Location
University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham, London

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£39,959 per annum

About the Role
The Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist will provide a specialist respiratory physiotherapy service including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients within Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. This role involves participation in a Band 6 rotation scheme, working across various Trust locations in inpatient, outpatient, and community clinical areas, with rotations lasting approximately eight months.

As an autonomous practitioner, you will undertake advanced physiotherapeutic assessments of patients with complex physical and psychological conditions, provide provisional diagnoses, and develop individualised treatment programmes. You will manage your own caseload within a defined service area, supported by senior physiotherapists, and contribute to evidence-based audit and research activities to enhance clinical practice.

Responsibilities include supervising junior physiotherapists and students, participating in the respiratory on-call and weekend rota, providing advice to multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring safe use of equipment. You will work within Trust and professional guidelines, including community and domiciliary settings as a lone practitioner when required.

Management duties include maintaining accurate records, organising and prioritising caseloads, managing clinical risk, complying with Trust policies, reporting incidents, and deputising for senior staff when necessary. You will also provide training and supervision to staff and students, make appropriate referrals, and participate in departmental meetings and induction programmes.

Experience
Experience in advanced respiratory physiotherapy, including assessment and management of complex patient presentations. Ability to work autonomously and manage a defined caseload. Experience supervising junior staff and students is desirable.

About you
Professional, accountable, and able to work within legal and ethical frameworks. Strong clinical reasoning and communication skills, including the ability to discuss sensitive prognoses with patients and families. Flexible and adaptable to work across multiple clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, community, and domiciliary environments. Able to participate in on-call and weekend rotas and deputise for senior staff. Committed to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.

Qualifications
Registered Physiotherapist with relevant specialist respiratory physiotherapy qualifications or equivalent experience. Knowledge of Trust policies, Health & Safety regulations, and professional standards. Competent in the use of respiratory and physiotherapy equipment and manual handling techniques.