Specialist Healthcare Science Practitioner/ Clinical Scientist
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Specialist Healthcare Science Practitioner / Specialist Cardiac Physiologist / Clinical Scientist to join our friendly team providing Cardiology and Respiratory diagnostics services. The principal hospitals within County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust are The University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Bishop Auckland Hospital, and Shotley Bridge Hospital. The Cardiology & Respiratory Investigations Units comprise a team of approximately 40 staff delivering a broad range of invasive and non-invasive procedures including echocardiography, stress echocardiography, trans-oesophageal echocardiography, diagnostic angiography, pacing implant/follow-up, complex device follow-up, tilt testing, and nerve conduction studies. The base for this position is Darlington Memorial Hospital. We are committed to developing our services and supporting personal development and role extension, providing learning and professional development opportunities.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will work within a busy Cardio-Respiratory department, specializing in cardiac rhythm management/devices and invasive cardiac procedures. Responsibilities include producing evidence-based clinical reports, training healthcare professionals and students, supervising junior staff, and deputizing for senior staff as needed. The candidate will ensure protocols and procedures meet local and national good practice standards.
About us
Applicants must accept an interview slot in the system to proceed, even if previously arranged with the manager. All essential certificates listed in the person specification must be produced for pre-employment checks. Our services span hospital and community settings across multiple locations, including Darlington, Durham, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, and others. We welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates to promote diversity. Full job descriptions are available in the supporting documents. We discourage over-reliance on AI-generated content. For visa and eligibility information, please check online.
From April 9th, 2025, healthcare assistants require a minimum of two years NHS experience for sponsorship considerations, contingent on visa status.
Job responsibilities
The candidate must be a specialist in invasive cardiac diagnostics, cardiac rhythm and device management, and capable of deriving clinical reports. Experience in a Cardiac Investigations department at band 5 or 6 level is required, along with registration on the AHCS / HCPC register. For non-registered applicants, Annex 21 applies until the advanced qualification (BHRS/IBHRE Certified Cardiac Device Specialist Exam) is obtained. A current Immediate Life Support certificate is required or must be obtained within six months of employment.
Person Specification
Special Requirements
* Able to travel across Trust sites as needed
Qualifications
* BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science: Cardiac Physiology or MSc Clinical Science (Cardiac Science) or equivalent, with acceptance onto relevant professional register.
* For those not yet eligible, Annex 21 applies.
* Working towards or holding BHRS Certification/HRUK Certification/IBHRE Allied Professionals Certified Cardiac Device Exam.
* Immediate Life Support certificate or willingness to obtain within six months.
Skills & Knowledge
* Organizational and prioritization skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication
* Proficiency in cardiology and respiratory diagnostic procedures
* Understanding of cardiovascular physiology and pathologies
* Knowledge of relevant medications and ability to administer appropriately
* Analytical skills for complex data interpretation and reporting
* Patient assessment and escalation skills
* Supervisory and mentoring experience
* Commitment to evidence-based practice and quality standards
Experience
* Experience in Cardiac Rhythm Management/Devices and Invasive Cardiology
* Experience at Band 5 or 6 level or equivalent
* Experience in a Cardiac investigations unit and various diagnostic procedures
* Experience with audit and quality assurance
* Experience training multidisciplinary staff
Statutory Registration
* Registered with AHCS or HCPC
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any criminal convictions.
Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per year (AFC Band 6, pro-rata)
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