Senior Cardiac Physiologist (Band 6)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Clinical

Perform and provisionally report transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) in accordance with British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) standards.

Independently perform other cardiac investigations including ECGs, Ambulatory monitoring, Holter Analysis, HUTT, AFT, and exercise tolerance tests as required.

Under supervision, participate in stress echo, contrast echo, and transoesophageal echo sessions as appropriate.

Responsible for ensuring patients are monitored appropriately during investigations and procedures. Awareness of adverse clinical conditions/clinical events occurring during the investigations and ensuring swift and appropriate action is taken to minimize life threatening or significant medical events.

Perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation and recognise life-threatening arrhythmias, initiating prompt and appropriate action.

Ensure accurate documentation, measurement, and archiving of all echocardiographic studies.

Communicate results clearly to medical and nursing staff, escalating urgent findings appropriately in timely manner.

Clean ultrasound systems, probes, accessories and associated items in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and departmental and Trust policy.

Identify stock needs and aid in maintaining stock levels.

Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of service quality through audit, CPD, and participation in training activities.

Flexibly rotate across multiple trust sites and support a 7-day working model.

Accommodate the occasional need for overtime to ensure that any ongoing procedure is completed safely and effectively, with additional working hours compensated by time off in lieu.

Ensure all Trust mandatory training is up to date.

Use PPE when indicated as per Trust policy.

Assist with triaging requests using in-house database for appropriateness and relevancy, prioritising caseload depending on clinical urgency.

To be familiar with current developments in the field of Cardiology.

Undertake any additional duties that may arise due to advancements in technology, changes in clinical practices, or the evolving nature of service provision within the Cardiology Directorate, consistent with the grade of this post.

Operational Duties

Contribute to the organisation of daily workloads to meet clinical demands and waiting time targets.

Ensure all equipment is maintained, calibrated, and faults are reported promptly.

Provide supervision, mentorship, and support for junior staff and trainees.

Adhere to all Trust policies, including infection prevention and control, health and safety, and confidentiality.

Service Development and Improvement:

Support the delivery of clinical technical services that underpin patient care.

Stay updated on developments in cardiology and professional practice in collaboration with departmental leads.

Support in providing and develop specialist services to meet patient and departmental needs.

Support the maintenance and correct functioning of all equipment used.

Assist with the development and implementation of departmental protocols and policies.

Responsibility for Dealing with Difficult Situations

Remain vigilant in high-risk areas and respond promptly to emergency situations such as life-threatening arrhythmias.

Implement immediate life support interventions, including cardiac defibrillation when indicated.

Work effectively in high-pressure environments, prioritising tasks dynamically to meet urgent clinical needs.

Manage aggressive or distressed patients with professionalism and empathy.

Regularly perform investigations on critically ill and end-of-life patients with sensitivity and care.

Physical Working Conditions and Environment

Frequent repetitive scanning movements may increase the risk of strain injuries to wrists, shoulders, and back.

Regular manual handling of patients when assisting with positioning and mobility for procedures.

Sustained visual concentration required for scanning and VDU work, increasing risk of eye strain.

Work frequently in dimly lit environments to optimise image quality.

Regular interruptions due to clinical queries or result requests.

Maintain concentration when analysing complex arrhythmias and other cardiac data.

Clinical and Technical Expertise

Possess specialised knowledge across a broad range of cardiac investigations supported by strong theoretical understanding.

Ensure all equipment is maintained, calibrated, and faults reported promptly to management and EMBE.

Stay up to date with advancements in cardiology and echocardiography technology.

Contribute to departmental meetings, audits, and the continuous improvement of services.

Person Specification

Education/ qualifications

Essential

• BSc degree in Clinical Physiology / Human Physiology
• Previous experience of working within NHS at Band 5 level or equivalent for at least 18 months.
• Working towards British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) Accreditation or equivalent
• ILS certification
• Evidence of continuing education and professional development.

Desirable

• Experience in stress and transoesophageal echocardiography.
• Evidence of participation in audit or quality improvement projects.
• Master's level or higher degree in Cardiology

Skills, abilities and attributes

Essential

• Good echocardiography technique and knowledge of cardiac anatomy and pathology
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff across different levels and professional backgrounds.
• Capacity to overcome language barriers to ensure effective communication.
• Basic IT skills and proficiency in using standard software applications.
• Strong team player, committed to achieving the best outcomes for patient care.
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Flexibility to work across multiple sites as required.

Desirable

• Advanced IT and presentation abilities to support clinical and educational needs

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Proven experience in performing and provisionally reporting adult transthoracic echocardiogram independently.
• Proficiency in operating GE and Philips Echo machines
• Knowledge of Change Health Care Reporting System
• Proven experience in using Cerner and Rego System
• Proven experience of working in CDC
• Proven experience of performing HUTT
• Proven understanding of complex ECG interpretations, including the ability to accurately analyse standard 12- lead ECG recordings and be able to independently analyse holter monitors using Spacelabs system
• Proven experience in performing ETT
• Demonstrated capability to recognise and promptly identify life-threatening arrhythmias

Desirable

• Experience in research and development, ideally in a clinical setting

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.

Employer details

Employer name

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

Ealing Hospital

Southall

UB1 3HW

Employer's website

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