Chief Respiratory Clinical Physiologist / Clinical Scientist

Job overview

CHIEF RESPIRATORY CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGIST/CLINICAL SCIENTIST – Band 6- 7

The Department of Respiratory Medicine is seeking an experienced respiratory clinical physiologist to join our friendly multi-disciplinary team and help deliver a comprehensive respiratory diagnostic service for the population of West Dorset.

The department provides a broad range of respiratory physiological measurements including full PFT’s (using Vyaire equipment and including whole body plethysmography), FeNO and exhaled CO monitoring, walk tests, arterial, venous and capillary blood gas measurements and interpretation, shunt fraction tests, CPET, skin prick testing, methacholine & hypoxic challenges and oxygen assessments. Full training and support can be given to the right applicant if they are not fully competent in all of these measurements.

We also provide a sleep diagnostic and CPAP service in partnership with another Trust and so experience of performing and analysing respiratory polygraphy sleep studies and CPAP would be an advantage.

This role is targeted at Band 7; however the right candidate can be appointed at Band 6 and provided with training and development with a target for them to transition into the Band 7 role, with agreed targets and deadlines.

Main duties of the job

The holder of this post will be responsible for providing and overseeing the full range of pulmonary function tests and supporting the sleep diagnostic and CPAP service. They would be expected to partake in CPET performance and interpretation and so will need to have had experience of this diagnostic test (and ECG monitoring/interpretation) but training and development can be given if the right applicant is not fully competent in this. They will need to liaise with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals (within secondary care and across primary care networks) to provide and improve the delivery of respiratory services. They will also develop links to improve the performance of spirometry and other respiratory diagnostic procedures in primary care settings.

The ideal applicant will need to be efficient, organised and flexible to be able to cope with varying demands on their time and skills. The successful applicant would have a Clinical Physiology Degree (Respiratory), or equivalent, will need to demonstrate experience in advanced lung function procedures and be registered or eligible for registration under the RCCP, AHCS or HCPC.

The post will be based in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Dorset County Hospital though the post holder may be expected to work at other locations around the county.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To work as part of the multi-disciplinary respiratory medicine team to provide and develop a comprehensive and efficient service of the highest quality.

On a day-to-day basis you will oversee the delivery the full range of pulmonary function diagnostics (including cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, oxygen assessments and bronchial challenge testing). This should include presenting and checking results, writing reports and clinical interpretation of the results.

On occasion it may be necessary to support the sleep diagnostic and CPAP service by overseeing the performance and analysis of investigations (such as respiratory polygraphy) and initiate and monitor therapeutic interventions (such as CPAP). It may also be necessary to perform these tasks to help cover staff leave or during periods of high activity levels.

To supervise and train students & other members of healthcare staff; providing support and training in all aspects of respiratory & sleep diagnostics.

To develop service protocols and processes towards the necessary standards required for IQIPS accreditation, which should be a 3-5 year goal.

Respiratory & Sleep Investigations

• To be able to perform Respiratory Polygraphy Sleep Studies & Overnight Oximetry Studies and interpret as necessary including triaging referrals and taking clinical history.
• To recommend treatment options in accordance with treatment pathways including initiating and monitoring CPAP therapy, when necessary
• To perform a broad range of lung function investigations and interpret as necessary. (including Spirometry, Full PFT’s inc. Whole Body Plethysmography, Methacholine Challenge Tests, various Exercise Tests, etc.).
• To run and oversee the Physiologist-Led ILD clinics.
• To produce technically accurate results in accordance with local and national guidelines, including safety and infection control.
• Be competent in manipulating lung function and other computer software to ensure accurate results and clear reports.
• Administrative duties, including stock control and managing inpatient and outpatient appointments. Allocating resources, including staff, to ensure their efficient use.
• Be responsible for the maintenance, quality assurance, calibration and infection control of all lung function and, when necessary, sleep equipment.

Professional

• Maintain a high standard of clinical practice by developing own knowledge and skills including CPD and registration.
• To recognise the limits of your abilities and therefore be able to ask questions of your line manager.
• To be reliable, punctual and flexible at all times and maintain a smart appearance.
• To participate in departmental audit and research projects including publication at national level.

Teaching & Training

• To provide education and training to other healthcare professionals and students (physiologists, nurses, physiotherapists, etc)
• To deliver training and advice on spirometry and any other respiratory diagnostic procedures being performed in other areas (including primary care).
• To attend and present at departmental educational meetings

Departmental

• To contribute to, and actively lead in, areas for service development including regular department meetings.
• Develop and review departmental protocols and guidelines in accordance with published evidence and best practice.
• To assist with the daily administrative duties and maintenance of departmental records.
• Inputting data and generating reports from the various departmental databases.
• Appropriate use of hospital information systems including timely uploading of test results.