Job summary
Band 4 Respiratory Physiologist

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and develop to become an Assistant Clinical Respiratory Physiologist.

This is a period of ever expanding service for the department and this is an opportunity for you to be involved in the continued development of a laboratory where scientific process, data quality and patient experience are at the core of the daily activities.

Main duties of the job
You will train to perform a range of respiratory function investigations under the supervision of the Respiratory Physiologists. You will also gain skills in performing basic diagnostic procedures and treatment provision in our sleep and ventilation service. Once in post, you will undertake an in-service training program and when ready to do so, will complete a professional qualification exam. For the right candidate, there is also the possibility for future study whilst in post.

About us
We are one of the largest hospital foundation trusts in the country, and currently touch the lives of half a million patients in the west of Berkshire every year by providing high quality acute medical and surgical services for our local communities.

Our values:

• Compassionate
• Aspirational
• Resourceful
• Excellent

Job responsibilities
To assist in the multi-site-provision of diagnostic assessment services in Respiratory Physiology and the therapeutic monitoring of patients with lung disease and/or sleep disordered breathing.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To perform diagnostic tests to nationally recognised standards for accuracy and quality.

To perform the following investigations under the supervision of the Clinical Respiratory Physiologists:

• Spirometry (measurement of dynamic flows and volumes)
• Measurement of static lung volumes by Helium dilution technique, Nitrogen Washout and Body Plethysmography.
• Gas transfer for Carbon Monoxide by single breath technique
• Assist with Bronchodilator Response Testing
• Assist with field exercise tests (6 minute walk test; shuttle test).
• Measurement of respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP; SNIP tests; postural spirometry).
• To assist in the performance of hypoxic inhalation tests (fitness to fly).
• To assist in the performance of methacholine challenge tests.
• To assist in the performance of earlobe blood gas sampling and analysis.
• To perform diagnostic tests in patients who have suspected sleep related breathing disorders.
• To assist in the performance of CPAP Trial set ups for patients with diagnosed Sleep Apnoea.
• To assist in the review of CPAP therapy for patients with diagnosed Sleep Apnoea who on CPAP.
• To assist in the performance of cardio-pulmonary exercise tests (CPET).

Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details.

Qualifications
Essential

• Minimum 5 GCSE (A-C) Including Maths, English and Science
• Good IT skills
• A-Levels or equivalent in a scientific subject

Desirable

• Recognised Spirometry Qualification

Experience
Essential

• Clinical/healthcare/relevant scientific experience

Desirable

• Respiratory Physiology experience

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Lead Respiratory Physiologist, Mark Unstead, mark.unstead@royalberkshire.nhs.uk, 01183225111