Healthcare Science Assistant Apprentice Cardio-Respiratory Level 2

at  Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

The post holder will undertake a 12–14 month training programme as a Healthcare Science Level 2 Apprentice within the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT). It is also an exciting opportunity to work in the new Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC’s) Spoke and Hub in the heart of the Halifax and Huddersfield communities. Formal training will be given where the successful candidate can learn and develop skills and knowledge relating to working in a busy cardio-respiratory department and by undertaking basic cardiology and respiratory diagnostic tests. Study will take place in partnership with the Sheffield College.
This is a full-time post and there is an expectation that the apprentice will need to commit to self-directed study, attend Sheffield college virtually and in person, and successfully complete the training programme within the contract period. The post holder will receive 20% off the job training to fulfil the apprenticeship standard. On successful completion of the apprenticeship and probationary period the post holder will be offered a permanent post of Cardio-Respiratory Healthcare Science Assistant (Band 2).
As an apprentice all tasks will be under direct supervision until competency through formal assessment is achieved and will include the following main duties within the cardiorespiratory department:
To perform routine and urgent electrocardiograms.
To perform routine and urgent spirometry.
To perform and measure automatic and manual blood pressure measurements.
To obtain venous blood samples.
To set up and fit a cardiac monitor, 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitor, and a 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitor.
To prepare equipment and clinical areas for other diagnostic cardiology tests.
To support cardiology reception/clerical administration as required.
To handle and store equipment and consumables within accepted and safe limits.
We employ more than 6,500 staff who deliver compassionate care from our two main hospitals, Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as well as in community sites, health centres and in patients’ homes. We also are incredibly proud to have almost 150 volunteers here at CHFT.
We provide a range of services including urgent and emergency care; medical; surgical; maternity; gynaecology; critical care; children’s and young people’s services; end of life care and outpatient and diagnostic imaging services.
We provide community health services, including sexual health services in Calderdale from Calderdale Royal and local health centres. These include Todmorden Health Centre and Broad Street Plaza.
We continue to modernise and invest in our health services to build on our strong reputation. Foundation trusts are public leaders in improving quality in health services. They are part of the NHS – yet decisions about what they do and how they do it are driven by independent boards. Boards listen to their Council of Governors and respond to the needs of their members – patients, staff and the local community.
Foundation trusts provide what the health service wants, yet are also free to invest quickly in the changes to the local community needs, in striving to be the best, and in putting their patients first.
To record electrocardiograms and produce a report
To perform spirometry and produce a report
To perform and measure automatic and manual blood pressure measurements
To obtain venous blood samples when needed
To set up and fit a cardiac monitor, 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitor, and a 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitor
To prepare equipment and clinical areas for Cardiology investigations
Receive and assist patients and/or carers to prepare for Cardiology investigations
Obtain additional information that will assist with planning and preparing of Cardiology investigations
Support patients and/or carers during investigative Cardiology procedures
To take an active role in the resuscitation of patients (Basic Life Support)
To give support advise to patients and/or carers/medical team following completion of investigative Cardiology procedures
To organise the patient journey and assist in the Cardiology clinics if required
To chaperone Cardiology medical staff in the above
Follow manufacturers/protocol instructions and operate equipment
Assess and maintain equipment and devices for safe use during Cardio-respiratory investigations
Report faulty equipment to the Team Leader
Communicate technical equipment-related information to healthcare colleagues, patients, carers, and suppliers
Use safe manual handling techniques when moving both patients and equipment
Contacts medical/nursing staff to advise of adverse/life-threatening test results
Follow departmental and national policies and procedures to maintain safe practice
To undertake clerical duties as required including sending out appointments using the trust systems, filing, photocopying, and handling incoming and outgoing post
To organise and prepare patients information, ready for investigation collect notes and identify as correct on equipment as necessary
Records personally generated information and update records. Also to learn how to input results of investigations performed by other members of staff
To attend to general tidiness of department including unpacking and storage of ward stock deliveries
Assist with maintaining stock levels and supplies.
To answer the telephone and relay messages appropriately
To undertake department errands as required
Assist in the safe use, custody and maintenance of equipment, utilising resources effectively and efficiently.
When required to, act flexibly within the role which may include moving to other sites within the trust and/or change to duties in consultation with your line manager

Please refer the Job description for details