Overview
Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a suitably qualified Cardiac Physiologist to join the team as Chief Cardiac Physiologist (ECHO) on a fixed-term basis (maternity cover). The closing date is 30 September 2025.
The department is active with a wide range of investigations and aims to expand as invasive services develop. The post holder will rotate across all aspects of the department, with a busy Pacemaker/ICD implant and follow-up service and a 24/7 PPCI service rotation. The Trust is a leading implant centre in Surrey for ICDs and CRTs with an extensive remotely-monitored patient population.
Applicants should have extensive bradycardia and complex pacing post-qualification experience, including remote monitoring and FSN management. A BSc in Clinical Physiology/HTEC MPPM (or equivalent) and RCCP registration are desirable. Extensive knowledge and experience in invasive techniques are essential. Further post-graduate learning for CRM (HRUK/IBHRE) is also essential. Successful applicants may rotate across both sites.
Visits to the department are encouraged. For an informal visit or further information please contact 01932 722530 or asp-tr.clinical.measurements@nhs.net.
Main duties of the job
* To have extensive experience in Echocardiography and the echocardiography service across both hospital sites alongside the Operations Manager & Principal Cardiac Physiologist, while working with other physiologists to deliver a quality clinical service.
* To be BSE accredited and undertake, supervise, and teach at a high level TTEs.
* To assist with TOE, Bubble Studies, and Stress Echoes. To eventually perform and join the Physiologist-led Bubbles studies and Dobutamine Stress Echoes.
* To maintain a progressive learning environment and ensure the development of all members of the department.
* To provide and participate in a 7-day echo service and work weekends on a rotational basis.
About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond. Our workforce includes over 3,700 staff across two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey. We run specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals, with a vision to be among the best healthcare Trusts in the country. We are committed to continuous professional development and flexible staffing to care for our patients. We are expanding theatres at Ashford Hospital toward a dedicated elective centre and aim to create a state-of-the-art centre for planned surgical procedures.
We offer NHS benefits plus:
* Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
* On-site nurseries
* On-site staff cafes
* On-site parking
* Salary Sacrifice schemes including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics
Adverts may close early; applicants are encouraged to submit an application promptly. For more information about a career at ASPH please visit www.asph-careers.org.
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:
* To participate in the provision of the full, technical echo service with BSE accreditation. If a candidate does not have BSE accreditation, funding will be provided and post-accreditation, the applicant is contracted to remain in the department for one year; early resignation may require reimbursement of BSE course and exam fees.
* To provide efficient running of the technical service by prioritising daily workloads.
* To maintain standards of technical competency in non-invasive, technical cardiac procedures.
* To review and prioritise inpatient requests for echocardiograms daily in liaison with ward/medical staff, ensuring availability of staff and resources.
* To oversee day-to-day running of the echo service, ensuring equipment is operational, clean, and stock levels are adequate.
* To manage equipment faults jointly and resolve with relevant engineers; to manage service contracts and servicing of echo equipment.
* To provide first-line interpretation and full technical reports of tests, while supporting junior staff in reporting studies.
* To respond promptly and professionally to emergencies and seek assistance as necessary.
* To assist with research studies as required and stay up to date with latest clinical physiology developments, translating them into practice.
* To ensure all patients receive appropriate and individualized care, and to undertake service provision or training in other areas as required.
Managerial:
* To provide statistical records and audits as required.
* To jointly manage the echo department alongside the second Lead Echo Cardiac Physiologist and manage junior echo staff.
* To assist with recruitment, staff retention, and the organisation and performance of the echocardiography service, including the echo rota (weekends).
* To work with the Operations Manager & Principal Cardiac Physiologist to meet Government targets and develop protocols and policies to achieve IQIPS, BSE, and European accreditation.
* To implement and adhere to local policies and guidelines reflecting current professional recommendations and evidence-based practice.
* To work in accordance with standards of the British Society for Echocardiography, SCST, RCCP; to use PAS, PRISM, CRIS, Cerner, and other relevant systems; to manage stock and budgetary resources; to balance clinical and administrative duties.
* To undertake any other reasonable duties at the discretion of the Operations Manager & Principal Cardiac Physiologist; to model professional behavior and mentor staff; to supervise training and appraisal of echocardiography staff; to contribute to incident reporting and learning.
Educational:
* Maintain own professional development and accreditation, identify training needs with the Operations Manager & Principal Cardiac Physiologist, and ensure mandatory training is up to date.
* Participate in local competency development of junior staff and maintain a progressive learning environment; support a rigorous training programme ensuring state registration for physiologists.
Administration:
* Register patient attendances on PRISM; book appointments on PRISM; use PAS to track patient progression and demographics.
* Order portering services on PAS or Cerner to facilitate movement of patients/equipment; communicate effectively by phone; maintain department cleanliness; practice cost-effective resource use.
* Rebook patients who miss appointments and manage ambulatory monitor returns; perform other duties as required by the Operations Manager & Principal Cardiac Physiologist.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc (Hons) Clinical Physiology or equivalent
* Intermediate Life Support Skills
* BSE Accreditation or equivalent
* Extensive echo experience, including stress echo and bubbles studies (Physiologist-led)
* Higher Professional qualification/Masters level
* RCCP/AHCS Registration
Experience and Knowledge
* Minimum of 6 years physiological measurements experience
* Strong knowledge across echocardiography techniques
* Experience participating in a 7-day echo service
* Staff teaching/mentoring and management
* Experience in stock control
Other Requirements
* Ability to wear a lead apron
* Willingness to work extended hours and cross-site if required
* Adaptable and flexible
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS disclosure check.
Employer name
Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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