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Job overview

Are you seeking a career in acute healthcare? Or an existing healthcare worker seeking a new challenge in acute rehabilitation? Then please read on!

We are recruiting to a Therapy Technician to join our dynamic and supportive therapy team working on ward A528 at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. 

The role of the Therapy Technician is key in supporting the delivery of the specialist Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT) to patients on our acute general medical ward. This cohort of patients will also include those with a neurological impairment. In addition the post holder will also support the provision of a specialist therapy service to stroke patients across the Bristol Royal Infirmary Site. 

We are seeking an individual with drive, enthusiasm, and ability to bring forward innovative ideas. In return the successful candidate will become a key member of the integrated team, work alongside a dedicated group of registered OTs & PTs, and receive a high level of training and support. 

The service operates a level of 6 day working and a commitment to a Saturday service (at 1:4 frequency) is required. As part of the role, the post holder will also work 2x Bank Holidays per year (excluding Christmas day and Boxing Day).

Main duties of the job

• To assist the therapists with treatments as appropriate which will include therapeutic handling, personal and functional assessments (including washing & dressing, toileting and kitchen assessments) carrying out programmes of exercise and education in order to support the progress of patients to discharge.
• Ensure that all patients treated understand the therapy process they are about to receive and have given valid and informed consent. The technician will be expected to use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills e.g. explanation, negotiation, persuasion and demonstrate empathy to ensure effective communication with patients at all times.
• To initiate contact with patients and carers in some circumstances, as guided by the therapist, including the gathering of pertinent clinical and social information. This will require the use of tact and sensitivity and an observation of confidentiality.
• Technicians will need to be aware of, and appropriately manage, sensitive and / or complicated information related to patient’s diagnosis or social situation. Many patients will demonstrate high levels of anxiety and sometimes aggression caused by pain, confusion or as a result of their health condition.
• To carry out activities of daily living with patients or lead a patient through specific exercise regimes as part of an overall treatment plan set out in broad terms by the therapists.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as ‘Good’ overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward-thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.