Respiratory Physiologist

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified Respiratory Physiologist to join the Respiratory Physiology team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. There will be a requirement for cross site working, regularly working at Cannock Chase Hospital in the delivery of Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) respiratory diagnostic tests.

We would welcome applicants currently looking to step into a registered physiologist role or who are working towards gaining their voluntary registration. We would also welcome applications from Sports and Exercise Science graduates who are looking to start an exciting career within the NHS as a healthcare scientist.

You will have a relevant degree ideally in Clinical Physiology as well as clinical experience. You will be RCCP/AHCS registered or eligible for registration. Ideally you will have the ARTP practitioner level qualification. The successful applicant will have significant experience of delivering lung function tests. It would be an added advantage if experience has been gained performing advanced procedures either through work experience or as part of a formal program of learning. The service provides a wide range of diagnostic tests. You will be responsible for ensuring that the service is responsive to patient and service needs as well as efficient and effective.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to perform a range of routine respiratory physiology investigations and therapies on patients across the healthcare economy referred to the department. High standards are expected in terms of equipment maintenance, quality control, laboratory/departmental safety, booking of appointments, performance of tests, analysis and interpretation of routine investigation results. The role involves working as part of a team supporting the sleep and ventilation and home oxygen services. You will also be expected to be involved in supporting the administrative and technical functions within the Respiratory Centre. The post holder will be encouraged to support, assist and develop non registered (assistant and associate level) staff and healthcare science students.

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 achievednumerous 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.

Date posted

12 September 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

225-DIV2-6491690

Job locations

New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton

Wednesfield Road

Wolverhampton

WV10 0QP


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To undertake all routine respiratory physiology procedures within the Respiratory Centre and local health economy to include dynamic and static lung volumes, gas transfer measurements, reversibility testing, pulse oximetry, MIP/MEP/SNIP, exhaled nitric oxide testing, simple field exercise testing (6 minute walk test)

Obtain capillary blood samples using recognised aseptic non-touch techniques and analyse using blood gas analyser.

To assist with advanced procedures (with indirect supervision) challenge testing (skin prick tests), CPAP issue and routine follow up, limited respiratory sleep studies (equipment set up, issue and download), overnight oximetry (screening for sleep disordered breathing).

To assist with specialist procedures (with direct supervision) cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, oxygen assessments (including ambulatory assessments), non-invasive ventilation, fitness to fly testing, Bronchial provocation testing.

To provide accurate technical reports to include clinical interpretation of routine lung function testing.

To develop and maintain knowledge and clinical skills.

To undertake audit and research activities.

To assist with other procedures performed within the Respiratory Centre and local health economy.

Managerial and Organisational

To assist in the training and development of staff within the Respiratory Physiology team and local health economy.

To support the Lead Respiratory Physiologist/Service Manager in the overall delivery of patient focussed services.

To support the Lead Physiologist/Service Manager in the routine management and administrative duties.

Assist with the recruitment of staff.

Assist with the purchase of consumables and equipment.

Ensure data collection is accurate and timely.

Professional development

To undertake personal development review / continual professional development.

To produce and update a portfolio of professional development.

To undertake any additional training in order to perform the duties of the post.

Adopt a professional and flexible approach to the needs of the department and those of the trust.

Other duties

To use and maintain IT systems including locally built databases, e-referral and e reporting, third party software.

To keep senior staff informed of all matters which may affect service continuity.

To be familiar and adhere to all trust policies and procedures with relation to the role.

Please see the Trust website for the full job description and person specification attached to the vacancy.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To undertake all routine respiratory physiology procedures within the Respiratory Centre and local health economy to include dynamic and static lung volumes, gas transfer measurements, reversibility testing, pulse oximetry, MIP/MEP/SNIP, exhaled nitric oxide testing, simple field exercise testing (6 minute walk test)

Obtain capillary blood samples using recognised aseptic non-touch techniques and analyse using blood gas analyser.

To assist with advanced procedures (with indirect supervision) challenge testing (skin prick tests), CPAP issue and routine follow up, limited respiratory sleep studies (equipment set up, issue and download), overnight oximetry (screening for sleep disordered breathing).

To assist with specialist procedures (with direct supervision) cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, oxygen assessments (including ambulatory assessments), non-invasive ventilation, fitness to fly testing, Bronchial provocation testing.

To provide accurate technical reports to include clinical interpretation of routine lung function testing.

To develop and maintain knowledge and clinical skills.

To undertake audit and research activities.

To assist with other procedures performed within the Respiratory Centre and local health economy.

Managerial and Organisational

To assist in the training and development of staff within the Respiratory Physiology team and local health economy.

To support the Lead Respiratory Physiologist/Service Manager in the overall delivery of patient focussed services.

To support the Lead Physiologist/Service Manager in the routine management and administrative duties.

Assist with the recruitment of staff.

Assist with the purchase of consumables and equipment.

Ensure data collection is accurate and timely.

Professional development

To undertake personal development review / continual professional development.

To produce and update a portfolio of professional development.

To undertake any additional training in order to perform the duties of the post.

Adopt a professional and flexible approach to the needs of the department and those of the trust.

Other duties

To use and maintain IT systems including locally built databases, e-referral and e reporting, third party software.

To keep senior staff informed of all matters which may affect service continuity.

To be familiar and adhere to all trust policies and procedures with relation to the role.

Please see the Trust website for the full job description and person specification attached to the vacancy.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Relevant degree in Clinical Physiology or equivalent (BTEC/HNC MPPM) or Level 6 (degree) HCS Practitioner program
  • Completion of apprenticeship program at Level 6
  • Completion of PTP Equivalence with AHCS

Desirable

  • Professional registration (AHCS / HCPC) or eligible for registration.
  • ARTP Practitioner level III professional qualification
  • Relevant scientific degree/qualification recognised by RCCP/AHCS e.g. Sports Science
  • Significant experience obtained at band 4 Senior Associate level

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge and significant experience (minimum of 2 years) of a broad range of routine respiratory physiology procedures. Experience of advanced procedures performed with indirect/direct supervision.
  • Good customer care skills
  • Ability to work independently within established policies and procedures.

Desirable

  • Has an understanding of non-routine tests acquired through recognised training program as part of degree level or equivalent
  • Undertakes sleep diagnostic set up and downloading with basic interpretation (e.g. Overnight Oximetry, Polygraphy and Actigraphy)
  • Undertake CPAP set up and CPAP reviews independently
  • Undertakes quality assurance processes
  • Support service improvement
  • Undertake and report routine (spirometry and full lung function tests) and some specialist tests
  • Previous experience assisting with CPET, knowledge of basic 12 lead ECG
  • Teach and mentor junior/student healthcare scientists and other healthcare professionals the principles and practicalities of basic and some advanced lung function assessments.

Communication

Essential

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Can provide and receive complex information where tact and persuasive skills are required
  • Has experience communicating when there are barriers to understanding

Desirable

  • Can communicate technical and clinical information to colleagues and to patients/carers who may have physical or learning disabilities.
  • Interaction and communication with patients who may have recently received bad news concerning their health. Dealing with patient concerns, anxieties, distress and possible anger.
  • Can extract detailed clinical history, current medication and symptoms from patients undergoing diagnostic tests. Checks for contra-indications
  • Obtain a history when screening for obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Can communicate importance of test results and accuracy for example pre-operative testing and the possible impact of poorly performed tests.
  • Provides advice internally and externally to other healthcare professionals on Respiratory Physiological testing.
  • 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.

Flexibility

Desirable

  • Flexibility required with regards to service development, clinic rota, change of work environment, geographical flexibility (i.e. cross-site working), service continuity (covering staff sickness), early morning rota (8.00am starts), late finishing consultant led clinics.

Other

Desirable

  • Analytical and judgement skills - test results/ interpretation of routine Respiratory physiology procedures. Provide technical reports including clinical history.
  • Highly developed dexterity skills when obtaining capillary blood samples, using skin prick lancets during allergy testing.
  • Can plan activity workload for self and others. Plans work for self and junior staff to ensure efficient service delivery - organisational skills.
  • Acts as a role model to non-registered/junior staff and students/trainees. Work based supervision of trainees following a recognised training portfolio/program.
  • Experience of IT systems to include data manipulation.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Relevant degree in Clinical Physiology or equivalent (BTEC/HNC MPPM) or Level 6 (degree) HCS Practitioner program
  • Completion of apprenticeship program at Level 6
  • Completion of PTP Equivalence with AHCS

Desirable

  • Professional registration (AHCS / HCPC) or eligible for registration.
  • ARTP Practitioner level III professional qualification
  • Relevant scientific degree/qualification recognised by RCCP/AHCS e.g. Sports Science
  • Significant experience obtained at band 4 Senior Associate level

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge and significant experience (minimum of 2 years) of a broad range of routine respiratory physiology procedures. Experience of advanced procedures performed with indirect/direct supervision.
  • Good customer care skills
  • Ability to work independently within established policies and procedures.

Desirable

  • Has an understanding of non-routine tests acquired through recognised training program as part of degree level or equivalent
  • Undertakes sleep diagnostic set up and downloading with basic interpretation (e.g. Overnight Oximetry, Polygraphy and Actigraphy)
  • Undertake CPAP set up and CPAP reviews independently
  • Undertakes quality assurance processes
  • Support service improvement
  • Undertake and report routine (spirometry and full lung function tests) and some specialist tests
  • Previous experience assisting with CPET, knowledge of basic 12 lead ECG
  • Teach and mentor junior/student healthcare scientists and other healthcare professionals the principles and practicalities of basic and some advanced lung function assessments.

Communication

Essential

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Can provide and receive complex information where tact and persuasive skills are required
  • Has experience communicating when there are barriers to understanding

Desirable

  • Can communicate technical and clinical information to colleagues and to patients/carers who may have physical or learning disabilities.
  • Interaction and communication with patients who may have recently received bad news concerning their health. Dealing with patient concerns, anxieties, distress and possible anger.
  • Can extract detailed clinical history, current medication and symptoms from patients undergoing diagnostic tests. Checks for contra-indications
  • Obtain a history when screening for obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Can communicate importance of test results and accuracy for example pre-operative testing and the possible impact of poorly performed tests.
  • Provides advice internally and externally to other healthcare professionals on Respiratory Physiological testing.
  • 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.

Flexibility

Desirable

  • Flexibility required with regards to service development, clinic rota, change of work environment, geographical flexibility (i.e. cross-site working), service continuity (covering staff sickness), early morning rota (8.00am starts), late finishing consultant led clinics.

Other

Desirable

  • Analytical and judgement skills - test results/ interpretation of routine Respiratory physiology procedures. Provide technical reports including clinical history.
  • Highly developed dexterity skills when obtaining capillary blood samples, using skin prick lancets during allergy testing.
  • Can plan activity workload for self and others. Plans work for self and junior staff to ensure efficient service delivery - organisational skills.
  • Acts as a role model to non-registered/junior staff and students/trainees. Work based supervision of trainees following a recognised training portfolio/program.
  • Experience of IT systems to include data manipulation.

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).

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.

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

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Address

New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton

Wednesfield Road

Wolverhampton

WV10 0QP


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Address

New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton

Wednesfield Road

Wolverhampton

WV10 0QP


Employer's website

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

For questions about the job, contact:

Chief Respiratory Physiologist

Mr Andrew Pritchard

andrew.pritchard1@nhs.net

01902695061

Date posted

12 September 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

225-DIV2-6491690

Job locations

New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton

Wednesfield Road

Wolverhampton

WV10 0QP


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)