Clinical Physiologist in Respiratory & Sleep, Band 5
The closing date is 10 March 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Respiratory Physiology Services at Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust.
We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Respiratory Physiologist to join our busy expanding and evolving service. The department will offer full lung function investigations and muscle weakness testing. The sleep service offers Respiratory polygraphy, CPAP set‑up, and reviews. The skilled individual should have a comprehensive understanding of lung function testing and diagnostic sleep testing, including set‑up of oximetry and polygraphy, and a basic understanding of reporting of sleep studies. Experience in CPAP therapy troubleshooting, maintenance and advice is necessary.
The successful applicant should be a friendly and highly motivated individual that wants to excel professionally and is committed to providing a high‑quality service. You must have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Candidates must have a Clinical Physiology BSc or equivalent and should be looking to work toward ARTP examinations. The appointee should also be working toward AHCS registration.
Additional working pattern details: Monday to Friday between 08:00–19:00.
Main duties of the job
We are committed to support learning and development so a successful candidate should be confident that they will be supported to consolidate their knowledge and develop expertise.
Duties of the role would include the ability to undertake clinical activity such as:
Full pulmonary function tests including static and dynamic lung volumes, gas transfer, reversibility assessments and mannitol challenge, respiratory muscle assessments, Snip and supine spirometry.
In addition the post holder would be expected to perform CPAP follow‑up appointments, issue and return and analyse sleep assessments (oximetry and respiratory polygraphy) as well as take part in supporting patients on CPAP treatment.
Other non‑clinical duties would include:
* Responsibility for own learning and development, willingness to train in a sub‑speciality area.
* Participates in audit and research activities.
* Supports on delivering training and education across the immediate team and wider staff network.
About us
The Lung Function and Sleep Service at Gloucestershire Hospitals is a busy service with a blended staff of Physiologists, Nurses and Assistant / Associate practitioners. We are committed to seeing our staff succeed in their career journey and will look to support education opportunities and progression where possible. We operate our services from three locations: Cheltenham General as our main site, an inpatient spoke at Gloucestershire Royal and our diagnostic sleep service and at the Gloucestershire Community Diagnostic Centre at Gloucester Quays.
We have a cohort of approximately 5,500 patients using CPAP, 250 on NIV and undertook over 1,400 diagnostic sleep studies and initiated over 900 CPAP treatments. In addition we undertook pulmonary function tests on 3,500 patients.
Job responsibilities
Clinical, Scientific and Technical
* Assist the Lead for Respiratory Physiology in setting local technical standards.
* Perform a wide range of respiratory function tests: Spirometry/flow–volume loops, gas transfer measurements, bronchodilator tests, ear–lobe capillary blood gas analysis, bronchial challenge testing using mannitol (with supervision and support), respiratory muscle testing (MIP, MEP and SNIP) and supine/sitting spirometry, overnight oximetry, home polygraphy sleep studies (not including analysis) and any other tests deemed necessary by the head of the department.
* CPAP follow‑up and reviews: Train in CPAP initiation, sleep analysis and NIV clinics; carry out all techniques and work independently as an unsupervised practitioner; manage calibration and quality assurance of measurements; provide specialist professional expertise to other staff; communicate test procedures clearly and sympathetically; deliver appropriate patient care; provide cross‑cover; analyse complex information; adhere to infection control procedures; manage stock control.
Management
* Daily management of clinics, competent use of the electronic booking system, arranging appointments, liaising with clerical team, triaging urgent requests.
* Collaborate with clinicians, wards and outpatients to respond to queries regarding the lung function service and advising medical staff.
* Assist in updating and writing local policies and procedures; use IT packages to keep records and carry out audits where appropriate.
* Observance of Trust rules, policies and procedures.
Communication, Teaching and Professional Development
* Ensure accurate patient records; provide presentations and training to staff; communicate Trust‑wide changes.
* Maintain proficiency with training curricula and MSCP; participate in CPD scheme; keep up to date with current lung function techniques; conduct research and audits; maintain training certificates.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience in pulmonary function testing.
* Experience applying theoretical knowledge into patient care.
* Ability to work independently within established policies.
* Experience of CPAP treatment and management of patients.
* Experience of undertaking and reporting sleep diagnostics.
Qualifications
* BSc Clinical Physiology.
* AHCS registration or working towards.
* Experience of working in a lung function and sleep service.
* Other ARTP certifications.
* Ability to demonstrate clinical and technical competence through a portfolio of evidence.
Knowledge and Skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Proficiency in a range of IT packages.
* Ability to plan and manage own workload.
* Ability to support service development projects.
* Knowledge of home mechanical ventilation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
£31,049 to £37,796 a year (PA, pro rata if part‑time)
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