Job summary
Band 5 Respiratory Physiologist

The provision of diagnostic assessment services in Respiratory Physiology and the therapeutic monitoring of patients with lung disease and sleep disordered breathing.

Applicants who are invited for interview should be prepared to discuss various relevant aspects of running a respiratory physiology service. Interpretation of full lung function, sleep studies and CPAP data may be required.

Applicants will also be required to provide a 10 minute (8 slides maximum) PowerPoint presentation covering the brief - 'Next steps in community diagnostics'.

A short practical assessment may also be performed covering one of the following measurements: FeNO, Spirometry, simulated bronchodilator response, TLCO, static lung volumes.

Main duties of the job
To perform respiratory physiological measurements in accordance with ARTP/BTS National Guidelines and Departmental Standards at various trust locations.

To train and supervise department staff to perform the basic respiratory physiological measurements in accordance with ARTP/BTS National Guidelines and Departmental Standards.

The maintenance of equipment, stocks of consumables, accurate record keeping.

The instruction of student nurses and doctors, trainee physiotherapists and pharmacists, junior doctors, staff nurses, GPs and practice nurses, etc., in lung function testing.

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
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To perform diagnostic tests to nationally accepted standards for accuracy and quality.
• To carry out the following investigations:

01. Spirometry (measurement of dynamic flows and volumes).
02. Measurement of static lung volumes by multiple approved techniques.
03. Gas transfer for Carbon Monoxide by single breath technique.
04. Bronchodilator Response Testing.
05. Field exercise tests (6 minute walk test; shuttle test; 6 minute step exercise test).
06. Ambulatory oxygen assessment (when required).
07. Measurement of respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP; SNIP tests; postural spirometry).
08. To assist in the performance of hypoxic inhalation tests (fitness to fly).
09. To assist in the performance of histamine challenge tests.
10. To perform earlobe blood gas sampling and analysis.
11. To perform fraction exhaled Nitric Oxide testing.
12. To perform a range of diagnostic tests in patients who have suspected sleep related breathing disorders.
13. To perform CPAP Trial set ups for patients with diagnosed sleep disordered breathing.
14. To perform the review of CPAP therapy for patients with diagnosed sleep disordered breathing who are on CPAP treatment.
15. To assist in the provision of home NIV.
16. To assist in the performance of cardio pulmonary exercise tests.

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

Qualifications
Essential

• Scientific knowledge acquired through formal training to Clinical Physiology BSc or equivalent level
• Good IT skills

Desirable

• Recognised ARTP qualification in physiological measurement (associate level or equivalent) - or working towards
• ARTP CPAP or oximetry portfolio qualification

Experience
Essential

• Minimum of 2 years experience working in clinical respiratory physiology

Desirable

• Experience of non-routine respiratory physiological tests
• Experience in the diagnosis and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).