Chief Cardiac Physiologist

at  279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

The friendly Cardiac Investigations team at Worthing are looking to appoint a permanent full-time Chief Cardiac Physiologist with a specialist interest in CRM and Cath Lab to assist in providing a high quality, patient centred, Cardiac Investigations service.
To assist in the delivery of a high quality CRM and Cath Lab Service
To undertake and perform cardiac investigations independently to a high level, interpret results and provide reports for Physicians
To assist in the day-to-day running of the department
To undertake supervision and training of staff and healthcare professionals
To role model the Trust’s values, Patient First approach, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and inclusive leadership
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Communications and Relationship skills
To communicate complex information to staff both medical and non-medical
To be able to provide comprehensive reports on all tests undertaken
To communicate effectively with patients, to obtain their consent and cooperation, including patients with physical/learning disabilities, children of confused patients
To communicate effectively with relatives of patients
To develop good working relationships with other departments within the Trust.
Analytical and Judgemental skills
To inform hospital maintenance or appropriate services engineer if a fault is discovered
Planning and Organisational skills
To take part in the day-to-day running of the department including allocating duties to junior staff
To deputise in the running of the department in the absence of Head of Department and deputy Head of Department
Plan and prioritise own workload
Contribute to development of procedures and any changes within the department
Patient/ Client Care
To promote a pleasant and efficient image during all dealings with internal and external organisations
Policy and Service Development Implementation
To observe Health & Safety procedures and Fire Regulations
Human Resources (inc. developing and delivering training)
To be responsible for own continuing personal and professional development
To assist with continuing education for technical staff as directed by Head of Department
To take part in the day-to-day clinical supervision of other members of staff including students, Senior Assistant Technical Officers and Assistant Technical Officers
To take part in specialist training of clinical staff
Information Resources
To be responsible for data entry on all patient information systems
To provide clinical reports on a broad range of cardiac investigations
To have an awareness of information systems across the organisation
Professional (not included in any of the above factors)
To take on other duties as directed by Head of Department with regards to stock control, departmental schedules, Health & Safety, monitoring and any other role required for the smooth running of the department
Clinical
Routine Technical Duties
ECGs – performing ECGs on adults and paediatrics, ensuring accuracy and the highest standard of legibility both in the department and on the wards. To have a working knowledge of all means available to reduce artefact and baseline wander. A full knowledge of interpretation and the ability to write a comprehensive report is essential
Ambulatory monitoring – to be able to connect equipment to patient to ensure a good quality ECG recording. To be aware of how to reduce artefact. To instruct patient in the use of the equipment. To analyse results and write comprehensive reports to enable clinical decisions to be made by medical staff regarding patient treatment
Cardiac Arrest – to be fully conversant with emergency cardiac arrest procedure as required, including defibrillation. To be able to maintain concentration and composure in stressful situations
Echocardiography – to perform echocardiography studies and provide comprehensive reports. To record images of cardiac structures in both 2D and M Mode. To perform and recognise the implications of Pulse Wave and Continuous Wave Doppler studies. To have highly developed skills to manipulate the machinery to obtain the best possible images and traces required. To be fully conversant with all structural abnormalities to enable appropriate views to be recorded. To be able to interpret test results. To be able to carry out studies in the cardiac department and also perform portable studies on the wards, including I.T.U and H.D.U., theatres, theatre recovery and A&E when required. To be able to obtain the best studies under difficult conditions e.g. patients in isolation, when exposed to unpleasant body odours and bodily secretions or confused/angry patients. To be able to maintain concentration and composure under difficult conditions.
Full Report – to be able to provide a written comprehensive report on the above.
Permanent Pacemaker/ICD/CRT Implantation – To assist the implanting Physician to correctly position the pacing wire by taking various electrical measurements during the surgical procedure. To monitor patient well being and safety throughout the procedure. To be able to recognise the implications of abnormal results or readings measured/monitored during the procedure and advise the physician of the same. To be able to recognise and deal with acute situations which involve the need for external pacing, defibrillation and/or C.P.R. To be able to maintain concentration and composure in stressful situations. Working in this environment will involve exposure to X-Rays and the wearing of heavy lead coats.
Pacemaker/ICD/CRT Programming and follow-up clinics – To lead pacemaker clinics. To re-programme pacemaker parameters to ensure maximum patient safety and comfort. To be able to recognise and act upon abnormal findings. To be aware of patient condition and call for physician assistance when necessary. To be able to use a range of pacemaker programmers and have a working knowledge of the various manufacturers and types of pacemakers. To be aware of replacement and end of life indicators and characteristics and put them on the appropriate waiting list for generator replacement when necessary. To communicate results of checks to GP’s and other medical staff. To cause minimal distress and reassure patients when describing pacing function and possible problems. To be able to maintain concentration for potentially long periods of time whilst carrying out pacemaker clinics. To keep up to date with new technologies and techniques. To attend training courses as necessary when staffing levels allow.
Exercise ECGs – To be clinical lead in treadmill tests. To ensure that all current local and national guidelines regarding technician led exercise testing are adhered to. To ensure the treadmill test is appropriate prior to commencing. To monitor patient condition and ECG throughout test. To analyse the information acquired during the procedure and terminate test when appropriate in order to obtain the best result whilst monitoring safety and comfort. To be aware of procedures for Cardiac arrest and other emergencies. To be trained to use a defibrillator in the case of an arrest.
Cardiac Catheter Laboratory – To be responsible for setting up and correctly calibrating pressure monitoring equipment for use during cardiac catheters and other angiographic procedures. To monitor and record blood pressure and ECG throughout procedures and inform physician of any significant changes. To be conversant with Cardiac Arrest procedures in the catheter laboratory. To be able to concentrate for potentially long periods of time during catheter sessions. To be prepared to take on new procedures such as new intervention techniques and Electrophysiology studies. To organise and receive training in same as necessary. To be able to maintain concentration and composure in stressful situations. Working in this environment will involve exposure to X-Rays and the wearing of heavy lead coat

Please refer the Job description for details