Healthcare Science Specialist Practitioner (Neurophysiology)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibility to plan, prepare and perform a range of standard, diagnostic Neurophysiological investigations (electroencephalography (EEG), evoked potentials, basic nerve conduction studies) on a range of different patients of all ages according to departmental protocols in dedicated and non-dedicated environments (wards including HDU, ICU).

Responsibility to plan, prepare and perform a full range of advanced, diagnostic neurophysiological investigations (continuous EEG monitoring, Video/EEG telemetry, ambulatory EEG, advanced evoked potentials e.g. electroretinography, multiple sleep latency testing, polygraphic recordings) on a range of different patients of all ages according to departmental protocols, generally unsupervised but under supervision where necessary. Performed in dedicated and non-dedicated environments (wards, HDU, ICU, neonatal ICU or at home). Monitor clinical change and take accurate clinical information to support that of referring consultant to aid interpretation by senior colleagues.

Depending on initial findings of all investigations, responsibility to use initiative to adapt, prolong or change an investigation to meet the clinical need of the patient, optimising diagnostic information for referring clinician.

Undertakes and interprets diagnostic tests, including equipment testing/ highly specialist tests.

Analysis of prolonged periods of complex data, and production of accurate factual report on all neurophysiological investigations, and where necessary, comparisons made to normal or previously recorded data. To include accurate documentation/descriptions of any clinical change/events or interventions.

Responsibility for accurate analysis, and unsupervised editing of complicated diagnostic ambulatory/video-EEG telemetry data to identify and extract relevant information for reporting by the colleagues. To include identification of reported or unreported seizures, and EEG abnormalities.

Safe archiving and indexing of pertinent data to various storage media or databases.

Personally accountable for the planning, prioritisation and appointment of appropriate investigations based on clinical urgency and need. This often includes liaison with wards and medical/nursing staff where necessary and evaluating room, staffing and equipment availability for required investigations.

Responsibility to conduct routine preventative and corrective maintenance on equipment and ensure regular calibration and general maintenance of equipment. Recognition of faults and appropriate action required.

Responsibility to clean equipment and implement safe disposal of clinical waste. Cleaning electrodes according to local and/or national guidelines.

For further details please see the attached JD & PS

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• oSubstantial and relevant demonstrable post-qualification experience within clinical neurophysiology.
• oDeveloped proven knowledge of a range of neurophysiological procedures, underpinned by proven procedural and theoretical knowledge and relevant demonstrable practical experience.
• oDemonstrable technical expertise in advanced procedures (e.g. ambulatory EEG/ telemetry/evoked potentials/home telemetry/MSLTs).

Desirable

• oNeurophysiology specialist courses.
• oMember of appropriate professional organisation.

Qualifications

Essential

• oClinical physiology degree or equivalent e.g. ASSP plus relevant post qualification experience (or equivalent).
• oProfessional registration, (AHCS/RCCP/HCPC) or willingness to work towards within a specified time frame.

Desirable

• oTeaching/ training qualification e.g. STP trainer status.
• oECNE/ ANS/NSHCS practical examinations.

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

• oGood communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
• oSkills in reassurance and persuasion. To include patients and carers with communication difficulties and challenging behaviour.
• oEffective influencing skills: in general and with senior health care professionals.

Desirable

• oDemonstrable supervisory experience.
• oDemonstrable management experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford Hospital

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)