Job summary
An exciting opportunity to join our busy Respiratory Physiology team at New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton, on a permanent basis, has arisen. The successful candidate will fulfil the role of sub-specialty service lead for the department exercise service. You will be self-motivated and have excellent interpersonal skills.
You will have the ability to work under pressure, autonomously and prioritize your individual workload, as well as be able to work effectively within a team and support development of junior staff. You must be able to provide evidence of continuing professional development and have experience in a wide range of diagnostic respiratory investigations. The ideal applicant will have a postgraduate or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject and have successfully completed ARTP Professional exams or have significant equivalent experience in a respiratory physiology department. You should be registered or actively seeking registration with HCPC or the RCCP voluntary register.
The Respiratory Centre at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust provides expertise in sleep medicine, home ventilation, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer/pleural medicine, interstitial lung disease and difficult asthma. We have strong collaborative links with primary care providing direct access spirometry services.
Main duties of the job
We are looking to recruit an individual who has an understanding of specialist healthcare science activities acquired through training to postgraduate level or an equivalent level of knowledge and experience. The post holder will work as sub-speciality service lead for the department exercise service. This will involve performance of highly specialist diagnostic testing, such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The post holder will be required to interpret highly specialist test data and produce the corresponding clinical report, often within very short timeframes. The post holder will be responsible for developing exercise services to reflect the changing needs of Trust.
All members of the Respiratory Physiology team are involved with all facets of the diagnostic services. Therefore the successful candidate will also be competent in routine and advanced respiratory investigations, be able to interpret and write reports or provide verbal interpretation. You will have an up to date training record and regularly update your continual professional development portfolio.
Previous experience in research and audit would be ideal as well as experience of presenting research at national and/or international meetings. You will be required to mentor and supervise less experienced physiologists, healthcare assistants and administration/clerical staff. Strong involvement with the training of junior healthcare professionals and competency assessments would be desirable.
About us
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To undertake all routine and advanced procedures within the respiratory centre and local health economy to include Dynamic and static lung volumes, gas transfer measurements, reversibility testing, pulse oximetry, Muscle testing, Exhaled FeNO testing, walk tests, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing ( and exercise spirometry), Arterial blood gas samples (radial or capillary), oxygen assessments (Inc. ambulatory assessments), non-invasive ventilation, CPAP (new and review), fitness to fly assessment, bronchial provocation tests, sleep studies, skin prick testing.
- To lead on advanced testing as appropriate.
- To lead and manage on highly complex testing, such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing:
- Trust lead for the Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing Service.
- (i) Be the independent physiology expert on CPET for the trust, present teaching and service updates to directorates outside of Respiratory.
- (ii) Manage the CPET service and the physiology team involved in testing, having responsibility for their training and competency reviews.
- (iii)Provide an independent CPET service working alongside surgeons and anaesthetists ensuring that a timely testing and reporting pathway is maintained.
- (iv) Undertake CPET testing alongside medical staff in high risk patients awaiting major surgery.
- (v) Trouble-shoot areas of concern with regards to equipment and staff to ensure an efficient service.
- (vi)Strategically plan the CPET service ensuring demand on the service is met through succession planning.
- (vii) Provide expert opinion and ask for co-operation from medical colleagues to ensure that referrals are appropriate and relevant, ensuring that any CPET referrals deemed inappropriate or contentious are either rejected or addressed back to the referring clinician for discussion.
- Attend national professional body meetings with regards to CPET.
- To interpret diagnostic data and produce clinical reports for requesting clinicians.
- To interpret and report highly complex test data and produce a clinical report for requesting clinicians for example CPET.
- Obtain and analyse arterial blood gas samples via a radial stab or capillary earlobe sampling. Analysis via a blood gas analyser. Interpret and act upon results as part of an oxygen assessment.
- Interpret results and sign off routine lung function tests in accordance with ARTP/BTS/ERS guidelines and departmental protocols.
- Perform and input data, analyse results and provide sign off/release of reports of advanced procedures in line with national guidelines and protocols.
- To develop and maintain knowledge and skills via a program of continual professional development.
- Produce and maintain a portfolio of evidence to ensure professional registration is maintained.
- To undertake audit and research.
- Contribute to a multi-disciplinary approach to the management of adults with a wide range of respiratory conditions.
- Alert appropriate staff to unusual results/unexpected findings or clinical concerns.
- Provide advice and raise concerns over the appropriateness of test referrals.
- Prescribe oxygen therapy using HOOF as part of HOS-AR service.
- Issue oxygen alert in patients who are identified as C02 retainers.
- To design/participate in QC program including equipment calibration. Record findings and taking remedial action when required.
- Provide expert opinion and ask for co-operation from medical colleagues to ensure that the correct referral information has been received and make the final, on occasions contentious, decision where changes to the referral form are required or if testing is contraindicated.
Please see attached job description and person specification for full details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To undertake all routine and advanced procedures within the respiratory centre and local health economy to include Dynamic and static lung volumes, gas transfer measurements, reversibility testing, pulse oximetry, Muscle testing, Exhaled FeNO testing, walk tests, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing ( and exercise spirometry), Arterial blood gas samples (radial or capillary), oxygen assessments (Inc. ambulatory assessments), non-invasive ventilation, CPAP (new and review), fitness to fly assessment, bronchial provocation tests, sleep studies, skin prick testing.
- To lead on advanced testing as appropriate.
- To lead and manage on highly complex testing, such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing:
- Trust lead for the Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing Service.
- (i) Be the independent physiology expert on CPET for the trust, present teaching and service updates to directorates outside of Respiratory.
- (ii) Manage the CPET service and the physiology team involved in testing, having responsibility for their training and competency reviews.
- (iii)Provide an independent CPET service working alongside surgeons and anaesthetists ensuring that a timely testing and reporting pathway is maintained.
- (iv) Undertake CPET testing alongside medical staff in high risk patients awaiting major surgery.
- (v) Trouble-shoot areas of concern with regards to equipment and staff to ensure an efficient service.
- (vi)Strategically plan the CPET service ensuring demand on the service is met through succession planning.
- (vii) Provide expert opinion and ask for co-operation from medical colleagues to ensure that referrals are appropriate and relevant, ensuring that any CPET referrals deemed inappropriate or contentious are either rejected or addressed back to the referring clinician for discussion.
- Attend national professional body meetings with regards to CPET.
- To interpret diagnostic data and produce clinical reports for requesting clinicians.
- To interpret and report highly complex test data and produce a clinical report for requesting clinicians for example CPET.
- Obtain and analyse arterial blood gas samples via a radial stab or capillary earlobe sampling. Analysis via a blood gas analyser. Interpret and act upon results as part of an oxygen assessment.
- Interpret results and sign off routine lung function tests in accordance with ARTP/BTS/ERS guidelines and departmental protocols.
- Perform and input data, analyse results and provide sign off/release of reports of advanced procedures in line with national guidelines and protocols.
- To develop and maintain knowledge and skills via a program of continual professional development.
- Produce and maintain a portfolio of evidence to ensure professional registration is maintained.
- To undertake audit and research.
- Contribute to a multi-disciplinary approach to the management of adults with a wide range of respiratory conditions.
- Alert appropriate staff to unusual results/unexpected findings or clinical concerns.
- Provide advice and raise concerns over the appropriateness of test referrals.
- Prescribe oxygen therapy using HOOF as part of HOS-AR service.
- Issue oxygen alert in patients who are identified as C02 retainers.
- To design/participate in QC program including equipment calibration. Record findings and taking remedial action when required.
- Provide expert opinion and ask for co-operation from medical colleagues to ensure that the correct referral information has been received and make the final, on occasions contentious, decision where changes to the referral form are required or if testing is contraindicated.
Please see attached job description and person specification for full details.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Appropriate Clinical Physiology MSc qualification or equivalent.
- RCCP/HCPC registered or eligible for registration.
Desirable
- STP equivalence obtained/Clinical Scientist
- Management and leadership training
- ALS/ILS trained
- ARTP Practitioner level qualification or part I and II examination
Experience and Skills
Essential
- Substantial experience working within a Lung Function/Respiratory Physiology department
- Knowledge and significant experience of a broad range of routine and advanced respiratory physiology procedures.
- Ability to work independently within established policies and procedures.
- Experience in undertaking staff appraisal and performance monitoring.
- Good customer care skills
- Experience in recruitment and selection processes
- Reporting of full lung function tests and other routine investigations
- Significant experience (>2yrs) performing and reporting clinical CPET
- CPET competency - has performed & reported =/>25 CPET in the last 12 months per ARTP Statement on CPET 2021
Desirable
- Highly specialist expertise, underpinned by theory and experience.
- Knowledge of highly specialist procedures acquired through accredited courses
- Provides clinical testing service -Can undertake the full range of routine, advanced and highly specialist respiratory physiological investigations.
- Experience working in a deputy role within a respiratory physiology department and can lead in aspects of the laboratory service in the absence of the head of service.
- Experience of procuring specialist test equipment.
- Understanding of budget setting and expenditure review.
- Experienced in Domiciliary NIV
- Able to demonstrate experience in service development
- Experience undertaking a home oxygen assessment and review
Communication Skills
Essential
- Communicates complex test instructions that require maximal patient effort and provides adequate motivation to achieve accurate results.
- Provides advice internally and externally to other healthcare professionals on Respiratory Physiological testing.
- Alert appropriate staff to unusual results/unexpected findings or clinical concerns.
- Provide advice and raise concerns over the appropriateness of test referrals.
- Communicates service-related information to lead physiologist.
Desirable
- Experience working in a mentor role for junior staff and student practitioners.
- Provides advice internally and externally to other healthcare professionals on Respiratory Physiological testing.
- Experienced in dealing with complaints
- Communicates/discussion on diagnostic findings of sleep diagnostics and the possible impact on driving and the DVLA. Provides detailed instructions on CPAP during initiation of treatment.
Other
Essential
- Act as a role model. Specifically with regard to respecting patient's customs, values, spiritual beliefs, equality and diversity, confidentiality (information governance), health and safety and infection prevention.
- High degree of dexterity for use on a wide range of diagnostic equipment, invasive procedures undertaken - Arterial blood gas sampling.
Desirable
- Ability to teach highly specialist test theories and techniques to post graduate level student physiologists and medical students.
- Undertake research and development.
- Experience in presenting/chairing meetings/published author/represents professional body such as ARTP, BTS etc.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Appropriate Clinical Physiology MSc qualification or equivalent.
- RCCP/HCPC registered or eligible for registration.
Desirable
- STP equivalence obtained/Clinical Scientist
- Management and leadership training
- ALS/ILS trained
- ARTP Practitioner level qualification or part I and II examination
Experience and Skills
Essential
- Substantial experience working within a Lung Function/Respiratory Physiology department
- Knowledge and significant experience of a broad range of routine and advanced respiratory physiology procedures.
- Ability to work independently within established policies and procedures.
- Experience in undertaking staff appraisal and performance monitoring.
- Good customer care skills
- Experience in recruitment and selection processes
- Reporting of full lung function tests and other routine investigations
- Significant experience (>2yrs) performing and reporting clinical CPET
- CPET competency - has performed & reported =/>25 CPET in the last 12 months per ARTP Statement on CPET 2021
Desirable
- Highly specialist expertise, underpinned by theory and experience.
- Knowledge of highly specialist procedures acquired through accredited courses
- Provides clinical testing service -Can undertake the full range of routine, advanced and highly specialist respiratory physiological investigations.
- Experience working in a deputy role within a respiratory physiology department and can lead in aspects of the laboratory service in the absence of the head of service.
- Experience of procuring specialist test equipment.
- Understanding of budget setting and expenditure review.
- Experienced in Domiciliary NIV
- Able to demonstrate experience in service development
- Experience undertaking a home oxygen assessment and review
Communication Skills
Essential
- Communicates complex test instructions that require maximal patient effort and provides adequate motivation to achieve accurate results.
- Provides advice internally and externally to other healthcare professionals on Respiratory Physiological testing.
- Alert appropriate staff to unusual results/unexpected findings or clinical concerns.
- Provide advice and raise concerns over the appropriateness of test referrals.
- Communicates service-related information to lead physiologist.
Desirable
- Experience working in a mentor role for junior staff and student practitioners.
- Provides advice internally and externally to other healthcare professionals on Respiratory Physiological testing.
- Experienced in dealing with complaints
- Communicates/discussion on diagnostic findings of sleep diagnostics and the possible impact on driving and the DVLA. Provides detailed instructions on CPAP during initiation of treatment.
Other
Essential
- Act as a role model. Specifically with regard to respecting patient's customs, values, spiritual beliefs, equality and diversity, confidentiality (information governance), health and safety and infection prevention.
- High degree of dexterity for use on a wide range of diagnostic equipment, invasive procedures undertaken - Arterial blood gas sampling.
Desirable
- Ability to teach highly specialist test theories and techniques to post graduate level student physiologists and medical students.
- Undertake research and development.
- Experience in presenting/chairing meetings/published author/represents professional body such as ARTP, BTS etc.
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
