Specialised Cardiac Physiologist

at  279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

This is an opportunity for a dynamic physiologist with experience. Applications are welcome from those wishing to maintain all round skills as well as those looking to specialise in a specific area e.g. Echocardiography, Electrophysiology or Devices.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work in their chosen speciality.
The Sussex Cardiac Centre is based in Brighton at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. This is a very exciting time to join as we are undergoing extensive modernisation and redevelopment. The 3Ts project is transforming the Royal Sussex County site delivering a state-of-the-art environment and services. Our new department is based in the Louisa Martindale Building at the centre of this project.
We are a very busy department providing a wide range of investigations and are looking to expand our team of enthusiastic and motivated physiologists.
Training sessions and meetings occur regularly with excellent support from the Consultant Cardiologists. All physiologists are encouraged to attend relevant course/meetings and are mentored during completion of BHRS or BSE accreditation. Continued Professional Development is important to our team and post-graduate exams are actively encouraged.
The Echocardiography department provides a routine TTE outpatient and inpatient service. More specialised services include 3D, Dobutamine Stress Echo, Exercise Echo, Contrast, Bubble, Adult Congenital and Heart Failure screening. We are actively involved in Research studies involving TAVI, ASD and PFO closures. As a BSE accredited Department since 2008, we have weekly review and monthly teaching meetings attended by one or more Consultants, Registrars, Cardiac Physiologists and junior staff.
The busy multidisciplinary team within the Cardiac Catheter Labs provides complex structural intervention and PCI. There is a dedicated Electrophysiology Lab and we deliver a full range of EP/Ablation (RF & Cryo) in 2 labs. We provide complex EP, including VT and AF ablation, and new technology is embraced within this environment. Advanced 3D mapping is widely used in our EP labs and we currently use Carto and Precision systems on a daily basis. We have a fast expanding service which includes an increase in VT ablations with an excellent success rate.
The continually expanding device service has developed to support all the latest technology as well as a rapidly growing virtual follow-up clinic. All complex devices are implanted at the centre, including CRT and ICDs. The centre benefits from a Physiologist Led ILR Implant and Explant service and has been a pioneer within this field.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 - 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.
To undertake, supervise and teach at specialist level a broad range of complex invasive and non-invasive cardiac and respiratory clinical physiology procedures throughout University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and associated locations as required.
To work on a rotational basis as part of the multi-disciplinary team within the cardiac catheterisation laboratories, participating in an on-call rota to ensure continuous emergency cover out of hours as required.
To undertake, under supervision if required, highly complex invasive and non-invasive cardiac clinical physiology procedures.
To assist senior staff in ensuring continuous provision of research-based patient care, effective and efficient management of resources and staff development and education.
To work to the standards set by the British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS), British Society of Echocardiography (BSE), Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST) and Academy of Healthcare Science (AHCS)/ Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP)
Provides effective, safe and research-based patient care
To provide quality patient care and implement research-based patient care.
To provide expert knowledge in specialist clinical areas and without supervision carry out a broad range of cardiology +/- respiratory clinical physiology procedures to agreed standards and protocols.
Haemodynamic monitoring and technical support during diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterisation procedures including coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, rotablation, OFDI, IVUS, pressure wires and intra-aortic balloon pump.
To participate in cardiac catheterisation laboratories emergency on-call rota to ensure continuous cover outside of normal hours e.g. evenings, weekends, bank holidays.
Cardiac Rhythm Management e.g., implantation and follow-up of simple and complex devices, i.e., pacemakers, ICDs and CRTs.
Provide monitoring and technical support and advice during electrophysiology studies and ablation procedures.
Perform and report on transthoracic echocardiograms on outpatients and a wide variety of inpatients. Perform, after training, Exercise Echocardiography, assist with Dobutamine Stress Echo and Bubble Contrast TTE. Also assist Cardiologists and provide technical support during Transoesophageal echocardiograms.
Perform and diagnose Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing.
To provide expert knowledge and skills in a range of clinical service areas g. ambulatory monitoring, electrocardiography (ECG), exercise tolerance tests, autonomic function tests and tilt table tests.
Analyse, interpret and write reports for above clinical procedures based on knowledge and experience of normal and abnormal criteria.
To provide specialist advice to patients regarding outcome of clinical procedures and next steps in care pathway.
To provide specialist advice to clinicians regarding results to enable further development of individual care plans.
To participate in regular review of departmental standards and protocols.
Respond appropriately to cardiac / cardiopulmonary arrest and other life-threatening emergencies.
Actively participate in clinical audits and research trials.
Participate in the service provision of the cardiac department.
To be responsible for identifying electro-medical equipment faults, resolving issues directly where possible and reporting to relevant individual(s) in a timely manner.
To organise and delegate appropriately the daily workload for areas within the service, prioritising on basis of clinical need and service targets.
Effectively and professionally deal with emergency situations.
To assist in the supervision and development of students and colleagues.
Participate fully in the appraisal system, identifying training needs and development objectives.
Continue to develop specialist knowledge and experience including sufficient CPD to maintain professional registration
Ensure adequate stock levels are maintained.
As necessary, organize patient appointments in line with relevant appointment targets and issue appropriate patient information in a timely manner. Maintain patient records, both paper and computer based.
Contribute to and actively participates in the correct reporting and handling of incidents and accidents.
Actively promotes team building within the cardiac departments.
Participates in the development of the cardiac departments.
Adheres to Trust policies and procedures
Actively maintain a safe working environment in accordance with H&S and COSHH policies.
Awareness of Trust’s Health and Safety Policy including knowledge of dealing with spillages of hazardous substances and handling infectious patients e.g., MRSA.
Maintain adherence to relevant guidelines for infectious diseases including staying up to date with donning and doffing of appropriate PE.
To undertake any other reasonable duties at the discretion of the Principal Cardiac Physiologist or his/her deputies.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details

Please refer the Job description for details