Orthoptist

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust; Northampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Northampton is seeking a part-time Band 6 Orthoptist to assess and manage all patients in the Orthoptic department. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, formulating treatment plans, and working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team. Candidates should possess a degree in Orthoptics and HCPC registration, along with experience in delivering orthoptic care in high-pressure environments.

Qualifications

• Experience in Orthoptics and ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
• Experience in training health professionals is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Independently carry out orthoptic assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Formulate individualised management and treatment plans.
• Assist in post-operative adjustable suture techniques.

Skills

Autonomous practitioner

Clinical reasoning

Emergency care initiation

Effective communication

Education

Degree or Diploma in Orthoptics

Registration with the HCPC

Job description

Overview

To assess, diagnose and manage all patients referred to the Orthoptic department. To work autonomously but within Trust and HCPC policies, protocols and guidelines, demonstrating safe clinical decision-making, high levels of critical thinking and holistic practice. To work as an active member of the eye care and multi-disciplinary team by contributing to a comprehensive quality Orthoptic service for all patients referred to the Orthoptic department. Provide effective input into the work of the Trust to support the achievement of our vision and values. Instillation of appropriate eye drops in patients across the age range as agreed by the Ophthalmologist in accordance with the local PGD or utilising Medical Exemptions.

Responsibilities

• Independently carry out orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all patients referred to the orthoptic department including eye casualty, child development centre, paediatrics, neurology, stroke, rehabilitation and maxillofacial services, with babies, children and adults who may have varied medical conditions and neurological disorders, some with severe visual defects, as inpatients and outpatients.
• Carry out ocular motility assessment and measurement accurately, applying speed and dexterity with a sympathetic and acceptable approach to patients of all ages and abilities. Assessment of babies and children requires quick, accurate observation and skilled interpretation.
• Formulate individualised management and treatment plans using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills that integrate scientific, medical and social aspects of patient care.
• Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care.
• Undertake pre- and post-operative measurements of ocular motility defects; discuss surgical options with the ophthalmologist; identify post-operative risks and discuss these with patients, parents or carers.
• Assist the surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture techniques, requiring accurate measurement to aid ocular alignment while the patient is under local anaesthesia. Assess post-operative outcomes and modify treatment accordingly.
• Assess and interpret visual fields using the Humphrey visual field analyser and Goldman perimeter; provide feedback and a summary of results to the referrer and other professionals as required.
• As an autonomous practitioner, decide when to instil drops for diagnostic and refraction purposes, determine the appropriate strength, and inform patients of potential side effects.
• Administer medication in accordance with PGD, or under medical exemptions registration.
• Instruct and negotiate the implementation of care packages with patients and carers to ensure compliance and overcome barriers to understanding. Provide motivational support for patients and parents undergoing prolonged and difficult treatments.
• Maintain full and accurate documentation in patient notes of clinical history, examination, diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team including Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Orthoptists, Ophthalmic technicians, Nurses and Clerks; participate in clinical audit and clinical teaching.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of techniques and technology; attend appropriate training as part of CPD and maintain your own CPD folder.
• Be responsible for managing and incorporating unplanned workload to minimise inconvenience to patients and maximise the smooth running of Orthoptic and eye clinics.
• Provide internal cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave, sickness and vacancies.
• Utilise a range of verbal and non-verbal communication mechanisms (e.g. Makaton sign language) in assessment and communication of treatment plans to patients and parents, including individuals with communication difficulties (e.g. stroke victims, learning disabilities).
• Be aware of barriers to communication and overcome them effectively with examples such as language barriers or expressive language difficulties.
• Explain complex medical conditions in a tactful, holistic manner to patients and/or parents who may have limited knowledge of ocular defects or who may struggle with diagnosis.
• Communicate potential diagnoses that may be distressing and liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding issues arising.
• Contribute to the department’s activities and welcome opportunities to participate in ongoing service improvements.

About the organisation

At Northampton General Hospital we provide general acute services and hyper-acute stroke, vascular and renal services to people living in Northamptonshire. We are also an accredited cancer centre and provide cancer services to a wider population of Northamptonshire and parts of Buckinghamshire. We have Group Model arrangements with neighbouring hospitals and emphasise teamwork and continuous development. We value diverse backgrounds and promote inclusion, with active Networks to support colleagues from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from protected groups, including BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ communities.

Qualifications and requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Orthoptics and registration with the HCPC.
• Experience of working in Orthoptics and the ability to work well in a high-pressure environment delivering all aspects of orthoptic care.
• Experience in training health professionals is advantageous.
• This post is most suitable for experienced Orthoptists already working in a Band 5 or Band 6 role.
• This is a permanent part-time Band 6 position based at Northampton General Hospital, with some single-handed clinics at Danetre Hospital.