The Whiston Hospital, part of the Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Specialist Dietitian, preferably with experience in stroke care, to join their dedicated team. The role involves working autonomously in the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) and collaboratively with a Band 6 dietitian in the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), providing high-quality clinical care for in-patients. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments, formulating treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and coordinating follow-up care upon discharge. The successful candidate will engage in multi-disciplinary team work, support junior staff, participate in clinical audits, and contribute to the education of student dietitians.
Candidates should possess strong clinical dietetic knowledge, particularly in complex enteral feeding and modified diets, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The role requires flexibility, self-motivation, and reliable performance in a seven-day service environment, with responsibilities also encompassing teaching, training, and administrative tasks. Overall, the position offers opportunities for professional development and active involvement in service improvement initiatives within a supportive healthcare team.
Candidates should possess strong clinical dietetic knowledge, particularly in complex enteral feeding and modified diets, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The role requires flexibility, self-motivation, and reliable performance in a seven-day service environment, with responsibilities also encompassing teaching, training, and administrative tasks. Overall, the position offers opportunities for professional development and active involvement in service improvement initiatives within a supportive healthcare team.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, hardworking, motivated Dietitian, ideally with experience in Stroke, to join our friendly and welcoming team of Dietitians and Dietetic Assistants at Whiston Hospital (as part of the Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust).
The successful applicant will be working autonomously on the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU), and with a Band 6 colleague on the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), with access to clinical support and supervision. You will provide a high-quality service to our in-patients across both units; setting goals, monitoring progress, and ensuring appropriate follow-up on discharge is arranged. You will be working closely with the multi-disciplinary teams within the hospital as well as having administrative and dietetic assistant support.
A flexible approach to day-to-day tasks is required to meet the demands of the service. We look for individuals who are committed to being part of a healthcare team that delivers an excellent, caring service to our patients.
Interview Date - 25/26 November 2024
The successful applicant will be a good team player who is also able to work independently.
The individual will be a self-motivated, forward-thinking person who is flexible, reliable, and conscientious, with excellent verbal and non-verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Comprehensive clinical dietetic knowledge and recent clinical experience, particularly in complex enteral feeding and use of modified diets and fluids, are essential.
Teaching skills, experience of multi-disciplinary team working and experience in, and enthusiasm for, service improvement and clinical audit are important. There are protected audit sessions within the Trust and staff are encouraged to make use of this.
PLEASE NOTE - we provide a seven-day service: days of work will be Sunday to Saturday. You may be asked to provide occasional cover on a Bank Holiday.
We have an excellent staff supervision and appraisal system which supports the development of individuals and their services. We take Student Dietitians on P1, P2 and P3 placements and you will have an active role in their training.
About us
KEY DUTIES
- To be professional and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients/clients in your care.
- To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients/clients under your care, and support more junior staff to do likewise.
- To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients/clients including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi pathologies; use specialist clinical reasoning skills and appropriate assessment techniques to provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition.
- Formulate and deliver an individual treatment programme using assessment, reasoning skills and treatment skills based on a sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and treatment options. Formulate an initial diagnosis and prognoses to recommend best course of intervention and develop comprehensive discharge plans.
- To take delegated responsibility from the Band 7 clinician for managing patients/clients with conditions and be responsible for providing specialist assessment and treatment plans for patients with these conditions.
- Evaluate patient progress, reassess, and alter treatment programmes as required.
- To have the ability to undertake self-directed/lone working in a variety of locations.
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- To maintain Professional Registration
- To work within Trust clinical guidelines, HPC and Registrant Body guidelines and to have a working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practise against these.
- To be responsible for a designated area of work, as delegated by a senior clinician. Plan and organise efficiently and effectively patient/client caseload, and use of time for self and more junior staff.
- To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out clinical duties, and to adhere to policy, including competence to use equipment and to ensure the safe use of equipment by others through teaching, training, and supervision of practice.
- To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers, and other professionals to promote understanding of the aims of treatment and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.
- To provide specialist clinical advice to colleagues working within other clinical areas
- To provide specialist clinical advice, teaching, and training to other members of the MDT regarding the management of patients
- To train, supervise and performance manage more junior staff and students. This will include the use of formal appraisal documentation.
- To communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise potential and to ensure understanding of their condition.
- To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and can work within a legal framework with patients/clients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
- To communicate highly sensitive information effectively with all patient groups/clients/carers where there may be difficulties in accepting or understanding information.
- To maintain tact and diplomacy and use highly developed communication skills when working in situations which may become hostile/antagonistic including potential complaints as per Trust Policy
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
- To maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up to date documentation, in line with legal and local requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of reports and letters.
- To undertake as directed the collection of appropriate data and statistics for the use of the department.
- To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include participating in a variety of MDT, internal and external agency meetings, and forums plus other forms of verbal/written communication as necessary including report writing and referrals to other agencies.
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES
- To maintain own clinical professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments and incorporate them as appropriate into your work. To support junior staff to do likewise.
- To be an active member of relevant training programmes attending and delivering presentations and training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, and by attending external courses and being a reflective practitioner
- To participate in the supervision scheme as supervisor and supervisee
LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To demonstrate leadership by means of:
- Delivering change within sphere of practice, when and where indicated, to improve service delivery.
- Influencing, motivating, supporting, and enabling others to contribute towards the effectiveness and success of the Therapy Team
- To provide specialist advice and guidance in working with colleagues locally to ensure best practice across all disciplines in the assessment, treatment and long-term management of patients/ clients within sphere of practice.
- To deputise for the band 7 in terms of operational issues
- To take responsibility for their own specialist and complex decision making and the decisions of their team which effect service delivery
- To undertake any other duties that might be considered appropriate by senior staff.
- To participate in working parties developing policy changes within speciality which will impact on all service users.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE, RESEARCH & AUDIT
- To adhere to the appropriate Registrant Body code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and facilitate compliance of staff with local and national standards of practice.
- Implement policy and service development changes as directed.
- To demonstrate a sound understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to work situation.
- To undertake the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of evidence-based practice projects, audit and outcome measures under the guidance of senior staff. Make recommendations for change and to implement change.
- To comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and to be involved in the reviewing and updating as appropriate.
- To support research activity within the Service
- To engage actively in practice development, evaluation, audit, and research activities relevant to service to promote evidence-based practice.
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The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values.Learn more...
Useful skills for a Specialist Dietitian:
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To work as a Specialist Dietitian in the UK, you will need a combination of educational qualifications, clinical skills, and interpersonal abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the essential skills and qualifications you should have:
Educational Qualifications:
1. Degree in Dietetics: A recognized BSc (Hons) in Dietetics or an equivalent qualification is essential. This usually involves completing an accredited program that includes both theoretical and practical coursework.
2. Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): You must be registered with the HCPC to practice as a dietitian in the UK.
3. Postgraduate Qualifications: While not always mandatory, obtaining a Master’s degree or additional certifications in specialized areas (e.g., sports nutrition, pediatric dietetics) can enhance your expertise and job prospects.
Clinical Skills:
1. Assessment Skills: Ability to conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments and understand various dietary needs.
2. Care Planning: Skill in developing, implementing, and reviewing dietary care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
3. Clinical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of nutrition and dietetics related to specific health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and others.
4. Evidence-based Practice: Knowledge of current research and guidelines in nutrition to provide evidence-based recommendations.
Interpersonal Skills:
1. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to explain nutritional concepts clearly to patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams.
2. Empathy and Compassion: Ability to build rapport with clients, understand their concerns, and support them in making dietary changes.
3. Collaboration: Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, liaising with other health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and psychologists.
Organizational Skills:
1. Time Management: Ability to manage your workload efficiently and prioritize tasks.
2. Documentation: Skill in maintaining accurate and detailed patient records, reports, and care plans.
Professional Development:
1. Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on the latest research, guidelines, and technologies in dietetics.
Technical Skills:
1. Nutritional Analysis Tools: Familiarity with software and tools used for dietary analysis and management.
2. Technology Competence: Ability to use electronic health records and telehealth platforms effectively.
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