Job overview

 An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the dermatology team as a phototherapist.  Phototherapy is an effective, long established treatment modality for many skin diseases, including Eczema, Psoriasis and lymphoma.  It offers a suitable alternative form of treatment for patients who cannot have or do not wish to have systemic immunosuppression or biologic therapy for skin disease. 

Phototherapy can be used in some photosensitive conditions to desensitise the skin enabling the patient to enjoy more time out of doors.  The history of phototherapy dates back more than 3500 years (the ancient egyptians treated vitiligo with sunlight & a photosensitising plant). Phototherapy can effectively reduce disease activity, improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Nurses play an important part in phototherapy and the patient’s dermatology journey. Phototherapy enjoys high patient satisfaction and is an integral part of dermatology practice.

If you have clinical organisation and communication skills with the ability to work independently and also part of the wider dermatology team we would love to hear from you

Previous experience within dermatology or phototherapy is desirable however training will be given. A willingness to undertake relevant dermatology for/phototherapy training and development is required for the post.

Main duties of the job

You will be required to administer phototherapy treatments in accordance with clinical protocols. Monitor patients during and after treatment for adverse reactions and ensure safety procedures are followed. Educate patients on treatment plans, skin care, and phototherapy risks and benefits. You will be responsible for the recording of patient’s treatment plans, their cumulative doses and adverse events etc in order to provide a written summary to the referring clinician.

Departmental protocols and guidelines must be met at all times. You will undertake regular risk assessments, audits and reviews and make recommendations to the senior team.

You must be a registered nurse.

It is a permanent full time position.

Phototherapy is offered at:

Leighton Hospital, Crewe and Victoria Infirmary, Northwich

Working for our organisation

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) provides good quality, safe and effective healthcare to the people of Cheshire and beyond.

The Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, was established as an NHS Trust in April 1991 and became a Foundation Trust in April 2008.

We employ almost 5,000 members of staff, provide around 540 hospital beds, with a range of services including accident and emergency, maternity, outpatients, therapies, and children's health.

The Trust is also part of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), a unique local health partnership that provides a range of community services for people across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust was recognised nationally for its 'Be Safe Be EquiPPEd' campaign, which aimed to make the Trust as safe as possible for staff and patients, through supporting the correct use of PPE.

The results in the 2020 national NHS Staff Survey showed improvements in all elements of the safety culture theme, with 92% of respondents feeling their role made a difference to our patients. We were also recognised nationally for our workforce health and wellbeing initiatives.

At Mid Cheshire, we value our staff and appreciate that in order to give our patients the best quality, compassionate care, we also need to look after our colleagues.