An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a Senior Respiratory Physiologist to work within the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH).
We are looking for a motivated individual to join our growing Respiratory Physiology Team at QVH in a newly created post. You will be working closely with Sleep Physiologists and there will be opportunities to rotate within the Sleep Disorder Centre. Our team is hard working and enthusiastic about improving patient care, and work together to provide the best quality service.
The successful applicant should be a friendly and highly motivated individual that wants to excel professionally and is committed to provide a high-quality service. You must have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as part of the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) and Sleep Disorder Centre team.
The post holder will assist in the provision of diagnostic assessment services in Respiratory Physiology and therapeutic monitoring of patients with respiratory diseases. This will include the performance of respiratory physiological measurements in accordance with ARTP/BTS National Guidelines and Departmental Standards.
The post holder is expected to analyse the data and prepare detailed reports. Provide a range of additional physiological tests, analyse data and report findings. Liaise with consultants regarding diagnosis and treatment plans.
Additional duties include maintaining stock and equipment levels, providing technical advice and follow-up service for patients either face to face or by telephone, maintaining accurate patient notes and databases at all times and participating in departmental research/ audit.
About us
Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC. A specialist NHS hospital providing life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond.
We specialise in conditions of the eyes (corneoplastics), hands, head and neck cancer and skin cancer, reconstructive breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics, providing regional and national services in these areas of clinical expertise.Our world-leading clinical teams also treat more common conditions of the eyes, hands, skin, and teeth for the people of East Grinstead and the surrounding areas. In addition, QVH provides a minor injuries unit, expert therapies, a sleep service, and a growing portfolio of community-based services.Patients consistently rate QVH amongst the top hospitals in the country for quality of care.
Our success is underpinned by the skills and enthusiasm of our staff and a strong culture of partnership. We are fully committed to training and development of the workforce with support for continuing education and learning.
Job responsibilities
Clinical/ Technical Responsibilities
1.1 To plan, undertake and perform simple initial interpretation on a range of diagnostic assessments and treatment interventions. Such investigations and treatment interventions could include:
* Spirometry, peak flow measurements/PEF diaries;
* Gas transfer factor testing;
* Reversibility of airways obstruction with bronchodilators;
* Skin allergy tests;
* 6 minute walk test testing and interpretation;
* Overnight sleep apnoea screening (home polygraphy);
* Capillary blood gas performance and analysis;
* Exhaled and nasal nitric oxide;
* Exhaled carbon monoxide;
* Bronchial provocation tests for tests for the diagnosis of asthma/ bronchial hyper-responsiveness (methacholine/mannitol, exercise induced asthma);
* Respiratory muscle strength assessment;
* Forced oscillation;
* Hypoxic challenge;
* Undertake basic sleep diagnostic set up, and downloading with basic interpretation in polygraphy only;
* CPAP setup, troubleshooting, and follow up
* Maintain accurate documentation and quality control of all diagnostic activities
1.2 Produce detailed reports and write letters to General Practitioners clearly documenting results of assessments, diagnosis and treatment plans. Update patient notes and databases as necessary.
1.3 To ensure that the unit and its activities are carried out in accordance with the Trust policies and protocols on infection control, risk management, data protection and Health and Safety.
1.4 Deal with telephone enquiries.
1.5 Maintain clinical Infection control cleaning schedule and complete relevant charts, reporting any concerns.
1.6 Obtain patients weight, height, oxygen saturations (SpO2) and BP during inpatient studies and before consultation.
1.7 To assist in the training of colleagues to the highest possible standards and send on external training courses when considered appropriate.
1.8 Provide training/information for other healthcare employees who request it.
1.9 Responsible for data archiving and safe and adequate storage of all clinical data.
1.10 Ensure that adequate stocks of all consumables are maintained.
1.11 Attend courses and conferences to increase knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the role.
1.12 Participate in mandatory training and annual updates.
Communication & Relationships
1.13 Obtain comprehensive medical history and consent prior to testing to ensure safe practice.
1.14 Communicate requirements for accurate performance of appropriate investigations to patients/participants/subjects/service users through building and maintaining a good rapport.
1.15 Communicate findings to senior colleagues and provide support and reassurance to patients.
Planning and Organisation
1.16 Ensure the quality control and calibration of all equipment within the department and report any faults in a timely fashion. Take leadership for performing frequent calibration and validation techniques including mechanical verification and biological control procedures for quality assurance.
1.17 Organise and manage clinic lists on a daily basis ensuring all patient referrals are received prior to patient testing.
1.18 Support triage referral.
1.19 Ensure that local clinical protocols are updated in conjunction with Highly Specialised Respiratory Physiologist, Lead Clinician and Lead Sleep Physiologist.
1.20 Effectively manage own workload.
1.21 Contribute to audits and service improvements, alongside medical research.
1.22 Work with the CDC team to ensure that the national waiting time targets are met through effective scheduling of workload and responding to patient demand.
Managing Resources
1.23 Manage stock and consumables required in the lung function laboratory such as bacterial filters and special gas cylinders.
1.24 Work with Highly Specialised Respiratory Physiologist, Lead Clinician and Lead Sleep Physiologist in identifying ways of improving efficiency, cost savings and service enhancement.
1.25 Ensure resources are used efficiently.
1.26 Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures.
Training and Development
1.27 Attend, participate in and lead departmental training sessions and team meetings.
1.28 Maintain own skills and competencies on all diagnostic equipment and medical devices.
1.29 Assist in training of PTP and Apprenticeship level 4 and 6 students in a range of technologies, helping to develop and expand the range of skills within the unit.
1.30 Participate in own annual appraisal, ensuring own professional development plan is devised and objectives met
1.31 Willing to undergo further training/ study in line with professional development.
1.32 Support and deliver spirometry training courses.
Research and Development
1.33 Assist in clinical trials and research projects as directed by Consultants and/ Highly Specialised Respiratory Physiologist and Lead Sleep Physiologist.
1.34 Inform and obtain consent from participants ensuing that protocols are met. Ensure documentation is appropriately completed.
1.35 Work with LFT Pathway Coordinators, Consultants, Highly Specialised Respiratory, Respiratory Physiologist, Physiologist and Lead Sleep Physiologist and Learning & Development team to identify areas service improvement.
1.37 Presentation of outcomes of audit/non-commercial/academic research at national and/or international meetings.
Personal and Professional Development
1.38 Participate in the Trusts annual appraisal system designed to identify objectives and personal development opportunities.
1.39 Participate in the Trusts annual pay progression review (if applicable).
1.40 Ensure that all mandatory training is up to date.
1.41 The post holder will be responsible for continually maintaining their working knowledge of local practices, policies and procedures and highlight ongoing training and development needs to their manager.
Communication & Relationships
1.42 Provide and receive complex and sensitive information requiring tact, empathy and reassurance, especially when discussing diagnostic findings and long-term treatment options.
1.43 Use motivational and persuasive communication techniques to support patient adherence to therapeutic plans such as CPAP and lifestyle changes.
1.44 Adapt communication style for patients with cognitive impairments, emotional distress, or language barriers to ensure full understanding.
1.45 Offer expert guidance to junior staff and students, using effective interpersonal skills in supervision and mentorship.
People Management Responsibilities
1.46 Undertake recruitment tasks including job planning, shortlisting, and interviewing.
1.47 Supervise and line manage junior staff (e.g. Band 5 Respiratory Physiologists), including rota management, training coordination, and workload delegation.
1.48 Conduct appraisals and performance reviews, supporting career development and identifying training needs.
1.49 Hold wellbeing conversations, manage sickness absence, and initiate informal performance conversations in line with HR policies.
1.50 Monitor and ensure full compliance with statutory and mandatory training requirements across the team.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience performing physiological tests on a variety of different populations
* Competence in performing and reporting a wide range of respiratory physiology tests (e.g. spirometry, gas transfer, lung volumes, reversibility)
* Experience supporting training of junior staff
Qualifications
* Graduate in Respiratory Physiology or relevant healthcare science degree or able to demonstrate specialist knowledge within this field through practical experience
* Registered with The Academy for Healthcare Science
* MSc in Respiratory Physiology or completion of the Scientist Training Programme (STP) or equivalent
Knowledge
* Good theoretical knowledge of a broad range of fundamental respiratory/ sleep investigations
* Experience in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) or Experience in sleep diagnostics
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.
Lead Sleep Physiologist and Service Manager
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