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If you would prefer us to post you an application form, please call
023 9225 0001.
Rowans Hospice is a charity that provides free care and support to adults and their families living in the Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire region who have a life-limiting illness. Established in 1994, our income is generated by ongoing support of the local community, donations, legacies, fundraising and through our retail shops.
The Specialist Physiotherapist role, is a full time, permanent role. The role will work across the Physiotherapist department and Rowans Discharge Service, which is led by the Lead Social Worker who are responsible to the Clinical Lead. The role is based at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook.
The therapy team is an essential part of the specialist palliative care service at Rowans Hospice. The postholder will provide high‑quality physiotherapy to patients with life‑limiting illness, supporting them to optimise function, independence and quality of life. The role includes providing specialist physiotherapy input across the Inpatient Unit, Living Well Centre, outpatient services and community interfaces.
Key Areas of Responsibility / Key Accountabilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Undertake holistic physiotherapy assessment and treatment as an autonomous practitioner for patients with complex palliative care needs.
- Provide physiotherapy interventions across the Inpatient Unit, Living Well Centre, outpatients and community settings.
- Use advanced clinical reasoning, analytical skills and appropriate outcome measures to guide intervention.
- Tailor assessment and treatment to individual patient needs, preferences and goals.
- Maintain focus on optimising functional ability, comfort and independence.
- Continuously reassess and adapt physiotherapy input as patients’ conditions change.
- Provide expert advice to the multidisciplinary team on managing functional ability, mobility, breathlessness, fatigue and postural care.
- Provide planned and spontaneous teaching to patients, families and carers to promote understanding of physiotherapy aims and safe use of equipment.
Equipment Responsibilities
- Assess, recommend and order equipment required to support patient care, including mobility aids, specialist seating, hoists, slings, wheelchairs and pressure‑relieving devices.
- Ensure timely coordination of equipment delivery, installation, maintenance and collection in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist.
- Ensure all equipment is safe, appropriate, risk‑assessed and compliant with manual handling and hospice policies.
- Provide training to staff, patients and families on safe and effective use of equipment where required.
- Report hazards, defects or equipment requiring repair through appropriate channels.
Communication
- Communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and families in emotionally challenging circumstances.
- Initiate and maintain effective communication with therapy colleagues and the wider MDT.
- Support patients and families to engage in therapeutic interventions.
- Liaise with carers, external agencies and community services to ensure continuity of care and safe discharge planning.
- Participate in MDT meetings, case discussions and family meetings as required.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain and develop knowledge of evidence‑based physiotherapy practice in palliative and end‑of‑life care.
- Participate in regular supervision and clinical supervision.
- Supervise junior staff, assistants and students as required.
- Contribute to in‑service training and education for colleagues and the wider MDT.
Experience, Qualifications, Skills and Behaviours required
- State Registered Physiotherapist with a minimum of 5 years experience
- To be a member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care.
- Experience in Specialist Palliative Care
- Experience in Oncology
- To have completed training in communication skills
What we Offer
In addition to working for meaningful cause, we provide;
✔️ Company pension (NHS pension retained if transferring from NHS)
✔️ Health & wellbeing programme
✔️ Employee Assistance Programme
✔️ Free parking
✔️ DSE equipment & uniforms provided
✔️ Generous holiday allowance
✔️ Career development opportunities
✔️ Blue Light Card membership
Join Our Team
Apply today and be part of a dedicated team providing vital hospice care to the community.
Rowans Hospice is committed to equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
For further information please review the Job Description and to apply for the role please use our online application form.
Rowans Hospice is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all children and vulnerable adults needing our care and support. Subsequently, our recruitment process is thorough, ensuring a consistent and detailed approach to gather information from and about candidates so that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Apply now and make a difference!
Closing date: 30 June 2026
Interview date: 08 July 2026 or 09 July 2026 TBC