Specialised Clinical Physiologist (Neurophysiology)

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

To maintain high standards of clinical practice in accordance with RCCP / HCPC code of practice. Plan, perform and interpret Video-EEG telemetry investigations to a high level of competence without supervision and using both standard and non-standard electrode placement. Perform Video-EEG telemetry with activation procedures e.g. hyperventilation and photic stimulation when indicated. Performance of these clinical recordings includes all stages from preparing the patient for the investigations, including applying and checking the electrodes to reviewing and interpreting the recording and providing a detailed factual report. It will include being able to give a verbal description to the medical staff in the department. They should be able to recognise faults and artefacts during recordings, and rectify them where possible. They should be able to present their findings in the weekly multidisciplinary meeting. They should also be able to contribute to ward rounds and teaching sessions as appropriate. Gain competence in the more specialist techniques provided on the telemetry unit, for example electrocorticography and invasive video-EEG telemetry. Assist the more senior Clinical Physiologists in the performance of acute intraoperative electrocorticography. The post holder needs to show flexibility regarding their hours of work to deliver the clinical needs of the department, and must participate in the rota system which provides physiologist cover across 7 days between the hours of 08:00 and 18:45.Managerial and Administrative Ensure accurate data entry of patient details into the recording system and report database including Epic. Ensure that all work complies with the regulations of the Data Protection Act. Assist ward administrative staff with patient queries and bookings which may include prioritising urgent requests from medical staff and re-organising the planned workload.

Education, training and development

Participate in the education and training program for trainee neurophysiologists in line with mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs. The post-holder is encouraged to actively participate in research projects in collaboration with other senior medical staff, the level of involvement being dependent on the project. Attendance at the regular departmental meetings and seminars is expected and attendance at scientific meetings organised by the professional body, and also study days will be supported. Ensure they are actively involved in adhering to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines and professional codes of conduct.Clinical Governance and Audit: Perform audits to ensure compliance with the development of professional and local policies and procedures and clinical standards. Contribute to the process of patient and public involvement in the development of neurophysiological services. Attend departmental Quality and Safety meetings ensuring continued awareness of Health and Safety and quality assurance policies within the Department, and issues arising.

Technical Skills

This post requires technical skills with a high degree of accuracy including use of computer software either commercial or developed in house; competency in the use of patient information systems including Epic; and a high degree of dexterity and accuracy.

The Sir Jules Thorn Telemetry Unit is a self-contained dedicated unit for monitoring patients with a variety of neurological, neurosurgical and neuropsychiatric conditions, performing more than 510 video-EEG telemetry studies and over 150 actigraphy studies per year.

Our dedicated Telemetry team consists of a team of 10 highly motivated Clinical Physiologists, over 15 dedicated nursing staff, 5 consultant Neurologists/Neurophysiologists and an epilepsy fellow. Medical cover is provided by registrars and SHOs attached to Firm 1 (Epilepsy). Together with our specialist administrative team and support facilities staff we are driven by our organisations strategic objectives and organisational values of kindness, safety, teamwork and improving.

This vacancy would strongly suit an individual with several years of experience in Clinical Neurophysiology who aligns with these objectives and values.

There are 7 beds with an additional private patient bed on Bloomsbury Ward. The unit operates over a 7day period, and clinical physiologists work by rota covering the hours of 8am to 6:45pm 7days a week.

NHS patients are seen on the Telemetry Unit with patients being referred from all over the country and occasionally overseas. The majority of patients are referred from consultants based either full or part-time at NHNN, however we accept referrals from consultants across the UK for this specialist service.

In addition to the benefits provided by UCLH we offer:

• Opportunities to gain experience in more complex neurophysiological investigations with senior physiologists and Consultant Medical Staff providing training and teaching in all investigations.
• Opportunities for research involvement provided in collaboration with the Institute of Neurology, a world leading international centre for research and training in basic and clinical neuroscience.
• Managerial and leadership training courses and experience
• Support for further formal and informal training.

Access to external CPD activities.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) in Clinical Physiology (Neurophysiology) or equivalent
• IRCP Part I or equivalent
• Post Graduate Diploma or equivalent experience

Desirable

• Member of Professional Organisation

Experience

Essential

• Must be able to show that they can perform the full range of neurophysiological investigations, EEG,EPs,NCS. This will include reviewing and preparing factual reports on these studies
• Able to work autonomously in respect of standard clinical work and under supervision for more complex procedures e.g. invasive recordings and ECoG
• Able to demonstrate knowledge of specialist procedures acquired through accredited courses or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Desirable

• Able to demonstrate underpinning knowledge of more specialist skills. They must also demonstrate that they can perform long term monitoring - video-EEG telemetry/ ambulatory recording, to include reviewing and preparing a factual report on these studies.
• Evidence of experience of supervising students or trainees

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively and sensitively with all patients, some of whom may have communication difficulties or challenging/aggressive behaviour
• Able to communicate with departmental medical staff regarding the complex specialist data recorded.
• Able to communicate effectively with other health care professionals from various disciplines.
• Able to demonstrate and inform visitors about the work of the department.

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Provide evidence of practical skills to record routine neurophysiology investigations
• Provide evidence of ability to work in challenging environments.
• Demonstrate ability to work with patients with challenging or confrontational behaviour.
• Demonstrate ability to organise and prioritise their own work.

Personal and people development

Desirable

• Experience in supervising student staff and visitors.

Specific requirements

Essential

• The post holder will be required to work flexibly and participate in an on call rota.
• Post holder must have enough manual dexterity to be able to apply the electrodes accurately.

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).