Job summary
The post of Renal Technologist is a highly specialized role, with responsibility for providing the full range of technical support services managed directly by the Trust in order to maintain the safety, reliability, quality and efficiency of the service and equipment.
The post holder will train and supervise junior staff, directly maintain and train both professional and lay user in the correct and safe functioning of equipment.
Staff will work 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday on a flexitime working system. The nature of the work carried out is based around the treatment of patients therefore a degree of flexibility with hours of duty is expected and required from all members of staff.
The Department also operates an on-call rota, which after appropriate training all staff will participate in.
Main duties of the job
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- The post holder is required to work and communicate effectively with patients and staff at all levels of the Directorate. It is important to develop key working relationships with home haemodialysis patients, professional heads, other members of the multi-disciplinary team within the Directorate, and external providers to the Trust, in order to maximise service delivery. To include:
- Patients
- Clinical/Management teams and other staff groups
- Scientific/Technical staff
- Equipment Suppliers
- General/ Service Managers
- Local, regional, national, international links
KEY RESULT AREAS
Service Delivery & Development
Renal Technicians at UHL currently work in line with Best Practice Guidelines for Renal Technologists as outlined by the Association of Renal Technologists. Performances of tasks are monitored through monthly generated KPI's, which are used to identify areas of continual improvement.
The postholder will be required to develop and work to the stated guidelines and procedures and carefully monitor the KPI's related to the work they perform in addition to the team/tasks they lead and staff they manage.
About us
We are one of the biggest and busiest NHS trusts in the country, incorporating the General, Glenfield and Royal Infirmary hospitals. We have our very own Children's Hospital and run one of the country's leading heart centres.
Our team is made up of more than 14,000 staff providing a range of services primarily for the one million residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
We work with partners at the University of Leicester and De Montfort University providing world-class teaching to nurture and develop the next generation of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, many of whom go on to spend their working lives with us.
Our purpose is to provide 'Caring at its best' and our staff have helped us create a set of values that embody who we are and what we're here to do. They are:
o We focus on what matters most
o We treat others how we would like to be treated
o We are passionate and creative in our work
o We do what we say we are going to do
o We are one team and we are best when we work together
Our patients are at the heart of all we do and we believe that 'Caring at its best' is not just about the treatments and services we provide, but about giving our patients the best possible experience.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (leicestershospitals.nhs.uk)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Due to the nature of this role and the difficulties of achieving guaranteed access to equipment during normal working hours, occasional working during unsociable hours maybe required.
Time off in lieu will be given for hours worked beyond the standard working week, in accordance with Trust Conditions
- Schedule, co-ordinate and complete the installation of, and provide a modification, repair and preventative maintenance service to home patients and hospital departments performing renal replacement therapies to ensure availability of functioning equipment at point of use
- Manage own day-to-day workload and the workload of others with only minimal direction by line manager. Maintain high quality customer services in the absence of senior staff
- Through the process of continual professional development, maintain a high-level knowledge base to enable development of the service
- In consultation develop and implement monitoring & control procedures for the maintenance of equipment to approved standards in order to ensure patient safety
- Provide diagnosis and advice to resolve user problems during clinical therapy. Report on all incidents involving renal replacement therapy equipment and advice on necessary procedures to prevent recurrence
- Respond to Medical Device Alerts from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and from equipment manufacturers and as directed by the section Leads or Clinical Scientist
- Investigate incidents/non-conformances and contribute to high quality technical reports stating the outcomes of findings. Supply information to the management team whom will coordinate responses to risk management and external bodies (MHRA)
- Be actively involved with health & safety policies and risk assessments for all areas within the technical field to ensure appropriate measures are in place to reduce risk
- Clean and decontaminate contaminated equipment. Information must be sought as to the nature of contamination and the associated risks before carrying this action out
- Participate in the purchase and stock control systems for haemodialysis equipment spare parts to ensure adequate stock levels are maintained
- Actively participate in a 24/7 on-call service for all users to ensure continuity of patient treatment is maintained.
- Appraise staff within the team, ensuring that staff they manage have clear objectives and an appropriate personal development plan.
- Monitor and oversee trainees on placement and others as requested by section leads/clinical scientists, General/Service Manager. Provide technical training and supervision to junior staff, and undertake competency assessments in line with the departmental policy on training and competence
- Propose/ support changes to departmental working practices and to assist the Management team in the preparation of reports and feedback following equipment commissioning, service, repair, evaluation or failure.
- Provide all relevant statistics, data and information to enable the General/Service Manager to monitor and continually improve the service.
- Represent the department as required by the General/Service Manager to provide technical expertise to all key service areas.
- Be expected to travel during the course of normal duties and provide a service to satellite sites remote from the Trust, which would include the transportation of equipment. (Driving licence is required)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Due to the nature of this role and the difficulties of achieving guaranteed access to equipment during normal working hours, occasional working during unsociable hours maybe required.
Time off in lieu will be given for hours worked beyond the standard working week, in accordance with Trust Conditions
- Schedule, co-ordinate and complete the installation of, and provide a modification, repair and preventative maintenance service to home patients and hospital departments performing renal replacement therapies to ensure availability of functioning equipment at point of use
- Manage own day-to-day workload and the workload of others with only minimal direction by line manager. Maintain high quality customer services in the absence of senior staff
- Through the process of continual professional development, maintain a high-level knowledge base to enable development of the service
- In consultation develop and implement monitoring & control procedures for the maintenance of equipment to approved standards in order to ensure patient safety
- Provide diagnosis and advice to resolve user problems during clinical therapy. Report on all incidents involving renal replacement therapy equipment and advice on necessary procedures to prevent recurrence
- Respond to Medical Device Alerts from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and from equipment manufacturers and as directed by the section Leads or Clinical Scientist
- Investigate incidents/non-conformances and contribute to high quality technical reports stating the outcomes of findings. Supply information to the management team whom will coordinate responses to risk management and external bodies (MHRA)
- Be actively involved with health & safety policies and risk assessments for all areas within the technical field to ensure appropriate measures are in place to reduce risk
- Clean and decontaminate contaminated equipment. Information must be sought as to the nature of contamination and the associated risks before carrying this action out
- Participate in the purchase and stock control systems for haemodialysis equipment spare parts to ensure adequate stock levels are maintained
- Actively participate in a 24/7 on-call service for all users to ensure continuity of patient treatment is maintained.
- Appraise staff within the team, ensuring that staff they manage have clear objectives and an appropriate personal development plan.
- Monitor and oversee trainees on placement and others as requested by section leads/clinical scientists, General/Service Manager. Provide technical training and supervision to junior staff, and undertake competency assessments in line with the departmental policy on training and competence
- Propose/ support changes to departmental working practices and to assist the Management team in the preparation of reports and feedback following equipment commissioning, service, repair, evaluation or failure.
- Provide all relevant statistics, data and information to enable the General/Service Manager to monitor and continually improve the service.
- Represent the department as required by the General/Service Manager to provide technical expertise to all key service areas.
- Be expected to travel during the course of normal duties and provide a service to satellite sites remote from the Trust, which would include the transportation of equipment. (Driving licence is required)
Person Specification
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- ONC/HNC level, or equivalent, in electronic/mechanical/clinical engineering or equivalent, OR knowledge at this level gained through relevant/ experience/Training Ability to travel across site and with East Midlands renal Network
Desirable
- Technical Registration with an engineering institute.
Experience
Essential
- Post qualification experience of servicing, repairing and calibration of complex medical equipment A good knowledge and significant experience of servicing, repairing and Calibration of medical equipment Information Technology fault finding experience
Desirable
- Specialist manufacturer training on the maintenance and repair of a range of complex medical devices. Knowledge of water treatment and its application Experienced in evaluation of new medical devices including assessment of clinical suitability, reliability, life time costs etc. Experience of allocating and assessing the work of a team.
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Able to give clear and concise instructions to others. Able to teach others and communicate effectively. Willingness to participate in continual professional development Able to persuade and negotiate with suppliers where necessary. . Willingness to contribute to team building and development.
Desirable
- Must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, external agencies and possess good customer care skills
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- electronic/mechanical engineering skills, including the use of test and measuring equipment, handling and assembly of components and boards, fault finding and diagnosis, use of technical manuals and circuit diagrams. Make judgements based on a range of facts and firm engineering principles and experience, without endangering self or others. Able to make decisions effectively. Use of fine tools for equipment adjustment/soldering and calibration. Excellent interpersonal skills
Desirable
- Able to influence and persuade where necessary. Decision making in complex and sensitive situations involving patients and clinical incidents
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- Ability to carry out several tasks, prioritising and managing own work and the work of others within team. Must be able to deal with constantly changing workload and priorities. Good understanding of the principles of inventory management including Record keeping and database maintenance, and ensuring principles are followed by all staff within their supervision. Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the service.
Desirable
- Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team Plans work with consideration to clinical needs e.g. arranging with other healthcare professionals and patients for equipment to be made available for servicing
Physical skills
Essential
- Able to work within high pressure situations, such as a call out to a clinical environment to minimise equipment down time, whilst taking into account patient safety, dignity and infection prevention. Carry out repetitive equipment testing.
Equality and Diversity
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Have a good understanding of the relevant health and safety issues and procedures. Flexibility and ability to adapt to continuously improving systems of working. Evidence of on-going CPD. Full driving licence
Desirable
- Be willing to learn/attend specialist training courses and have a positive attitude.
Person Specification
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- ONC/HNC level, or equivalent, in electronic/mechanical/clinical engineering or equivalent, OR knowledge at this level gained through relevant/ experience/Training Ability to travel across site and with East Midlands renal Network
Desirable
- Technical Registration with an engineering institute.
Experience
Essential
- Post qualification experience of servicing, repairing and calibration of complex medical equipment A good knowledge and significant experience of servicing, repairing and Calibration of medical equipment Information Technology fault finding experience
Desirable
- Specialist manufacturer training on the maintenance and repair of a range of complex medical devices. Knowledge of water treatment and its application Experienced in evaluation of new medical devices including assessment of clinical suitability, reliability, life time costs etc. Experience of allocating and assessing the work of a team.
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Able to give clear and concise instructions to others. Able to teach others and communicate effectively. Willingness to participate in continual professional development Able to persuade and negotiate with suppliers where necessary. . Willingness to contribute to team building and development.
Desirable
- Must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, external agencies and possess good customer care skills
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- electronic/mechanical engineering skills, including the use of test and measuring equipment, handling and assembly of components and boards, fault finding and diagnosis, use of technical manuals and circuit diagrams. Make judgements based on a range of facts and firm engineering principles and experience, without endangering self or others. Able to make decisions effectively. Use of fine tools for equipment adjustment/soldering and calibration. Excellent interpersonal skills
Desirable
- Able to influence and persuade where necessary. Decision making in complex and sensitive situations involving patients and clinical incidents
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- Ability to carry out several tasks, prioritising and managing own work and the work of others within team. Must be able to deal with constantly changing workload and priorities. Good understanding of the principles of inventory management including Record keeping and database maintenance, and ensuring principles are followed by all staff within their supervision. Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the service.
Desirable
- Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team Plans work with consideration to clinical needs e.g. arranging with other healthcare professionals and patients for equipment to be made available for servicing
Physical skills
Essential
- Able to work within high pressure situations, such as a call out to a clinical environment to minimise equipment down time, whilst taking into account patient safety, dignity and infection prevention. Carry out repetitive equipment testing.
Equality and Diversity
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Have a good understanding of the relevant health and safety issues and procedures. Flexibility and ability to adapt to continuously improving systems of working. Evidence of on-going CPD. Full driving licence
Desirable
- Be willing to learn/attend specialist training courses and have a positive attitude.
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).
Additional information
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).
