Band 7 Critical Care & Surgery Highly Specialist Physiotherapist

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a highly skilled Physiotherapist to lead the critical care and surgery physiotherapy service. This role offers the chance to work within a dynamic team, providing essential care to patients in a variety of settings. The successful candidate will enhance their clinical and leadership skills while contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment. With a focus on quality improvement and professional development, this position promises a fulfilling career path within a respected institution dedicated to excellence in patient care.

Benefits

Paid Study Leave

Course Funding

Flexible Working Hours

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Degree in Physiotherapy and HCPC registration required.
• Experience in Critical Care Physiotherapy at Band 6 level essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead a critical care physiotherapy service for diverse patients.
• Conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.

Skills

Critical Care Physiotherapy

Respiratory Physiotherapy

Clinical Reasoning

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Physiotherapy

Postgraduate Training in Respiratory Physiotherapy

HCPC Registration

Job description

Job summary

Highly Specialist Physiotherapist - Critical Care and Surgery

Queen Elizabeth Hospital- Woolwich

We are seeking a dynamic and talented senior physiotherapist to work and lead the critical care and surgery physiotherapy service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The post holder will be supervised by the clinical specialist critical care (cross-site) physiotherapist, and work alongside the physiotherapy lead for respiratory medicine. They will work as part of a large respiratory physiotherapy team as well as working as part of the wider trust respiratory physiotherapy service.

This exciting opportunity will allow the successful candidate to gain experience and develop advanced clinical and leadership skills. In this role, you would have the opportunity to experience the diversity of working across the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley.

The caseload will comprise of a mixture of intensive care, high dependency and surgical inpatients, including those with an altered airway. Therapies are considered an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team at Lewisham and Greenwich Trust and enjoy close MDT working.

Main duties of the job

We support staff to attend courses and further education to allow progression in your clinical specialty, as well as senior leadership skills. This is supported both with access to paid study leave and course funding. All senior therapists are encouraged to take an active role in trust wide quality improvement, audit and service development.

The physiotherapy department within Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is highly regarded as an inclusive and supportive team. If you are a motivated Physiotherapist looking to progress as a Highly Specialist Critical care and surgical physiotherapist do not miss this opportunity to work within a dynamic, friendly and innovative department with all the benefits of being a large London Trust.

About us

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is a community focused provider of local and acute care, providing high quality services to over one million people living across the London boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley. With a turnover of around £700 million, we provide services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, University Hospital Lewisham and a range of community settings in Lewisham. We also provide some services at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup.

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development

Widening access (anchor institution) and employability

Improving the experience of staff with disability

Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development

Making equalities mainstream

Details Date posted

07 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum plus HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

197-UT6747

Job locations

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

London

SE18 4QH

Job description Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

1 To lead a critical care and surgical physiotherapy service of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients in the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The caseload will comprise of a mixture of medical and respiratory in-patients, including those with an altered airway.

Job Summary

1 To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.

2 To perform highly specialist physiotherapeutic assessment of patients with diverse presentations and complex physical and psychological conditions; to provide a provisional diagnosis and develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme.

3 To take responsibility for own caseload, being responsible for a defined area ofthe service, providing support to more junior members of your team. Formal supervision is comprised of regular in-service training, appraisal, clinical reasoning sessions, documentation and caseload reviews and observation of clinical assessment / treatment or related discussion.

4 To lead the team and participate in evidence-based audit/research activity to further the teams clinical practice. To make recommendations to the 8a clinical specialist physiotherapist for any changes to practice by the team.

5 To supervise specialised rotational and rotational physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, physiotherapy practitioners and physiotherapy students in the clinical setting.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1 CLINICAL

1.1 To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of your own work,including the management of patients in your care.

1.2 To undertake a comprehensive, and holistic, assessment of patients including those with complex presentations / multi-pathologies.

1.3 To use manual and other assessment techniques and clinical reasoning skills to provide an accurate diagnosis of patients' conditions and identify their problems.

1.4 To assess patients' understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients wholack the capacity to consent to treatment.

1.5 To use clinical assessment and reasoning skills combined with a specialist knowledge and clinical experience of patho-physiology, evidence-based practiceand treatment strategies to provide an effective treatment plan and goals incollaboration with the patient.

1.6 To evaluate patients' progress, re-assess and alter treatment programmes as required.

1.7 To formulate accurate prognoses and liaise with the multi-disciplinary teamregarding discharge planning, where necessary, to ensure safe, timely and effective discharge from hospital, or following an outpatient episode of care.

1.8 To be responsible for the safe and competent use of gym, manual handling and respiratory equipment, as well as the use of other aids and appliances by patients in your working area, ensuring that any Band 5&6 Physiotherapists and,, assistant staff attain competency prior to use.

1.9 To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills to communicateeffectively with patients during assessment and treatment. To communicateappropriately at all times with all individuals in a respectful manner.

1.10 To use active listening and optimum communication skills to discuss patients concerns, worries and prognoses with them and their families, for example patientswho have progressive, degenerative or terminal illnesses and those with newly acquired disabilities.

1.11 To be an active member of the respiratory on-call & weekend rota, and participate in the management of this.

1.12 To provide advice to medical and nursing staff and other members of the multi-disciplinary team regarding patients' respiratory conditions, when working on the acute wards.

1.13 To supervise and delegate to assistant staff and Band 5&6 Physiotherapists.

1.14 To work within Trust, departmental and CSP guidelines, ensuring a good working knowledge of national and local standards.

2 MANAGEMENT

2.1 To maintain an accurate and evaluative record keeping system in accordance with the Trust and departmental policies, and which can be used for audit and legal purposes.

2.2 To be responsible for organising, prioritising and planning your own caseload tomeet service needs and patient priorities, adjusting plans as situations arise.

2.3 To identify and manage clinical risk within your own patient caseload and clinicalarea.

2.4 To comply with all Trust policies and procedures, and the Health & Safety at WorkAct, and the Data Protection Act. To report on complaints, accidents and clinicalincidents to the immediate senior as soon as possible.

2.5 To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.

2.6 To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency and precautionary procedures, on site, and to respond as necessary eg. hydrotherapy, emergencyresuscitation, infection control etc.

2.7 To ensure that all equipment defects are reported to the herapy Manager immediately, and that appropriate action is then taken.

2.8 To advise and demonstrate to carers, nursing and other staff on the safe manual handling, positioning and moving of patients.

2.9 To provide training on the use of equipment and management of conditions forcarers, nursing and other staff when necessary.

2.10 To be responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of students, junior staff and assistants on a day to day basis.

2.11 To make appropriate referrals to other health professionals following assessment / identification of need.

2.12 To participate in the managerial matters of the unit and department as required, and to attend staff meetings.

2.13 To participate in the induction programme for all new staff where appropriate.

2.14 To undertake additional duties as may be deemed necessary, as requested by theIn-patient team lead PT.

3 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

3.1 To participate in the individual performance review (appraisal) and annual appraisal schemes and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development plan to meet set goals.

3.2 To be responsible for maintaining your competence to practice and State Registration to HCPC through C.P.D. activities and maintaining a portfolio which reflects personal development.

3.3 To supervise rotational and specialist physiotherapistsand assistants, being actively involved in their supervision and appraisal, reporting performance issues to the in-patient lead Physio.

3.4 To participate in and contribute to the in-service education programmes of the specific rotation and of the department.

3.5 To participate in mandatory and statutory training, having an awareness of andcomplying with Trust and departmental procedures.

3.6 To attend Trust in-house training sessions / programmes and external courses asappropriate.

3.7 To contribute to the education of Therapy Assistants when necessary.

3.8 To be responsible for the clinical education of student physiotherapists, teachingthem to graduate level on physiotherapeutic skills and knowledge within the coreclinical areas, reporting performance issues to a relevant person.

4 COMMUNICATION

4.1 To participate in staff meetings, ward rounds, seminars/case conferences, multi-disciplinary team meetings and other meetings of the specific unit and Therapydepartment as required, providing a clinical opinion about specific patients.

4.2 To maintain close links with the Therapy Manager and In-Patient Lead Physiotherapist, as well as maintaining close working relationships with other disciplines within the hospital to ensure optimal patient care and management.

4.3 To ensure close links of communication / liaison with the Therapy Manager, senior staff, schools of physiotherapy and all other disciplines involved in patient care, both in the hospital and in the community, and to promote good working relationships.

4.4 To provide comprehensive discharge summaries and patient reports whenrequested by Doctors and outside bodies.

4.5 To participate in IT training and be able to use therapy computer software.

4.6 To encourage health promotion within the Hospital and Community by example andadvice to individual patients.

4.7 To deal with any verbal and telephone complaints from patients, relatives or carers,ensuring necessary documentation. To report on any such complaints to thein-patient lead PT as soon as possible.

5 RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND AUDIT

5.1 To supervise senior and junior members of staff to undertake a relevant evidence based project within your rotation, where possible developing improvements to clinical practice

5.2 To be involved, with the clinical team, in clinical / organisational audits, ensuringquality standards of service are maintained.

5.3 To be aware of current research and best evidence relevant to the clinical speciality, and incorporate it into your treatment.

5.4 To participate in appropriate work related research / evaluation projects based onevidence, to assist with the development of the service within the clinical team.

5.5 To work with members of the team to identify needs and develop the service andpolicies.

Job description Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

1 To lead a critical care and surgical physiotherapy service of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients in the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The caseload will comprise of a mixture of medical and respiratory in-patients, including those with an altered airway.

Job Summary

1 To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.

2 To perform highly specialist physiotherapeutic assessment of patients with diverse presentations and complex physical and psychological conditions; to provide a provisional diagnosis and develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme.

3 To take responsibility for own caseload, being responsible for a defined area ofthe service, providing support to more junior members of your team. Formal supervision is comprised of regular in-service training, appraisal, clinical reasoning sessions, documentation and caseload reviews and observation of clinical assessment / treatment or related discussion.

4 To lead the team and participate in evidence-based audit/research activity to further the teams clinical practice. To make recommendations to the 8a clinical specialist physiotherapist for any changes to practice by the team.

5 To supervise specialised rotational and rotational physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, physiotherapy practitioners and physiotherapy students in the clinical setting.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1 CLINICAL

1.1 To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of your own work,including the management of patients in your care.

1.2 To undertake a comprehensive, and holistic, assessment of patients including those with complex presentations / multi-pathologies.

1.3 To use manual and other assessment techniques and clinical reasoning skills to provide an accurate diagnosis of patients' conditions and identify their problems.

1.4 To assess patients' understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients wholack the capacity to consent to treatment.

1.5 To use clinical assessment and reasoning skills combined with a specialist knowledge and clinical experience of patho-physiology, evidence-based practiceand treatment strategies to provide an effective treatment plan and goals incollaboration with the patient.

1.6 To evaluate patients' progress, re-assess and alter treatment programmes as required.

1.7 To formulate accurate prognoses and liaise with the multi-disciplinary teamregarding discharge planning, where necessary, to ensure safe, timely and effective discharge from hospital, or following an outpatient episode of care.

1.8 To be responsible for the safe and competent use of gym, manual handling and respiratory equipment, as well as the use of other aids and appliances by patients in your working area, ensuring that any Band 5&6 Physiotherapists and,, assistant staff attain competency prior to use.

1.9 To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills to communicateeffectively with patients during assessment and treatment. To communicateappropriately at all times with all individuals in a respectful manner.

1.10 To use active listening and optimum communication skills to discuss patients concerns, worries and prognoses with them and their families, for example patientswho have progressive, degenerative or terminal illnesses and those with newly acquired disabilities.

1.11 To be an active member of the respiratory on-call & weekend rota, and participate in the management of this.

1.12 To provide advice to medical and nursing staff and other members of the multi-disciplinary team regarding patients' respiratory conditions, when working on the acute wards.

1.13 To supervise and delegate to assistant staff and Band 5&6 Physiotherapists.

1.14 To work within Trust, departmental and CSP guidelines, ensuring a good working knowledge of national and local standards.

2 MANAGEMENT

2.1 To maintain an accurate and evaluative record keeping system in accordance with the Trust and departmental policies, and which can be used for audit and legal purposes.

2.2 To be responsible for organising, prioritising and planning your own caseload tomeet service needs and patient priorities, adjusting plans as situations arise.

2.3 To identify and manage clinical risk within your own patient caseload and clinicalarea.

2.4 To comply with all Trust policies and procedures, and the Health & Safety at WorkAct, and the Data Protection Act. To report on complaints, accidents and clinicalincidents to the immediate senior as soon as possible.

2.5 To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.

2.6 To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency and precautionary procedures, on site, and to respond as necessary eg. hydrotherapy, emergencyresuscitation, infection control etc.

2.7 To ensure that all equipment defects are reported to the herapy Manager immediately, and that appropriate action is then taken.

2.8 To advise and demonstrate to carers, nursing and other staff on the safe manual handling, positioning and moving of patients.

2.9 To provide training on the use of equipment and management of conditions forcarers, nursing and other staff when necessary.

2.10 To be responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of students, junior staff and assistants on a day to day basis.

2.11 To make appropriate referrals to other health professionals following assessment / identification of need.

2.12 To participate in the managerial matters of the unit and department as required, and to attend staff meetings.

2.13 To participate in the induction programme for all new staff where appropriate.

2.14 To undertake additional duties as may be deemed necessary, as requested by theIn-patient team lead PT.

3 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

3.1 To participate in the individual performance review (appraisal) and annual appraisal schemes and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development plan to meet set goals.

3.2 To be responsible for maintaining your competence to practice and State Registration to HCPC through C.P.D. activities and maintaining a portfolio which reflects personal development.

3.3 To supervise rotational and specialist physiotherapistsand assistants, being actively involved in their supervision and appraisal, reporting performance issues to the in-patient lead Physio.

3.4 To participate in and contribute to the in-service education programmes of the specific rotation and of the department.

3.5 To participate in mandatory and statutory training, having an awareness of andcomplying with Trust and departmental procedures.

3.6 To attend Trust in-house training sessions / programmes and external courses asappropriate.

3.7 To contribute to the education of Therapy Assistants when necessary.

3.8 To be responsible for the clinical education of student physiotherapists, teachingthem to graduate level on physiotherapeutic skills and knowledge within the coreclinical areas, reporting performance issues to a relevant person.

4 COMMUNICATION

4.1 To participate in staff meetings, ward rounds, seminars/case conferences, multi-disciplinary team meetings and other meetings of the specific unit and Therapydepartment as required, providing a clinical opinion about specific patients.

4.2 To maintain close links with the Therapy Manager and In-Patient Lead Physiotherapist, as well as maintaining close working relationships with other disciplines within the hospital to ensure optimal patient care and management.

4.3 To ensure close links of communication / liaison with the Therapy Manager, senior staff, schools of physiotherapy and all other disciplines involved in patient care, both in the hospital and in the community, and to promote good working relationships.

4.4 To provide comprehensive discharge summaries and patient reports whenrequested by Doctors and outside bodies.

4.5 To participate in IT training and be able to use therapy computer software.

4.6 To encourage health promotion within the Hospital and Community by example andadvice to individual patients.

4.7 To deal with any verbal and telephone complaints from patients, relatives or carers,ensuring necessary documentation. To report on any such complaints to thein-patient lead PT as soon as possible.

5 RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND AUDIT

5.1 To supervise senior and junior members of staff to undertake a relevant evidence based project within your rotation, where possible developing improvements to clinical practice

5.2 To be involved, with the clinical team, in clinical / organisational audits, ensuringquality standards of service are maintained.

5.3 To be aware of current research and best evidence relevant to the clinical speciality, and incorporate it into your treatment.

5.4 To participate in appropriate work related research / evaluation projects based onevidence, to assist with the development of the service within the clinical team.

5.5 To work with members of the team to identify needs and develop the service andpolicies.

Person Specification Qualifications & Training Essential

• Degree/diploma in Physiotherapy
• Post graduate training in Respiratory Physiotherapy
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• HCPC registration

Desirable

• Relevant MSC
• Member of ACPRC
• Research experience

Experience Essential

• Significant experience in Critical Care Physiotherapy at Band 6 level
• Effective teaching skills
• Evidence supported by portfolio

Desirable

• Involvement of audit
• Able to teach using simulation suite

Knowledge Essential

• Possession of in-depth knowledge of respiratory physiotherapy and service developments
• Commitment to the development of physiotherapy and education within the clinical setting
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, both verbally and written
• Computer literacy
• Approachable to all colleagues and members of the public
• Able to work in a diplomatic and professional manner
• Ability to work as a team leader
• Understanding of clinical governance and its implication for physiotherapy

Desirable

• Experience of working in a variety of clinical and educational settings

Person Specification Qualifications & Training Essential

• Degree/diploma in Physiotherapy
• Post graduate training in Respiratory Physiotherapy
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• HCPC registration

Desirable

• Relevant MSC
• Member of ACPRC
• Research experience

Experience Essential

• Significant experience in Critical Care Physiotherapy at Band 6 level
• Effective teaching skills
• Evidence supported by portfolio

Desirable

• Involvement of audit
• Able to teach using simulation suite

Knowledge Essential

• Possession of in-depth knowledge of respiratory physiotherapy and service developments
• Commitment to the development of physiotherapy and education within the clinical setting
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, both verbally and written
• Computer literacy
• Approachable to all colleagues and members of the public
• Able to work in a diplomatic and professional manner
• Ability to work as a team leader
• Understanding of clinical governance and its implication for physiotherapy

Desirable

• Experience of working in a variety of clinical and educational settings

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

London

SE18 4QH

Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

London

SE18 4QH

Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)