Job summary
- Main area
- Hand Therapy
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent: Full time and Part time post
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 331-8254484-UHMB
- Employer
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Westmorland General Hospital
- Town
- Kendal
- Salary
- £39,959 - £48,117 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 05/10/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Specialist Hand Therapist
NHS AfC: Band 6
''Creating a great place to be cared for and a great place to work''
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay has a firm commitment to strengthening the diversity of our workforce, and therefore welcome and encourage applications from likeminded people who can support our ambition to become effortlessly inclusive. We are particularly keen to hear from protected groups – including BAME, LGBT+ and people with a disability.
Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for Specialist Hand Therapists to join our outpatient therapy service. We welcome applications from qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists with outpatient experience and/or splinting experience and valid HCPC registration. You will work with our Advanced Hand Therapists alongside our outpatient therapy team working closely with Trauma and Orthopaedics.
You will have the opportunity to learn from a team of experienced Advanced and Specialist Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists and through in-service training and external courses. We will support the successful candidate with relevant development needs for the post. Following induction and training the successful applicant will be expected to prescribe exercise programmes, fabricate custom made splints and undertake hand dressings.
Our primary focus is to deliver quality, patient-centred care which is evidenced based and sustainable for the future in an ever changing NHS landscape. To achieve this, we aim to give you the opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive, dynamic and varied environment and to be involved in service development.
We are in the process of expanding and developing our hand therapy team with a spoke model based at Westmorland General Hospital, the role will require travel to support outreach clinics at Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Furness General Hospital.
Main duties of the job
To undertake comprehensive hand therapy assessment of physical problems of a complex nature which may also include psychological and social problems, using specialist clinical reasoning and assessment skills to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment with the consent of patients and guidance of senior staff if required.
To formulate an individual and agreed treatment plan based on sound knowledge of evidence based practice and carry out appropriate treatment in a manner that respects people’s privacy, dignity and individuality. Reassessing patients’ progress and altering treatment plans as required.
To demonstrate highly developed physical skills inclusive of dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory (sensory) skills to carry out appropriate assessment and interventions including manual hand therapy techniques and therapeutic handling, mobilisation techniques, complex dressings, thermoplastic custom-made splint fabrication requiring precise use of tools to mould the splint.
To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to educate and communicate effectively with patients, carers information regarding their diagnosis, treatment plans and discharge plans. This includes using motivational/persuasive skills and giving specialist advice.
To participate in planned research and audit as required.
Working for our organisation
We operate from three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.
FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.
WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.
All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, day case and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.
Our Community Service for adults are provided in people's homes ,community centres, clinics, GP Practices, community hospitals. Our aim is to work with people to help them remain independent , improve their health and manage their conditions through high quality care , advice and support.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To work as an individual within the Outpatient Therapy team providing specialist hand therapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice for a range of frequently complex conditions for patients on their caseload.
To work as an autonomous practitioner taking responsibility for the management of patients on own caseload without direct supervision.
To regularly assist in the planning & delivery of departmental training and education sessions, to further professional and personal development for staff, working with the guidance and support of senior members of staff if required
To maintain effective communication links with patients, carers and all associated professional practitioners regarding patients condition, including the completion of accurate clinical records in line with trust and professional body codes of practice.
To supervise, and assist senior staff in the management of occupational therapists and physiotherapists and therapy support staff
To be responsible for the whole or part of the clinical education and practice of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Undergraduates accepted on clinical placement.
To be responsible for the correct and safe use of equipment including the safe manufacture and provision of custom made and off the shelf splints and orthosis.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Health and Care Professions Council registered Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist
- Honours Degree or equivalent in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy/Royal College of Occupational Therapy/Health and Care Professions Council
- Evidence of relevant post graduate specialist clinical education
Desirable criteria
- BAHT Level 1
Experience
Essential criteria
- Comprehensive rotational experience as a Staff grade in the core competencies within physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- Evidence of effective written and oral communication skills in English in a variety of settings.
- Experience of working within a team
Desirable criteria
- Post graduate clinical experience in hand therapy
Skills, Ability and Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Ability to think quickly, assess clinical situations and make decisions upon that information
- Must demonstrate a knowledge of team / group dynamics and understand the role of a Specialist Hand Therapist within a team.
- Must be able to demonstrate the confidence to take independent action within expected capabilities
- To have a clear understanding of the role of a Specialist Hand Therapist in their approach to their professional duties
- Must be able to demonstrate basic awareness of current NHS issues
- Ability to motivate patients and other staff.
- To have a knowledge of audit tools and awareness of organizational and clinical standards in Hand therapy
- Ability to liaise effectively within the multi-disciplinary team
Desirable criteria
- Manufacture and fitting of custom thermoplastic splints
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Must be willing and able to travel in and around the Morecambe Bay Area
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Helen Smith
- Job title
- Advanced Hand Therapist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01539 715535
- Additional information
Rebekah Wilkinson, Advanced Hand Therapist
Please contact to discuss the role or arrange an informal visit.
If you have problems applying, contact
- Address
-
Level 1
Fusion House
Evolution Park
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 2FD
- Telephone
- 03033 301 033
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