University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Respiratory Practitioner – NCL Altered Airways & Complex Respiratory

The closing date is 11 February 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and experienced respiratory professional (this role is open to qualified Nurses, Physiotherapists or Speech and Language Therapists) to join a new service supporting altered airway and complex respiratory patients across North-Central London (NCL). This vacancy has arisen due to the current post holder taking a career break, we are recruiting to a 6-month fixed term contract to cover this. The aim of the role is to provide respiratory expertise; to facilitate hospital discharge of altered airway and complex respiratory patients, support management in the community and provide education and training for other community teams. The role is hosted by UCLH, but reviews patients across NCL and has close working links with other acute hospitals and services across NCL. We are looking for an individual with extensive experience in the management of altered airway and complex respiratory patients. Experience working in the community, project management skills or previous experience developing a service are desirable. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and motivated person who can provide decisive and effective therapy input and demonstrate high level communication skills and a flexible approach when working under pressure. This would be an ideal secondment for someone looking to further their experience.

Main duties of the job

o To input to the design and delivery of this service; while supporting complex respiratory management of patients across NCL. o To provide support to facilitate discharge from and avoid admission to hospital for these individuals. o To provide expert clinical advice through training, guidance and information to the community teams and people who support the patients at home o To be an experienced practitioner in all aspects of respiratory practice, developing an advanced level of professional autonomy and accountability in the provision of such care. o To be an expert practitioner in delivering high quality respiratory care in domiciliary and community settings. o To work within multi-disciplinary teams and liaise appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team and service users both within local hospitals and in area's anticipatory care system. o Jointly with the other team members you will lead, co-ordinate and evaluate acute respiratory care within NCL, working in partnership with all other disciplines to facilitate further service development ensuring that the clinical governance agenda and national recommendations are realised. o To promote NCL as a national leader in developing community respiratory expertise for altered airways and complex acute respiratory. o In line with the Trust's commitment to Clinical Governance, develop, lead and implement standards for clinical audit to evaluate clinical effectiveness and promote excellence within the service.

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:o University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)o National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgeryo Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitalso University College Hospital Grafton Way Buildingo Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicineo University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centreo The Hospital for Tropical Diseaseso University College Hospital at Westmoreland StreetWe are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.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.

Details

Date posted

28 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£56,276 to £63,176 a year Per annum Inclusive

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

309-UCLH-7354

Job locations

University College London Hospital

235 Euston Road

London

NW1 2BU


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit: Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit: Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree/Diploma in Nursing/Physiotherapy/Speech and Language Therapy
  • NMC/HCPC Registration
  • Working at 'M' level as demonstrated by ongoing CPD
  • Commitment to advanced clinical and professional development

Desirable

  • Recognised post graduate qualification e.g. MSc
  • Membership of Special Interest Group
  • Member of relevant appropriate multi professional interest group

Experience

Essential

  • Post registration experience in respiratory management within the NHS
  • Significant experience at a Band 6 level within acute care ideally within Head and neck, Respiratory Medicine and/or Critical Care
  • Highly specialist knowledge & experience of a wide range of approaches to the management of patients with complex respiratory needs, demonstrated by advanced clinical reasoning.
  • Expert level of knowledge in the application of all respiratory modalities including suctioning, non-invasive respiratory support, cough assist, vests and LVR bags etc
  • Expert level of knowledge in Altered Airway Management (Tracheostomy and laryngectomy management)
  • Previous experience of formal presentations to multi professional groups
  • Evidence of continued professional development - reviewing current practice and research developments within respiratory care and application to clinical practice
  • Demonstrated understanding of the role of respiratory practitioner within the current evolving health environment
  • Robust understanding of all aspects of Clinical Governance including previous experience of quality issues, audit and risk management.
  • Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Clear understanding of other disciplines' roles and expectations

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working with people with Neurological or Learning Disabilities
  • Experience of delivering services in the community
  • Experience of Quality Improvement projects
  • Evidence of presentation of own service improvement projects
  • Previous experience of student and staff supervision, clinical education and management.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to work independently or as part of a team
  • Excellent time management, leadership and organisational skills
  • Ability to comprehend and work within the local policies including data protection, equal opportunities and Health and Safety to meet the differing needs of the patient
  • Experience in service development
  • Able to recognise work related stress and pressures in yourself and others.
  • Confidence in teaching multi-disciplinary staff groups
  • Conduct professional affairs in a confident and assertive manner.

Desirable

  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Competent IT skills
  • Evidence of practically applied appropriate extended scope practitioner skills

Communication Personal and People Development

Essential

  • Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical fashion.
  • Able to effectively articulate expert perspective with medical colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team, when conflicting management options are available.
  • Able to use a range of expert verbal and non-verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with patients, carers and other professionals.
  • Able motivate and persuade others (including staff and patients) through advanced communication skills, using written and electronic information where needed.
  • Ability to keep legible and accurate records in English in accordance with documentation Policies
  • Able to deliver highly sensitive and complex information requiring highly developed educational or counselling role.
  • Able to o diffuse potentially hostile and antagonistic situations with staff, patients and relatives, using highly developed negotiation and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to identify, develop and agree own personal development plan with feedback from MDT.
  • Able to generates and use appropriate learning opportunities
  • Able to actively promote the workplace as a learning environment.

Desirable

  • Able to represent the team to Provider and external agencies, and on a local, national and international level.
  • Basic knowledge of Makaton
  • Able to support and develop others to make realistic self-assessments of their application of knowledge and skills.
  • Able to develop others in a manner that is consistent with legislation, policies and procedures

Specific Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to exert moderate to intense physical effort for frequent period of up to 60 minutes at a time throughout the working day.
  • Able to carry out concurrent activities (multi-tasking) and work in an unpredictable working pattern (will be required to carry a mobile phone).
  • Ability to frequently cope with working in a stressful environment and with intense concentration for periods of up to 60 minutes at a time throughout the day
  • Ability to cope with daily exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions (i.e. sputum, body fluids, fleas, incontinence, verbal abuse, lone working etc)
  • To be prepared to participate in 7-day services as required.

Values

Essential

  • Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improving

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

  • Demonstratable understanding of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and/or Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties
Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree/Diploma in Nursing/Physiotherapy/Speech and Language Therapy
  • NMC/HCPC Registration
  • Working at 'M' level as demonstrated by ongoing CPD
  • Commitment to advanced clinical and professional development

Desirable

  • Recognised post graduate qualification e.g. MSc
  • Membership of Special Interest Group
  • Member of relevant appropriate multi professional interest group

Experience

Essential

  • Post registration experience in respiratory management within the NHS
  • Significant experience at a Band 6 level within acute care ideally within Head and neck, Respiratory Medicine and/or Critical Care
  • Highly specialist knowledge & experience of a wide range of approaches to the management of patients with complex respiratory needs, demonstrated by advanced clinical reasoning.
  • Expert level of knowledge in the application of all respiratory modalities including suctioning, non-invasive respiratory support, cough assist, vests and LVR bags etc
  • Expert level of knowledge in Altered Airway Management (Tracheostomy and laryngectomy management)
  • Previous experience of formal presentations to multi professional groups
  • Evidence of continued professional development - reviewing current practice and research developments within respiratory care and application to clinical practice
  • Demonstrated understanding of the role of respiratory practitioner within the current evolving health environment
  • Robust understanding of all aspects of Clinical Governance including previous experience of quality issues, audit and risk management.
  • Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Clear understanding of other disciplines' roles and expectations

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working with people with Neurological or Learning Disabilities
  • Experience of delivering services in the community
  • Experience of Quality Improvement projects
  • Evidence of presentation of own service improvement projects
  • Previous experience of student and staff supervision, clinical education and management.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to work independently or as part of a team
  • Excellent time management, leadership and organisational skills
  • Ability to comprehend and work within the local policies including data protection, equal opportunities and Health and Safety to meet the differing needs of the patient
  • Experience in service development
  • Able to recognise work related stress and pressures in yourself and others.
  • Confidence in teaching multi-disciplinary staff groups
  • Conduct professional affairs in a confident and assertive manner.

Desirable

  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Competent IT skills
  • Evidence of practically applied appropriate extended scope practitioner skills

Communication Personal and People Development

Essential

  • Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical fashion.
  • Able to effectively articulate expert perspective with medical colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team, when conflicting management options are available.
  • Able to use a range of expert verbal and non-verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with patients, carers and other professionals.
  • Able motivate and persuade others (including staff and patients) through advanced communication skills, using written and electronic information where needed.
  • Ability to keep legible and accurate records in English in accordance with documentation Policies
  • Able to deliver highly sensitive and complex information requiring highly developed educational or counselling role.
  • Able to o diffuse potentially hostile and antagonistic situations with staff, patients and relatives, using highly developed negotiation and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to identify, develop and agree own personal development plan with feedback from MDT.
  • Able to generates and use appropriate learning opportunities
  • Able to actively promote the workplace as a learning environment.

Desirable

  • Able to represent the team to Provider and external agencies, and on a local, national and international level.
  • Basic knowledge of Makaton
  • Able to support and develop others to make realistic self-assessments of their application of knowledge and skills.
  • Able to develop others in a manner that is consistent with legislation, policies and procedures

Specific Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to exert moderate to intense physical effort for frequent period of up to 60 minutes at a time throughout the working day.
  • Able to carry out concurrent activities (multi-tasking) and work in an unpredictable working pattern (will be required to carry a mobile phone).
  • Ability to frequently cope with working in a stressful environment and with intense concentration for periods of up to 60 minutes at a time throughout the day
  • Ability to cope with daily exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions (i.e. sputum, body fluids, fleas, incontinence, verbal abuse, lone working etc)
  • To be prepared to participate in 7-day services as required.

Values

Essential

  • Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improving

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

  • Demonstratable understanding of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and/or Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties

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).

Additional information

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

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University College London Hospital

235 Euston Road

London

NW1 2BU


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University College London Hospital

235 Euston Road

London

NW1 2BU


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead Physio

Jessica Lipman

Jessica.lipman@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

28 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£56,276 to £63,176 a year Per annum Inclusive

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

309-UCLH-7354

Job locations

University College London Hospital

235 Euston Road

London

NW1 2BU


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)