Senior Respiratory Physiologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical/ Technical Responsibilities

1.1 To plan, undertake and perform simple initial interpretation on a range of diagnostic assessments and treatment interventions. Such investigations and treatment interventions could include:

• Spirometry, peak flow measurements/PEF diaries;
• Gas transfer factor testing;
• Static lung volumes;
• Reversibility of airways obstruction with bronchodilators;
• Skin allergy tests;
• 6 minute walk test testing and interpretation;
• Overnight sleep apnoea screening (home polygraphy);
• Capillary blood gas performance and analysis;
• Exhaled and nasal nitric oxide;
• Exhaled carbon monoxide;
• Bronchial provocation tests for tests for the diagnosis of asthma/ bronchial hyper-responsiveness (methacholine/mannitol, exercise induced asthma);
• Respiratory muscle strength assessment;
• Forced oscillation;
• Hypoxic challenge;
• Undertake basic sleep diagnostic set up, and downloading with basic interpretation in polygraphy only;
• CPAP setup, troubleshooting, and follow up
• Maintain accurate documentation and quality control of all diagnostic activities

1.2 Produce detailed reports and write letters to General Practitioners clearly documenting results of assessments, diagnosis and treatment plans. Update patient notes and databases as necessary.

1.3 To ensure that the unit and its activities are carried out in accordance with the Trust policies and protocols on infection control, risk management, data protection and Health and Safety.

1.4 Deal with telephone enquiries.

1.5 Maintain clinical Infection control cleaning schedule and complete relevant charts, reporting any concerns.

1.6 Obtain patients weight, height, oxygen saturations (SpO2) and BP during inpatient studies and before consultation.

1.7 To assist in the training of colleagues to the highest possible standards and send on external training courses when considered appropriate.

1.8 Provide training/information for other healthcare employees who request it.

1.9 Responsible for data archiving and safe and adequate storage of all clinical data.

1.10 Ensure that adequate stocks of all consumables are maintained.

1.11 Attend courses and conferences to increase knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the role.

1.12 Participate in mandatory training and annual updates.

Communication & Relationships

1.13 Obtain comprehensive medical history and consent prior to testing to ensure safe practice.

1.14 Communicate requirements for accurate performance of appropriate investigations to patients/participants/subjects/service users through building and maintaining a good rapport.

1.15 Communicate findings to senior colleagues and provide support and reassurance to patients.

Planning and Organisation

1.16 Ensure the quality control and calibration of all equipment within the department and report any faults in a timely fashion. Take leadership for performing frequent calibration and validation techniques including mechanical verification and biological control procedures for quality assurance.

1.17 Organise and manage clinic lists on a daily basis ensuring all patient referrals are received prior to patient testing.

1.18 Support triage referral.

1.19 Ensure that local clinical protocols are updated in conjunction with Highly Specialised Respiratory Physiologist, Lead Clinician and Lead Sleep Physiologist.

1.20 Effectively manage own workload.

1.21 Contribute to audits and service improvements, alongside medical research.

1.22 Work with the CDC team to ensure that the national waiting time targets are met through effective scheduling of workload and responding to patient demand.

Managing Resources

1.23 Manage stock and consumables required in the lung function laboratory such as bacterial filters and special gas cylinders.

1.24 Work with Highly Specialised Respiratory Physiologist, Lead Clinician and Lead Sleep Physiologist in identifying ways of improving efficiency, cost savings and service enhancement.

1.25 Ensure resources are used efficiently.

1.26 Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures.

Training and Development

1.27 Attend, participate in and lead departmental training sessions and team meetings.

1.28 Maintain own skills and competencies on all diagnostic equipment and medical devices.

1.29 Assist in training of PTP and Apprenticeship level 4 and 6 students in a range of technologies, helping to develop and expand the range of skills within the unit.

1.30 Participate in own annual appraisal, ensuring own professional development plan is devised and objectives met

1.31 Willing to undergo further training/ study in line with professional development.

1.32 Support and deliver spirometry training courses.

Research and Development

1.33 Assist in clinical trials and research projects as directed by Consultants and/ Highly Specialised Respiratory Physiologist and Lead Sleep Physiologist.

1.34 Inform and obtain consent from participants ensuing that protocols are met. Ensure documentation is appropriately completed.

1.35 Work with LFT Pathway Coordinators, Consultants, Highly Specialised Respiratory, Respiratory Physiologist, Physiologist and Lead Sleep Physiologist and Learning & Development team to identify areas service improvement.

1.36 Undertaking in-house audit.

1.37 Presentation of outcomes of audit/non-commercial/academic research at national and/or international meetings.

Personal and Professional Development

1.38 Participate in the Trusts annual appraisal system designed to identify objectives and personal development opportunities.

1.39 Participate in the Trusts annual pay progression review (if applicable).

1.40 Ensure that all mandatory training is up to date.

1.41 The post holder will be responsible for continually maintaining their working knowledge of local practices, policies and procedures and highlight ongoing training and development needs to their manager.

Communication & Relationships

1.42 Provide and receive complex and sensitive information requiring tact, empathy and reassurance, especially when discussing diagnostic findings and long-term treatment options.

1.43 Use motivational and persuasive communication techniques to support patient adherence to therapeutic plans such as CPAP and lifestyle changes.

1.44 Adapt communication style for patients with cognitive impairments, emotional distress, or language barriers to ensure full understanding.

1.45 Offer expert guidance to junior staff and students, using effective interpersonal skills in supervision and mentorship.

People Management Responsibilities

1.46 Undertake recruitment tasks including job planning, shortlisting, and interviewing.

1.47 Supervise and line manage junior staff (e.g. Band 5 Respiratory Physiologists), including rota management, training coordination, and workload delegation.

1.48 Conduct appraisals and performance reviews, supporting career development and identifying training needs.

1.49 Hold wellbeing conversations, manage sickness absence, and initiate informal performance conversations in line with HR policies.

1.50 Monitor and ensure full compliance with statutory and mandatory training requirements across the team.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience performing physiological tests on a variety of different populations
• Competence in performing and reporting a wide range of respiratory physiology tests (e.g. spirometry, gas transfer, lung volumes, reversibility)

Desirable

• Experience supporting training of junior staff

Qualifications

Essential

• Graduate in Respiratory Physiology or relevant healthcare science degree or able to demonstrate specialist knowledge within this field through practical experience

Desirable

• Registered with The Academy for Healthcare Science
• MSc in Respiratory Physiology or completion of the Scientist Training Programme (STP) or equivalent

Knowledge

Essential

• Good theoretical knowledge of a broad range of fundamental respiratory/ sleep investigations

Desirable

• Experience in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) or Experience in sleep diagnostics

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

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Queen Victoria Hospital

Holtye Road

East Grinstead

RH19 3DZ

Employer's website

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