Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To work as part of the multi-disciplinary respiratory medicine team to provide and develop a comprehensive and efficient service of the highest quality.

On a day-to-day basis you will oversee the delivery the full range of pulmonary function diagnostics (including cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, oxygen assessments and bronchial challenge testing). This should include presenting and checking results, writing reports and clinical interpretation of the results.

It will also be necessary to support the sleep diagnostic and CPAP service by overseeing the performance and analysis of investigations (such as respiratory polygraphy) and initiate and monitor therapeutic interventions (such as CPAP). It may also be necessary to perform these tasks to help cover staff leave or during periods of high activity levels.

To supervise and train students & other members of healthcare staff; providing support and training in all aspects of respiratory & sleep diagnostics.

To develop service protocols and processes towards the necessary standards required for IQIPS accreditation, which should be a 3-5 year goal.

Respiratory & Sleep Investigations

• To be able to perform Respiratory Polygraphy Sleep Studies & Overnight Oximetry Studies and interpret as necessary including triaging referrals and taking clinical history.
• To recommend treatment options in accordance with treatment pathways including initiating and monitoring CPAP therapy, when necessary
• To perform a broad range of lung function investigations and interpret as necessary.
  (including Spirometry, Full PFT’s inc. Whole Body Plethysmography, Methacholine Challenge Tests, various Exercise Tests, etc.).
• To run and oversee the Physiologist-Led ILD clinics.
• To produce technically accurate results in accordance with local and national guidelines, including safety and infection control.
• Be competent in manipulating lung function and other computer software to ensure accurate results and clear reports.
• Administrative duties, including stock control and managing inpatient and outpatient appointments. Allocating resources, including staff, to ensure their efficient use.
• Be responsible for the maintenance, quality assurance, calibration and infection control of all lung function and, when necessary, sleep equipment.

Professional

• Maintain a high standard of clinical practice by developing own knowledge and skills including CPD and registration.
• To recognise the limits of your abilities and therefore be able to ask questions of your line manager.
• To be reliable, punctual and flexible at all times and maintain a smart appearance.
• To participate in departmental audit and research projects including publication at national level.

Teaching & Training

• To provide education and training to other healthcare professionals and students (physiologists, nurses, physiotherapists, etc)
• To deliver training and advice on spirometry and any other respiratory diagnostic procedures being performed in other areas (including primary care).
• To attend and present at departmental educational meetings

Departmental

• To contribute to, and actively lead in, areas for service development including regular department meetings.
• Develop and review departmental protocols and guidelines in accordance with published evidence and best practice.
• To assist with the daily administrative duties and maintenance of departmental records.
• Inputting data and generating reports from the various departmental databases.
• Appropriate use of hospital information systems including timely uploading of test results.