Podiatrist - Band 5

Clinical Responsibilities Assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients presenting with a wide range of podiatric conditions including diabetes-related foot disease, vascular and neurological disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, dermatological and nail pathologies, wound care, chronic disease, paediatric conditions, deformities and urgent foot problems. Use clinical reasoning, critical thinking and evidence-based practice to develop and implement individualised treatment plans. Undertake routine and specialist podiatric interventions including nail and skin care, wound management, biomechanical assessment, orthotic prescription, exercise programmes and minor surgery assessment and treatment where appropriate. Administer local anaesthetic for nail surgery procedures and respond appropriately to medical emergencies including anaphylaxis. Monitor, evaluate and modify treatment plans to ensure optimal clinical outcomes. Make appropriate referrals to specialist podiatry services and wider multidisciplinary teams including GPs, District Nurses, Acute Foot Clinics, Social Services and voluntary agencies. Deliver care to diverse patient groups including children, adults, older people, vulnerable patients and housebound individuals. Provide care across a range of settings including community clinics, GP practices, nursing and residential homes, hospitals, day centres and patients' own homes. Deliver health promotion, preventative care and self-management education to patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Clinical Governance and Quality Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records in accordance with Trust, HCPC and professional standards. Adhere to all relevant Trust policies including Infection Prevention and Control, Health and Safety, COSHH, Safeguarding, Consent, Lone Working, Medicines Management and Risk Management procedures. Participate in clinical audit, service evaluation, quality improvement initiatives and service development activities. Contribute to the development, implementation and review of departmental policies, procedures and clinical guidelines. Report incidents, near misses, complaints and equipment defects in accordance with Trust policy. Maintain competence in the use of specialist clinical equipment including Doppler ultrasound and vascular assessment equipment. Support the collection, analysis and reporting of activity, outcome and performance data. Communication and Partnership Working Communicate effectively with patients, carers and healthcare professionals, adapting communication methods to overcome barriers where required. Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, patient-centred care. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate safe discharge planning and continuity of care. Deliver presentations, teaching sessions and health promotion activities to patients, staff and partner organisations. Workforce and Service Delivery Work autonomously within professional boundaries while seeking guidance and support from senior clinicians when required. Manage and prioritise own clinical caseload, including high-risk and domiciliary patients. Monitor clinic capacity and support the effective management of waiting lists and patient flow. Undertake risk assessments relating to patients, environments and lone working activities. Work in challenging clinical and domiciliary environments whilst maintaining professional standards and personal safety. Ensure adequate stocks, equipment and clinical resources are maintained. Participate in specialist rotations and service developments as required. Education, Training and Development Maintain HCPC registration and comply with Continuing Professional Development requirements. Participate in appraisal, clinical supervision, peer review and reflective practice. Support the supervision, development and assessment of students, assistant practitioners, apprentices and new staff. Contribute to departmental teaching, in-service training and practice education programmes. Participate in research, audit and evidence-based practice activities to support continuous service improvement. Attend mandatory training, departmental meetings, study days and professional development activities and maintain professional competence.