Complementary Therapist

MAIN DUTIES Responsible for

Providing complementary therapies to patients known to the Hospice, and their carers where appropriate. Supporting complementary therapy volunteers within the Hospice setting. Clinical Develop existing services to include a range of complementary therapies which can be delivered to patients in their own homes, on the in-patient unit as well as outpatients, and in community outpatient settings. Carry out therapy treatments and provide after care advice and guidance in accordance with local policies, procedures and National Guidance (e.g. NICE and ensuring confidentiality is always maintained). Prioritise and coordinate complementary therapy referrals, assessing each patient and offering the appropriate therapy intervention. Liaise and work with Hospice at Home, CNS, Inpatient unit and day therapy teams. Plan and participate in group activity in Hospice and South Lakes day services, offering small CT treatments on a regular basis. Always give the best standards of care, taking into consideration the holistic needs of the patient and family. Ensure all patient information entered on EMIS is clear, concise, legible and accurate and meets the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Ensure the data is inputted correctly to produce relevant reports for the Hospice and commissioners. To oversee the records of any of the volunteer complementary therapists' activities and monitor the treatments given to patients on the ward, raising any concerns to the Head of Community Wellbeing if needed. Inform the Medical, Clinical team and relevant professional bodies of any adverse reactions to essential oils or products used in treatments immediately. Give, on average, three treatments per patient / family member, to ensure appropriate and timely discharge of clients from allocated complementary therapy caseload. Represent complementary therapies service within relevant multi-disciplinary meetings as appropriate if requested to do so. Report any identified risks as required such as safeguarding issues noted when visiting patients in their own homes. Be professionally accountable for own practice and adhere to Code of Conduct as laid down by FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapies) or similar UK governing body. Deliver a choice of therapies based on own training and competency, to individually assessed needs, considering issues such as patient allergies, medical contraindications and skin integrity. Ensure all patient appointments are used to maximum capacity ensuring access and availability of these essential services Ensure adherence to infection control policies and procedures when giving therapies, adhering to correct hand washing, PPE at all times. Always work within scope of knowledge and experience, requesting help and advice if needed Avoid any behaviour which discriminates against your fellow employees or potential employees on grounds of their sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, religion or belief, race, disability, age, pregnancy or maternity. Behave in a manner that ensures the security of hospice property and resources. Minimise waste when using products. Monitor and maintain complementary therapy stock, ensuring cost efficiency when ordering. Professional Development, Education & Audit To maintain a personal commitment to the expansion and development of professional skills and knowledge in line with relevant professional body & Hospice requirements and those developments related to annual individual performance review, taking ownership for own development needs. Keep up to date with skills and knowledge through means such as reading journals, research articles and linking with other practising complementary therapists in other North West hospices. Keep an up-to-date portfolio to meet relevant professional bodies requirements. Participate in annual appraisal when job description and objectives will be reviewed. Maintain personal and professional development including e-learning, mandatory training and own professional learning. (Certificates were appropriate to HR- in person spec). Governance Work autonomously but in compliance with the FHT or other relevant professional body's code of ethics and professional conduct, national frameworks and local hospice policies and procedures. Ensure risk policy is adhered to at all times and manage risks within own area of work. Ensure all incidents are reported to the Clinical Governance & Improvement Department using the online form. Maintain confidentiality at all times, which includes, patients, relatives, staff and volunteers. Deal promptly and sensitively with complaints, referring to Head of Community Wellbeing for any verbal complaints, and to Director of Nursing & Quality for any written complaints Work within the specific role boundaries of the Hospices complementary therapy protocols and Hospice Clinical Governance framework. Report any incidents to the Head of Community Wellbeing. Work in accordance with the Lone Worker policy when working in the community. Report any concerns in relation to safeguarding issues relating to any clients or staff to the appropriate member of staff. Monitor the quality of aromatherapy oils by dating when opened, correct disposal of out-of-date products etc. Complete monthly consumable audits to ensure stability of oils used. Ensure essential oils are stored safely and correctly. Ensure data sheets up to date. Abide by all relevant hospice policies and procedures. People and departmental management Be able to recognise and respond to stress and well-being in self and make use of support available for staff, both inhouse and employee assistance programme. Provide reports on area of work and make recommendations for any changes in service delivery. Proactively contribute to the future development of the complementary therapy service in line with patients changing needs. Attend regular clinical supervision sessions. OTHER Be an ambassador for St Johns Hospice as a charity, engaging in public speaking and fundraising initiatives as required and encouraging members of the team to do the same. Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade as agreed with the Head of Community Wellbeing or Director of Nursing & Quality. Be willing to embrace development or training opportunities as they arise. STANDARD/ENHANCED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT Enhanced DBS disclosure + Barring Check required for this post. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO ST. JOHNS HOSPICE Please refer to the uploaded Job description for full details of the points below 1. Confidentiality 2. Health and Safety 3. External Interests 4. Statutory Training 5. Flexibility 6. Safeguarding 7. Disclosure and Barring 8. Equality and Inclusion 9. Volunteers