1. Solent Podiatry Service

2. About us
Dedicated supportive and reflective team of over 65 staff ranging from band 3-8b.
Covering a large geographical area with diverse patient groups from New Milton, Ringwood, Southampton, Portsmouth within a variety of CCG’s.
Cover a large range of clinical areas : ARF, MSK, paediatrics, Nail Surgery, Podiatric Surgery, Health promotion

3. How will I be supported as a new graduate and beyond?
Reduced caseload and additional support, minimal lone working.
Annual appraisals, peer review from mentor and action learning sets every 8 weeks.
Bi monthly Podiatry service target training days.
Preceptorship programme
Rotations through all aspects of the service

4. What do our newly qualified staff think?
I graduated from Southampton University in 2014 and was successful in securing a band 5 Position with Solent Trust Podiatry. It had been my goal from the start of my degree to work within the NHS however Solent trust stood out among other Trusts. Solent Podiatry have an extremely dedicated staff who are friendly and supportive to all their colleagues.
In the 2 years I have worked for Solent I have been given numerous opportunities to increase my knowledge base in order to progress with my career. I currently work within the Community clinics, Domestic house visits and wound care clinics. In addition I now run a homeless clinic in Southampton and was part of a Foot health Project in a more deprived area of the city.I regularly hold Diabetic Foot health talks for newly diagnosed patients and have been involved in health fairs for the trust.
It is the diversity and opportunities available that made me want to work for the Trust and this was made even more appealing due to the team spirit that exists within the Trust. The staff are always striving to achieve the best for all their patients with up to date clinical knowledge and gold standard practice. This is supported with upskilling opportunities and regular staff training days. It is an open and honest environment to work in which hosts many challenges and new experiences.

5. Recent developments
Development of the MDT with UHS- strong links with the vascular team and ward service.
PGD’s for antibiotics, X-ray access.
EZ cast system currently being funded with SCCCG
This all supports us to meet the departments and Trusts KPI’s for reducing hospital admissions and amputation rates.

6. TCC-EZ® Makes the Choice Easy
TCC-EZ® offers the GOLD Standard of care with a patented, easy to apply, role on system. The result is now an application can be completed in under 10 minutes while providing greater patient comfort.
Easy 3-step process: Prep, Roll & Apply
Takes about ¼ the amount of time of traditional systems
Ease & consistency of application helps to decrease potential of causing tissue damage
Requires minimal training time
Light-weight woven design offers a more comfortable fit
DF Con. 2008, TCC-EZ –Total Contact Casting System Overcoming the Barriers to Utilizing a Proven Gold Standard Treatment Jeffrey Jensen, Eric Jaakola, Brian Gillin, et al

7. Opportunities within the service
Staff completing MRES
Independent prescribing
Product trials and research
Attendance at conferences/ talks and service development

8. What to expect? Lots of hard work!
The learning curve in the first 2 years for new qualified staff is quite dramatic. In the profession there are so many opportunities for motivated and driven staff.
Although challenging the work is rewarding. Our department prides itself on having a no blame culture. We are open and reflective to learning seeking new experiences and help from colleagues both within and outside the department.

9. Questions ?