meetings.
• Participate in relevant recruitment and selection, induction, staff development, and performance and review within the Orthopaedic/Musculoskeletal service.

KPI’s

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets and that of the national clinical programme.
• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

Administrative

The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:

• Contribute to the service planning process
• Assist the Physiotherapy Manager and relevant others in service development encompassing policy development and implementation
• Review and evaluate the Physiotherapy service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services
• Lead in the collection and evaluation of data relevant to the service area as identified in service plans and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service.
• Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best practice
• Collate and maintain accurate statistics and render reports as required
• Represent the department / team at meetings and conferences as appropriate
• Inform the Physiotherapy Manager of staff issues (needs, interests, views) as appropriate
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace
• Participate in the control and ordering of Physiotherapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the Physiotherapy Manager
• Be accountable for the budget, where relevant
• Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service
• Engage in IT developments as they apply to clients and service administration
• Perform such other duties appropriate to the role as may be assigned by the Physiotherapy Manager

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.
• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.
• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.
• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings is not permitted.
• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.
• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.
• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

• Document Control Information Management Systems
• Risk Management Strategy and Policies
• Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards
• Decontamination Code of Practice
• Infection Control Policies
• Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure
• Data Protection and confidentiality Policies

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.
• The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.
• It is the post holders’ specific responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety this will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.
• The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.
• The post holder must co-operate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.
• The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.

It is the post holder’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management/Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate while in office.

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

a)  Candidates for appointment must:

(i)Hold a Physiotherapy qualification recognised by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU. Please see list of acceptable Physiotherapy qualifications:

http://coru.ie/uploads/documents/Physiotherapist_Qualifications_HSE_List.pdf

                                                         AND

(ii) Be registered on the Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU.

                                                               OR

Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, (See note 1 below*), must submit proof of application for registration with the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU.  The acceptable proof is correspondence from the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU confirming their application for registration as a Section 91 applicant.                                         

                                              AND

(iii) All candidates must have 5 years full time (or equivalent) years post qualification clinical experience of which 4 years full time (or equivalent) must be consecutive in the required area of specialism.

                                              AND

b)  Professional Development and Practice

            All candidates must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the required area of specialism.  This may be in the form of post graduate qualifications or relevant courses.

                                                             AND

             All candidates must demonstrate achievement in the areas of clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and research.

                                                            AND

            All candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, management, leadership and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

*Note 1: Section 91 candidates are individuals who qualified before 30 September 2016 and have been engaged in the practice of the profession in the Republic of Ireland for a minimum of 2 years fulltime (or an aggregate of 2 years fulltime), between 30th September 2011 and 30th September 2016 are considered to be Section 91 applicants under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.

1. Annual Registration

(i) On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU.

                                           AND

(ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004).  A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.

Post Specific Requirements:

Candidate must demonstrate sufficient depth & breadth of physiotherapy experience in an acute hospital setting relevant to the role.

Candidate must have sufficient depth and breadth of experience in the management of complex polytrauma patients in the acute setting.

Candidate must have experience in the application of orthopaedic spinal braces and associated staff/patient education.

Candidate must have sufficient evidence of formal CPD activity relevant to the clinical area of In-Patient Trauma & Orthopaedics within the past three years.

Candidate must be eligible to participate in week-end/on-call Orthopaedic & Respiratory service provision.                                       

Technical & Professional Expertise

Has a command over the technical/ professional skills and knowledge required within the jobholder’s role and continues to upskill to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirements.

Building & Maintaining Relationships

Builds and maintains relationships with a network of people.  Recognises the two way nature of relationships and works to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.  Interacts with others in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Speaks and writes clearly, fluently and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince and influence others, in order to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action.

Commitment to Quality & Risk Management

The ability to focus on understanding stakeholder’s needs and expectations and to respond effectively and efficiently to them.  Has a good knowledge of and is committed to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals, accreditation standards other organisation/department standards and risk management frameworks and guidelines

Leadership & Management

Manages performance to deliver team goals; demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating service.  Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.  Promotes confidence and positive attitude; influences others to follow a common goal.

This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position and is subject to regular review and amendment. The role holder will be required to be flexible in this position and is expected to facilitate working additional hours on occasion, when requested.

The RCSI Hospital Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.