Senior Podiatrist

Overview

Post Title:

Senior Podiatrist

Post Status:

Permanent full time 

Department

Medical Directorate  

Location:

Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9

Reports to:

Medical Directorate Business Manager: Laura Tier

Endocrinology Consultant: Prof Diarmuid Smith

Salary:

Appointment will be made on salary scale (€65,197 - €76,767) at a point in line with Government pay policy. 

Hours of work: 

35 Hours

Closing Date:

23/10/2026 12.00 noon

 

(PLEASE NOTE The hospital reserves the right to close the competition early should a sufficient or substantial number and/or quality of applications be received)

 

 

Position Summary

 

The Senior Podiatrist will work as part of multi-disciplinary teams in providing a quality, person centered,evidence based podiatry service to meet the needs of service users.

 

The clinical specialist podiatrist will work closely with the Diabetes multi-disciplinary foot team (MDFT) to develop and deliver inpatient and outpatient services.

 

Within this role the Senior Podiatrist will:

 

Identify, assess, and treat patients primarily under the care of the diabetes service for whom they will offer a specialist service. Deliver a podiatry coordinated service with Vascular, Orthopaedics, Renal, ID and OPAT and Emergency department as capacity allows.

Responsibilities

Key Duties & Responsibilities

 

Professional / Clinical

The Podiatrist, Senior will:• Ensure professional standards are maintained in accordance with the requirements as set out by CORU https://www.coru.ie/files-codes-of-conduct/podrb-code-ofprofessional-conduct-and-ethics-for-podiatrists.pdf. • Work as part of a team or independently to ensure effective day-to-day co-ordination and prioritisation of the podiatry service within the designated work / activity areas.• 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 footcare service that will allow hospital site to be audited.• Be directly responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients referred, including those with a complex presentation using investigative analytical skills.• Interpret and analyse clinical and non-clinical facts to form an accurate diagnosis and prognosis for a wide range of complex conditions.• 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.• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and liaise with other staff and disciplines, attend case conferences and meetings as appropriate.• 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.• Partake 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.

 

Education and Training

The Podiatrist, Senior will:

• Act at all times as an effective role model by demonstrating skilled Podiatry practice within the clinical situation.• Maintain and develop personal specialist 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.• Act as a mentor, providing advice and support to junior staff, sharing knowledge to maintain professional standards and good work practice.• Discuss present performance and future development needs with the Clinical Specialist Podiatrist.• 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 client and service administration.• Be responsible for keeping up to date with organisational development within the Health Service Executive.• Actively participate in the placement, supervision and mentoring of undergraduate podiatry students.

 

Health & Safety

The Podiatrist, Senior will:• Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.• Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.• Be responsible for risk minimisation and management of own area of work and report any potential hazards of any aspect of the service to the line manager.• Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s).• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards.• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

 

AdministrationThe Podiatrist, Senior will:• 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.• 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 Service and participate in the development of such policies as appropriate.• Carry out clinical/administrative audit to ensure standards are met by junior staff, and co-operate with any audit processes undertaken by the line manager.• Be responsible and accountable for the care and maintenance of equipment and stock control and other such duties that may be assigned by the Podiatry Manager, e.g. to be responsible and accountable for the economical use of resources of the Service.• Prepare, store and maintain such records / data as required by the Podiatry Manager.• Be aware of the implications of the Freedom of Information legislation.• Notify the Podiatry Manager of annual leave in advance and sick leave, as soon as possible in accordance with policy.

 

The above job specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Qualifications

Eligibility Criteria

1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience etc.A. Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:(i) Be registered, or be eligible for registration, on the Podiatrists Register maintained by the Podiatrists Registration Board at CORU.AND(ii) Have 3 years fulltime (or an aggregate of 3 years) post qualification clinical experience.AND(iii) Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability and professional ability), for the proper discharge of duties of the office.AND(iv) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Podiatrists Register maintained by the Podiatrists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

2. Annual Registration

(i) Practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Podiatrists Register maintained by the Podiatrist Registration Board at CORU.AND(ii) Confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

3. HealthA 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 such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

4. CharacterEach candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

 

Post Specific Requirements

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in lower limb musculoskeletal assessment and gait analysis, including computerised gait analysis and evaluation of plantar pressures.• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in prescription and fitting of orthotic devices, casting techniques and provision of off-loading devices.• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience of working in specialist clinics or usingspecialist skills in general clinics in the care of the following client groups: Rheumatoid arthritis/ chronic disease, high risk diabetes, chronic neuropathy, vascular diseases, wound management/tissue viability, biomechanics.

 

Skills, Competencies and or Knowledge Candidates must demonstrate:

 

Professional Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge and experience of effective models of Podiatry assessments and treatments including:• A knowledge of and ability to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the vascular and neurological status of the lower limb including use of Doppler waveform analysis, Ankle Brachial Pressure Index calculation, and tests for sensory and motor dysfunction.• Knowledge of advanced vascular and neurological investigation• A high standard of local wound care including sharp debridement skills and knowledgeof standard and advanced topical therapies (e.g. wound dressings, Versijet, negative pressure wound therapy).• The ability to detect signs of infection, determine level of infection, referral for imaginginvestigations and antibiotic therapy if necessary, and ability to effectively carry out investigations such as wound swabs and biopsies.• A sound knowledge of antibiotic therapies for diabetes foot infections and the ability tointerpret microbiological and radiology reports.• Knowledge of dermatological conditions associated with diabetes.• Clinical knowledge and understanding of quality issues relating to services.• Knowledge in prescription and fitting of orthotic devices, casting techniques and provision of off-loading devices.• Knowledge of the HSE Primary Care Strategy and how it relates to Podiatry.• Good theoretical knowledge and at have at least some undergraduate experience in nail surgery and the use of local anaesthesia.• Knowledge of national issues/developments in Podiatry.• Involvement in health promotion and disease management.• The ability to be pro-active and self-directed with an innovative approach and a desireto promote clinical excellence and life-long learning.• The ability and/ or experience of supervision of junior staff / students in the clinical setting and knowledge / experience of a mentor scheme for junior staff.• Good working knowledge of common computer software packages.

 

Planning and Managing Resources

• The ability to plan activities and coordinate resources to ensure value for money and maximum benefit for the organisation• The ability to work in a structured and planned manner; is flexible and adaptable• Prioritises the most important tasks on an ongoing basis• Delegates tasks appropriately

Managing & Developing (Self & Others)

• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team• Adapts management style to suit the demands of the situation and people involved• Works with staff and students to set and achieve goals in line with departmental and organisational objectives• The ability to be proactive and self directed with an innovative approach and a desire to promote clinical excellence and life-long learning

 

Commitment to providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality service and is sympathetic andunderstanding of the needs and expectations of others• Displays innovation, enthusiasm and self-motivation in their approach to service delivery, health promotion and customer care• Demonstrates clinical knowledge and understanding of quality issues relating to services• Is open to change; promotes and embraces change and improvements

 

Evaluating Information & Judging Situations

• Formulates, articulates and demonstrates sound clinical and professional judgement consistent with accepted models of Podiatry practice• The ability to evaluate information, problem solve and make effective decisions• Makes decisions in a transparent manner by involving and empowering others where appropriate• Explains the rationale behind decisions confidently when faced with opposing or competing demands; balances professional concerns with the practices and protocols of the administrative function in an appropriate manner.

 

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrates effective communication skills• Tailors the communication method and message to match the needs of the audience; effective interpersonal skills• Demonstrates diplomacy and tact when dealing with others• Patient and tolerant when dealing with conflict or negative attitudes from others• Maintains a professional relationship in all communications• Strong negotiation skills, remains firm but flexible when putting forward a point of view

 

Informal Enquiries ONLY to: (Please note NO APPLICATIONS will be accepted via the Informal Enquiries email address)

Name:

Laura Tier

Title:

Medical Directorate 2 Business Manager

Email address:

[email protected]