Specialist Perfusion Scientist (ECMO)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

Select and prepare under sterile conditions the appropriate cardiopulmonary bypass equipment according to the needs of the patient and the surgical procedure. This involves manual handling of heavy equipment.

Implement a perfusion strategy for an individual patient based on the pre assessment of the patient records and discussion with the relevant medical group, whilst being aware that this information may be incomplete or subjective. This will involve close working relationships with staff in an often stressful working environment.

To be prepared to deliver highly specialised and autonomous adult and paediatric cardiopulmonary bypass services, occasionally without recourse to assistance or advice

Use evidence based practice to maximise clinical effectiveness.

• To be responsible for patient parameters whilst on cardiopulmonary bypass with the administration of drugs within set guidelines.

Full participation in a highly skilled, 24hr on-call service. Again this will require autonomous practice where decisions of a highly complex nature regarding treatment modalities will need to be made.

Initiate, lead, and manage the specialist assist device services provided by the perfusion department including VV- and VA-ECMO, extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R), and ventricular assist devices service to patients and other multi-disciplinary teams including initial assembly and technical support throughout the ECMO period.

In collaboration with the Head of perfusion, and other members of the multidisciplinary team, use evidence based practice to develop guidelines that ensure that the ECMO service and training reflects current practice at a global standard

Deliver, advise and troubleshoot a competent Intra-Aortic Balloon Counter Pulsation (IABP) service to all areas of the hospital.

Ensure that stock levels are maintained at all times.

Ensure all equipment is maintained and decontaminated to the latest departmental and department of health standards.

Be proactive in the blood conservation programme following the better transfusion policy, by providing cell salvage to all patients.

Administer blood transfusions following the better blood transfusion policy.

Offer a blood management service to all specialties.

Be familiar with all emergency procedures for equipment failure and act according to the department procedures, ensuring patient safety.

To perform quality assurance procedures and checks. Taking the appropriate action in the event of failure.

Assist with the provision of a near patient testing service and provide interpretation of the results.

Deal empathetically with patients, carers and staff in difficult situations.

Provide teaching training and support of senior clinical perfusionists and trainee clinical perfusionists whilst demonstrating teaching skills.

Undertake all clinical duties and responsibilities in accordance with the current policies and practices of Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust.

Maintain accurate real time patient records with regard to all current data protection and clinical governance policies.

Patient/customer care

To lead the provision of perfusion ECMO care in accordance with the Trust Policies, reflecting current trends and developments in perfusion services and the wider NHS.

Leading the team in the development and maintenance of the department ethos and to deliver a standard approach to excellent perfusion practice.

• Using clinical audit to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the ECMO programmes of care. Actively seek evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meet the evolving needs of the patient.

Lead in setting goals and benchmarking standards of care both internally and nationally in conjunction with appropriate external centres providing ECMO therapy to develop tools to improve the quality of the local and national service and co-ordinate clinical services across the department and other service areas.

Analyse, interpret and understand highly complex clinical situations that may present both in and outside the organisation regarding the decision to support a patient with ECMO therapy.

To comply with and participate in the Trusts framework for Clinical Governance within the department area.

To regularly take charge of the clinical area in the absence of the head of perfusion, utilising resources effectively and to ensure that safe staffing levels are maintained for the perceived service requirements.

In conjunction with the head of perfusion provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical and psychological well being of staff, patients / clients and their relatives / carers.

Be aware of potential clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is implemented in accordance with Trust policies.

Record and report all incidents, accidents or complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies. Act as lead in any investigations where required to do so by the head of perfusion.

Using governance frameworks, monitor the quality of the perfusion service in order to continually maintain and improve agreed standards under the direction of the head of perfusion.

Ensure through good practice that customer care initiatives are improved and sustained.Act as a resource for advice to patients, relatives / carers and staff.

To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients & staff in line with national strategy requirements.

Person Specification

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

• Accreditation by The Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland

Desirable

• Society of Clinical Perfusionists of great Britain and Ireland Advanced Certificate

Experience

Essential

• Extensive Post qualification experience
• Postgraduate knowledge

Desirable

• Knowledge of imaging systems
• A knowledge of the NHS plan, relevant National Service Frameworks, national directives and clinical governance.

Skills

Essential

• Familiar with a wide range of routine and specialist Cardiopulmonary Bypass techniques

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

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP

Employer's website

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)