Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
We are looking to recruit a Respiratory Associate to join our friendly and enthusiastic team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals. Consideration will be given to candidates who do not have an associate qualification to start as Band 3 Assistant and progress to Band 4 upon completion of assessments. This post is ideal for a graduate or school leaver keen to pursue a career in healthcare science.
The successful candidate will have or work towards the attainment of the ARTP Associate assessment. Upon completing training, you will assist in providing high-quality lung function and sleep services, perform investigations independently, and liaise with medical staff and senior colleagues on the appropriate use of tests and investigations.
Our department actively delivers training and has an excellent record supporting the Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) and the Scientist Training Programme (STP).
The post holder will work with the team to ensure patients with a suspicion of cancer receive timely investigations.
The post is based at Worcester Royal Hospital but requires work on other Trust sites. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust comprises three hospitals: The Alexandra Hospital, Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and Kidderminster Treatment Centre. All sites are well connected via M42 and M5 motorways.
Main duties of the job
Initially, the main duties will be to gain experience in the respiratory physiology department, learning departmental processes, issuing sleep studies, and performing lung function tests. You will complete competencies while working towards the ARTP qualification if not already registered.
Once competencies are completed, you will perform routine tests independently on a variety of patients of all ages and conditions, including:
* Spirometry and related tests, Flow Volume Loops, response to bronchodilators, etc.
* Lung function tests such as lung volumes via body plethysmography, Helium dilution, N2 washout, and gas transfer via the single breath method.
* 6-minute walk tests, skin prick testing, ear-lobe capillary blood gases, muscle function assessments, and issuing sleep study equipment.
* CPAP mask fit guidance with pressure titration and monitoring.
Identify patients requiring support from senior colleagues or the Sleep and Ventilation MDT.
Participate in departmental representation at lung cancer and ILD MDT meetings.
Provide technical interpretation of investigations, adhering to current standards, guidelines, and departmental protocols.
Act appropriately in the event of significant adverse findings, alerting physicians or senior staff when immediate medical attention is required.
Work in partnership with other care providers to maintain high-quality care.
About us
Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We seek exceptional colleagues to help us achieve this.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust provides a range of local acute services to Worcestershire residents and specialized services to a broader population. Our workforce exceeds 7,000 staff, recognized for delivering good and outstanding patient-centered care. Join us to be part of this mission.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us, aligned with our Vision: working in partnership to provide the best healthcare, leading and supporting our teams to move forward. Our 4ward behaviors underpin our daily work and core values.
Our objectives include:
* Best services for local people
* Best experience of care and outcomes for patients
* Best use of resources
* Best people
Our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for the Trust, hospitals, and services. We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to flexible working as a flex-positive employer.
Job responsibilities
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Job Description
Post Title: Respiratory Associate Physiologist
Pay Band: Band 4
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Location and Department: Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Alexandra Hospital Redditch, and Kidderminster Treatment Centre Cardiopulmonary departments
Accountable to: Countywide Respiratory Physiology Lead
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: All patient categories within the trust, medical, nursing, clerical, ancillary, and engineering staff. External: Patients, relatives, the public, GPs, paramedics, company reps, and training advisors.
Job Purpose:
The post holder will support the respiratory physiology service in providing diagnostics and sleep therapies to Worcestershire's population. You will provide leadership and support to junior clinical and administrative staff, escalate concerns to the lung function service lead, and monitor waiting list targets.
Once qualified, you will function independently as a respiratory associate and assist in other clinical areas. You will work with clinical scientists, physiologists, and clinicians committed to high standards of patient care.
You will support the wider Cardiopulmonary department and travel across sites as needed. You will also assist in administrative tasks to optimize resources and maintain high-quality service, including audit, research, procurement, and equipment quality assurance.
You will support IT systems, ensuring compliance and resilience, and translate complex technical information for patients and healthcare professionals.
Key Duties
Professional/Clinical Leadership
Provide high-quality leadership, act as a role model, support staff development, and maintain high standards of clinical care. Ensure effective communication and monitor waiting times, escalating issues appropriately.
Clinical and Professional Responsibilities
Possess knowledge in Respiratory Physiology and Sleep Medicine. After training and qualification, perform procedures independently, including issuing sleep diagnostic equipment, blood gas measurements, and interpreting results. Maintain professional registration and attend ongoing training to update knowledge.
Clinical Governance and Quality
Contribute to trust policies, clinical audits, and quality improvements. Ensure tests and interventions follow best practices, maintain confidentiality, and support equipment safety and maintenance. The role may require travel across trust sites.
Person Specification
Experience
* Customer service or patient care experience
* Ability to analyze complex information and communicate simply
* Experience in teaching, coaching, or motivating patients
Knowledge and Skills
* Knowledge of cardiac and respiratory anatomy and physiology
* Willingness to attend relevant training courses
* Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, Bluespier, PAS Allscripts
Qualifications
* GCSEs in Biology, Maths, and English (C or above) or equivalent
* A levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, or Physics or equivalent
* BLS/ILS certification
* Degree in Biological Science
* ARTP Qualification
Eligibility and Checks
* Must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship
* Subject to DBS check, in line with trust policies
Employer: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr