This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

We are actively promoting flexible working options, helping you to manage a work / life balance

Job overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, hardworking and enthusiastic Senior Respiratory Physiologist to join our busy, well-equipped department.

You must be proficient in a range of comprehensive procedures in adults including spirometry, lung function testing, reversibility studies, blood gas analysis, sleep and ventilation services. Appropriate training may be required in more specialised and complex procedures such GI physiology, autonomic function testing and CPET.

The successful candidate will need excellent interpersonal skills, be able to motivate and develop others. They should enjoy working as part of a team but also be able to work autonomously with some degree of responsibility. They will be encouraged to develop their skills to become a lead person within one of the specialist areas.

The department is committed to the PTP and STP training programmes and you would be expected to contribute your knowledge and skills towards the delivery of this.

You should ideally hold a BSc in Clinical Physiology or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years as a Band 5. It is essential that you have passed both ARTP Part One and Part Two Professional Examinations and ideally be on the RCCP voluntary register.

Main duties of the job

The candidate will be proficient in performing and interpreting all respiratory investigations performed within the department. These include;

Full pulmonary function tests with administration of bronchodilator therapy where indicated
Assess airways hyper-reactivity and respiratory tract inflammation
Supervise, perform and interpret medically unsupervised Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Tests (CPETs), on both congenital cardiac and respiratory patients with assessment of exercise-induced airways obstruction if indicated
To be able to perform independently procedures to assess for exercise related respiratory disorders in high level athletes
Field exercise testing
Simulate and assess patients' oxygen requirements during a flight and advise the patient and clinician their results and requirements.
To perform research based investigations complying with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Other speciality services

Interpret and perform complex sleep investigations, for clinicians on the patient's condition and advise appropriate therapy
To be able to initiate, review and adjust treatment for patients with sleep-related disorders for both Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
They will be able to perform blood gas analysis to assess for patients respiratory status and titration of oxygen or NIV requirements

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

high-quality care for all,
being a great place to work,
partnerships for impact, and
research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

we are compassionate,
we are proud,
we are inclusive, and
we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacanc...

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Involved with maintaining clinical standards, evidence based practice within the speciality.

Assist with clinical supervision and training of technical staff and other professionals, across disciplines.
To be responsible for overseeing the induction of Physiology staff to the team, service and departments
To assist with recruitment and retention of Physiologist and Associate Practitioner staff as necessary
Involved with development of the evidence base for practice through audit, clinical effectiveness and research activity.
Undertake an active role in developing and promoting Physiology within the specialty.
Be actively involved in the training and development of staff within the Physiology Team.
To participate in the development of the specialist services.
To assist with implementation and dissemination policies and promote changes to working practice.
Demonstrate appropriate expert practice and specialist advice in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. Necessitating high levels of autonomy and advocacy.
To support Band 7's in their absence, to ensure there is continuation of service.

Clinical

To be actively involved with the maintenance and quality control (QC) of all equipment used in the respiratory function, outpatients and exercise testing areas.
To ensure all equipment and resources are maintained to regulated standards and adhere to both health and safety and infection control policies.
To adhere to professional codes of practice and perform the role to national and local standards.
To promote regular quality assurance (QA).
To evaluate and develop clinical practice within a specialty ensuring compliance with national and local guidelines and frameworks.
To have an in-depth knowledge of specialist equipment operation and to use it to its maximum capability.
To troubleshoot equipment faults and, if required, to organise equipment repair in order to maintain an efficient service.
Ability to multi-task and cope with constant change and interruptions.
Act accordingly when exposed to distressing or emotional circumstances when dealing directly with patients and/or their relative

Governance

To actively develop service standards including implementation of National Service Framework / NICE guidelines
To promote evidence based practice and clinical effectiveness utilising local and national standards of practice and guideline
Comply and be aware of all aspects of the Clinical Governance agenda e.g. Risk, audit, evidence based practice (EBP), patient involvement
Facilitate patient involvement within practice development and audit
To help with monitoring and evaluating systems to ensure that the quality and efficiency of the service is maintained; identifying opportunities for development and implementing them where appropriate in conjunction with the Clinical Investigations Manager and Heads of Service
To assist in reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
Compare own practice with peers in other Trusts and participate in national, professional networks to develop best practice

Service Delivery & Development

As opportunities arise, submit articles for publication within the specialism in recognised journals and publications
Facilitate a culture of quality, continuous innovation, improvement and productivity within the specialty
To have a sound and current theoretical knowledge base and keep up to date with all current developments associated with the specialty and profession.
To collaborate with the Team Leaders and Head of Department in identifying opportunities for service development

Staff Training and Development

To act as a mentor to others within the service
To utilise expert knowledge to provide high quality training to other physiologists.
Take responsibility for ensuring their own Mandatory and Statutory Training is up to date
Supporting mentors within the department to provide a supportive environment whilst maintaining quality training.
Alongside the training team ensure team members are fully proficient in performing all investigations and ensure regular training/update sessions are performed within all areas.
To promote the role and value of the Respiratory Function Service both generally and within UHL, to patients, carers, other healthcare professionals, prospective Physiology employees and visitors to the service area e.g. Attendance at careers events, observer days, open days

GENERAL

To lead on procedures which carry a recognised clinical risk.
To competently and safely perform the tests with the authority not to proceed if findings suggest the test is inappropriate or likely to be detrimental to the patient.
To be able to advise more junior staff on the procedures when required.
To plan and prioritise own duties, clinics and training activities to maximise service benefit.
To exercise a responsibility for personal and departmental day to day organisation and delivery of a quality assured respiratory function service.
To participate with clinical supervision and training for junior staff in the above procedures.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

BSc (Hons) Degree in Clinical Physiology (Respiratory) or equivalent
ARTP Practitioners Examination (or equivalent)
Demonstrates a commitment to further learning and personal development

Desirable criteria

RCCP voluntary registration

Experience

Essential criteria

Minimum of 2 years as a Qualified Respiratory Physiologist
Knowledge and practical experience of routine and complex lung function and sleep investigations
Knowledge and practical experience of other physiological investigations
Evidence of supervision and training

Skills

Essential criteria

Good organisational skills, methodical
Able to manage time effectively and prioritise workload
Able to work as a team member and able to show initiative when working alone
Attention to detail

Personal capabilities

Essential criteria

Demonstrates enthusiasm and motivation
Shows interest in caring for people

Other

Essential criteria

Flexible approach to meet the needs of the service and users
Ability to travel across sites if required

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Senior Respiratory Physiologist JD (PDF, 471.9KB)
Senior Respiratory Physiologist PS (PDF, 403.4KB)
Understanding your right to work in the UK (PDF, 1.1MB)
Employee Benefits (PDF, 578.5KB)

Senior Respiratory Physiologist

Senior Respiratory Physiologist

Share this job now