Healthcare Science Assistant (ATO)

at  279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for someone to join our friendly team as a Healthcare Science Assistant to work within Cardiac Investigations. No prior experience is necessary, although would be an advantage. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to learn new skills and support the non-invasive Cardiac Investigations Team at Worthing Hospital.
The main duties of this role are to perform 12 Lead ECGs for both our Cardiology outpatient clinics and as part of an inpatient ward round service.
To run ambulatory monitoring clinics where you will be fitting and removing different types of cardiac monitors.
To deal with a large volume of adult patients daily and sometime paediatric.
To help support the senior clinical team as and when necessary and undertake all duties necessary to help maintain the clinical service.
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 - (Factor 1)
Form constructive and effective working relationships with patients, consultants, medical secretaries, bed manager, transport, GP surgeries, ward staff, porters, rehabilitation nurses, heart failure nurses and arrhythmia nurses.
Communicate complex information to staff, patients and relatives regarding tests.
Instruct patients regarding tests and equipment in order to obtain best results.
Reassure, empathise and tactfully persuade patients, some of whom may have barriers to understanding.
Deal with angry or aggressive patients.
Train other staff in tests undertaken.
Deal with telephone queries from patients, staff and other departments and direct them to the appropriate person/department where necessary.
Promote a pleasant and efficient image with internal and external organisations.
Analytical and Judgemental skills - (Factor 3)
Ensure accurate entry of patient data on to analytical databases.
Assess significance of results, identify and act on those which need urgent attention by relevant medical staff.
Analyse patient well-being, comfort and safety during tests and alert senior staff as necessary.
Book tests into appropriate slots, taking into account the medical and personal needs of the patient. Pass queries on to relevant staff when needed.
Planning and Organisational skills - (Factor 4)
Ensure and manage maintenance on all ambulatory monitoring equipment.
Prioritise own workload for the day.
Inform manager if equipment levels are inappropriate for demand.
Patient/ Client Care - (Factor 6)
To be aware of Cardiac Arrest and undertake Basic Life Support.
Recognise the needs of any vulnerable patients and discuss with clinical staff as appropriate prior to examination.
To articulately describe the use of equipment to patients and ensure they are fully conversant with its application.
Reassure, empathise and tactfully persuade patients, some of whom may have barriers to understanding.
To check mobility of patient on ward and book as appropriate, taking into account patient needs.
Perform inpatient and outpatient ECG’s.
Policy and Service Development Implementation - (Factor 7)
Aware of and work in accordance with the policies, procedures and philosophy of the department.
Financial and Physical Development (inc. equipment, stock etc) - (Factor 8)
To be aware of cost savings and limit use of consumables where possible.
Be responsible for maintenance of equipment, returning faulty equipment as needed including upgrades.
To trial and demonstrate alternative consumables to secure best prices without reducing quality to the service.
Human Resources (inc. developing and delivering training) - (Factor 9)
Support and assist other members of staff
Information Resources - (Factor 10)
Print and fax reports to surgeries and other hospitals when correct to do so, taking into account Information Governance protocols.
Have a good knowledge of all the hospital and department database systems (e.g., SemaHelix, Sentinel and Novacor).
Understand all aspects of the hospital appointments system in order to ensure all appointments are correctly booked and information correctly logged in order the correct tariff is received.
Able to generate and print ambulatory test reports.
Research and Development - (Factor 11)
Provide statistics when requested on all tests undertaken
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details