Senior Podiatrist 0.4 WTE (08.014 (2023))

Permanent

Job Details

Job Title:  Senior Podiatrist 0.4 WTE
Reference No: 08.014 (2023)
Department / Directorate: Podiatry/ COO Directorate
Reports to:  HSCP Manager or Deputy

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country.   

One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin -  TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. 

The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.


TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.

Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.

A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

Purpose of the role:
The Podiatry Department based in TUH provides a comprehensive Podiatry service to the Diabetic and Renal services. Service provision is largely outpatient based as key members of the Diabetic and Renal teams with significant involvement in the Diabetic Foot protection clinics.  The department is staffed by 1.0 Clinical Specialist and two senior Podiatrists (0.5 and 0.4 posts).
The post holder will report to the office of COO and will be directly line managed by the Health and Social Care Professional Manager with clinical supervision from the Clinical Specialist Podiatrist. Continuing professional development is strongly supported within the hospital.

Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical
The senior podiatrist will:
  • Ensure professional standards are maintained in accordance with “The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (UK) Guidelines on Minimum Standards of Clinical Practice“ for Podiatry.
  • Work as part of the Podiatry Team in the day to day running, co-ordination and prioritisation of the podiatry service within the designated work / activity areas
  • Work in accordance to the policies outlined in the National Diabetes Programme
  • Manage a clinical caseload appropriate to the post
  • Cooperate in the allocation of work amongst staff within the clinical area, so as to ensure a high standard of service to patients and a good staff morale.
  • Inform and facilitate patients in accessing other appropriate healthcare and support services, including referral to more specialist services if required.
  • Co-ordinate clinic appointments, organise time and ensure deadlines are met
  • Communicate with senior and/or junior staff, write reports, present data as required and specifically collect required access data of foot care service that will allow the hospital to be audited
  • Provide data reports to management as required
  • Be directly responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients referred, including those with a complex and high risk presentations using investigative analytical skills
  • Bring a high level of expertise to the interpretation and analysis of clinical and non-clinical information to form an accurate diagnosis and prognosis for a wide range of complex conditions
  • Set the standards to monitor and evaluate outcomes of treatment for individual patients
  • Be responsible for the recording and updating of notes following assessment and treatment of patients
  • Develop and present Health Promotion packages for service stakeholders as appropriate
  • Work primarily as part of the diabetes multi-disciplinary team and also oversee and provide a service as part of the vascular and renal services for diabetic patients as required
  • Engage in team building and change management initiatives
  • Develop and maintain good working relationships with team members, hospital staff and specialist services to ensure an integrated service for clients
  • Work independently as well as part of a wider healthcare team
  • Oversee an excellent service for a number of specialist areas of practice working with a variety client groups (e.g. renal, chronic disease, high risk diabetes, chronic neuropathy, vascular diseases, wound management/tissue viability, biomechanics, nail surgery).
  • Support the development and operation of community podiatry services and work closely with the community podiatry services
Education and Training
  • Act at all times as an effective role model by demonstrating skilled podiatry practice within the clinical situation
  • Maintain and develop personal skills in the clinical area through personal study, attending lectures, courses, in-house training, and to act as a resource for other members of staff.
  • Provide advice and support to more junior staff, sharing knowledge to maintain professional standards and good work practice
  • Ensure that all newly qualified podiatrists have adequate induction and clinical supervision
  • Provide clinical supervision and support for podiatry students
  • Discuss present performance and future development needs with the HSCP Manager and with more senior clinical staff within the Diabetic service
  • Participate in continuous improvement and other quality initiatives
  • Actively seek opportunities to improve client care within resources available
  • Work effectively using common computer software and engage in Information Technology development as they apply to patient and service administration 
  • Be responsible for keeping up to date with organisational development within Tallaght University Hospita
  • Engage in mandatory training programmes
Research
  • Identify research needs within podiatry
  • Partake in research and quality improvement projects appropriate to the area
Administration
  • Participate in relevant planning activities to ensure that the Podiatry services provided are adequate and developed according to patients needs in consultation and agreement with service manager and colleagues
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of information sharing protocols, audit systems, referral pathways, individual care plans and shared care arrangements
  • Understand and adhere to the policies, procedures and protocols of the Hospital and participate in the development of such policies as appropriate
  • Carry out clinical/administrative audit to ensure standards are met
  • Be responsible and accountable for the care and maintenance of equipment and stock control and other such duties
  • Be aware of the implications of the Freedom of Information legislation
  • Comply with the hospital’s time and attendance system
  • Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice
  • Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Podiatry service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services
  • Develop and implement service / business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes
  • Collect and evaluate data about the service user group and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service
  • Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other information / statistics as required
  • Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate
  • Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service
  • Perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the Health and Social Care Professions Manage
Qualifications & Experience required
Must Have:
  1. BSc (Hons) or MSc in Podiatry of the National University of Ireland, Galway or equivalent from a recognised UK University
or
      (b) a qualification equivalent to (a)
 
  • A candidate must be registered as a Podiatrist with CORU, the professional body for regulating Health & Social Care Professionals in Ireland
And
  • Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
And
  • Have 3 years full time (or an aggregate of 3 years full time) post qualification clinical experience
Desirable Criteria
  1. Evidence of recent formal continuing professional development relevant to the required area of specialism, in the form of post-graduate qualifications or relevant courses
  2. Experience of working with patients with Diabetes
  3. Clinical experience working with patients considered to be in a high risk category in accordance with the HSE National Model of Care for the Diabetic Foot.
Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3346.
  • The appointment is part time (14 hours), permanent and pensionable.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year pro rata. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours for this grade are 35 hours worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.

All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
 
Informal Enquiries to:  Ms. Maeve Murphy, Health and Social Care Professions Manager
Tel: (01) 4144296 or email: maeve.murphy@tuh.ie

***Please note this advert will be reviewed weekly for suitable applicants***

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the  office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.

Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.

Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality.  To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.

Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others.  This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.  Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first.  It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.