We are seeking a dynamic, motivated individual to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team as a Trainee Clinical Perfusionist. This unique opportunity offers entry into a highly specialised healthcare field within a dedicated, supportive team.
UHNM is a Major Trauma Centre serving Northwest Midlands and North Wales, performing 750-800 cardiac procedures annually including complex aortic and minimally invasive surgeries.
Under supervision of accredited Clinical Perfusionists, you will learn to manage patients’ circulatory and respiratory function by operating heart-lung machines during cardiac surgery. Training combines MSc in Clinical Perfusion Science at University of Bristol with clinical experience at UHNM.

REQUIREMENTS:

Life Science Honours Degree (minimum 2.1)
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Calm, methodical approach under pressure
Completion leads to professional registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists and accreditation from the Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists. On-call participation required as training progresses.
Join our team committed to compassion, safety, continual improvement and supporting your professional development.

Under direct supervision, the following areas of Clinical Perfusion knowledge and skills will be taught and are expected to be demonstrated as part of progression towards becoming a qualified practitioner:

• To set-up, prime and run the Heart-Lung Machine (HLM) during Cardiopulmonary Bypass during cardiac surgery.
• To set-up and operate the Cell-Salvage machine.
• To set-up and operate the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps.
• Assist in the preparation and operation of the HLM and axillary equipment during adult cardiac surgery.
• Undertake structured clinical training within the department and attend all require university blocks, alongside assessments, as part of the MSc programme.
• Monitor and record physiological parameters during procedures, ensuring patient safety and accurate documentation.
• Support the team in equipment checks, setup, cleaning, maintenance and troubleshooting of perfusion related devices and machinery.
• Communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team.
• Adhere to departmental SOP’s and Trust policies.
• Uphold the values and behaviours of the UHNM NHS Trust.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information.
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we’re highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.
All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.
At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.
We require a strong commitment to learning to perform the clinical duties and responsibilities of a registered Clinical Perfusion Scientist, whilst fully participating in and supporting the department. Additionally, there is a substantial commitment to a continuously demanding level of practical and theoretical study, this is reflected in the nature of the role once qualified. The Perfusion department at UHNM is equally committed to providing an excellent training environment with mentors at all levels, centred around a positive culture and a vision for outstanding patient care.
Under direct supervision, the following areas of Clinical Perfusion knowledge and skills will be taught and are expected to be demonstrated as part of progression towards becoming a qualified practitioner:
Learn to select and prepare equipment and supplies for heart surgery procedures, including setting up heart-lung machines for planned and emergency operations.
Develop skills in operating life-support equipment to keep patients stable during surgery, including heart-lung machines and intra-aortic balloon pumps.
Build expertise in performing blood gas tests and advanced blood clotting analysis (TEG) to monitor patient condition and support surgical decision-making.
Master the use of monitoring and safety equipment, demonstrating skills in managing complex patient information to ensure safety and clinical excellence.
Prepare and operate specialised equipment for blood-saving procedures and circuit modifications to optimise patient care during surgery.
Follow strict safety protocols including proper cleaning, infection control, equipment disposal, and maintenance of all clinical devices.
Support activities that promote best practice across all areas of clinical perfusion while maintaining the highest clinical standards.
Complete accurate documentation of procedures and patient care, maintaining records for quality improvement, audit, and performance management purposes.
Participate in departmental development initiatives, projects, and quality improvement activities to advance perfusion practice.
Assist with inventory management and procurement processes to ensure adequate supplies and efficient resource utilisation.
Contribute to clinical governance and work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary surgical team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Engage in continuous professional development and learning opportunities to build expertise in this specialised field.
Participate in the on-call rota as required.
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information

Please refer the Job description for details