Lead Respiratory Physiologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will need to act as the clinical lead for diagnostic respiratory investigations at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital (including PFT, CPX, Sleep, Allergy testing, CPAP and Sleep). They will need to demonstrate a versatile, proactive approach to their duties in order to meet the variety of needs this position demands. This includes the full compliment of cardiology & respiratory diagnostic testing. The post holder must be able to perform and analyse the tests independently/unsupervised.

Respiratory Testing

Full Lung Function and Reversibility, Bronchial Challenge, Oxygen Assessment for Air Travel, Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing, Six-Minute walk test, Home Sleep Studies, CPAP, Skin Prick Allergy Testing, Overnight SpO2; SpO2, PEF/FEV1 Home Studies, Capillary Blood Gases, FeNo.

Cardiology

12 Lead ECGs, Fitting of 24hr 7day ECG Monitoring (holter & Ziopatch) and Analysis, Event Monitoring, Blood pressure Monitoring, Exercise Testing and Administrative duties.

Strong organisational skills, communication skills and flexibility are essential

5.1 Professional

1. To participate in respiratory investigations and assist in cardiology testing within your own skill-base, and have working knowledge of all aspects of all services, including administrational duties. This will include performing tests and providing the reports.

2. The post holder will be expected to act as an independent practitioner without direct supervision on the full library of Respiratory Testing, ECG, Tape analysis

3. Be aware of ARTP, BTS, SCST and NICE guidelines and to carry out all procedures in accordance with these nationally agreed guidelines and policies of the department and hospital.

4. To maintain expertise in cardiac resuscitation procedures in accordance with agreed and established policies.

5. To ensure that patients and, where appropriate their relatives or representatives have a clear understanding of procedures to be undertaken.

6. Ensure that all tests performed, and those done by other health professionals are in accordance with nationally recognised standards.

5.2 Clinical

1. Responsible for calibration of complex lung function and respiratory testing equipment to ensure accurate results

2. To implement quality controls and assurance in accordance with agreed standards

3. Cleaning the respiratory function equipment in accordance with the hospital infection control policy on the cleaning of bio hazards.

4. Perform the full compliment of respiratory function testing namely lung function, reversibility studies, broncho-provocation challenge using Methacholine without medical supervision.

5. Perform other specialist respiratory testing namely, allergy skin prick testing, oxygen assessment for air travel, sleep study and scoring, CPAP, overnight oximetry, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing.

6. Maintain accurate records for the CPAP service including initial consultation for mask fitting and device air titration, monitoring through trial period and conducting annual reviews.

7. Assist with the full compliment of cardiology investigations namely, ECGs, Fitting of ECG monitors (Holter, ZioPatch & Event) and BP monitors

8. To assist with medically unsupervised/physiologist-led Exercise Testing with ILS certified physiologist. To assess patients suitability for test and to stop test when clinically appropriate. To take whatever action necessary during adverse incident.

9. To exercise clear clinical judgement when deciding to commence, terminate or abandon an investigation should the risks outweigh the diagnostic / treatment benefit.

10. Write technical reports for all investigations.

11. Participate in the development and implementation of policies and protocols within the department of respiratory physiology & cardiology.

12. Undertake research and clinical audit in conjunction with the physicians and manager.

13. Maintain ILS training to assist during cardiac arrest situations in the department.

5.3 Communication

1. Communicate complex respiratory function results to consultants.

2. Communicate all test procedures and other related information to patients.

3. To communicate and liaise with all staff groups effectively.

4. To maintain accurate written and computerised records of procedures and reports.

5. Attend meetings as required/requested and provide feedback for the team.

5.4 Educational

1. To assist in the training and professional development of junior staff members.

2. To participate in the promotion and evaluation of new policies, procedures and services.

3. Take an active role in training of cardiac staff in respiratory investigations.

4. Maintain own proficiency in cardio-respiratory investigation through CPD.

5. Maintain ARTP and/or RCCP registration.

5.5 Management / Supervisory

1. To lead on the clinical development for the respiratory service

2. Day to day supervision of the Respiratory Physiologist (including by not limited to: probation reviews, regular and annual performance reviews).

3. Responsible for acquisition and re-sale of CPAP equipment to patients

4. To take on the lead responsibility for aspects of the respiratory service after probationary period.

5. Responsible for acquisition and stock control of consumables and to maintain skin pick testing service.

6. To assist the Head of Department on the marketing plan and service development of this area.

5.6 General

1. Be an ambassador of the Hospital values.

2. Liaise with other hospital departments as required and maintain good working relationships.

3. To build a strong network with consultants and their secretaries.

4. To participate in departmental meetings.

5. To actively participate in the promotion and evaluation of new policies and procedures relating to departmental development.

6. To follow all protocols as laid out in the department/ Hospital standards

7. To work flexible hours to cover the needs of service.

8. Any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Head of Department which will improve the service given to the patient and consultant users within the departments.

9. To demonstrate existing procedures to new starters to support their induction and as directed by the Head of Department.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• 1.BSc in Clinical Physiology or equivalent
• 2.ILS / ALS
• 3.RCCP and ARTP registration
• 4.ARTP part 1 and part 2 or overseas equivalent.
• Experience as independent practitioner in respiratory investigations
• 2.Proven relevant experience of respiratory physiology, which will include scoring and setting up sleep studies and skin prick testing.
• 3.CPAP initial setting, titration, trouble-shooting and follow-up
• 4.Respiratory function testing.
• 5.Independently perform 12 lead ECG and monitor fitting (incl. Holter, Ziopatch & BP)
• 6.Physiologist led and Doctor supervised Exercise Tests (ETT, CPEx & Stress Echocardiogram).
• 7.24 hour ECG independent analysis.
• 1.Able to perform a wide range of non-invasive investigations independently.
• 2.Understanding of respiratory and cardiac procedures and techniques even if not yet performing some of the more complex procedures.
• 3.Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• 4.Leadership skills.
• 5.Teaching skills.
• 6.IT skills

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.

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 Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth

Address

60 Grove End Road

St John’s Wood

London

NW8 9NH

Employer's website

https://www.hje.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)