Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

·      The Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner will train to perform routine Respiratory & Sleep investigations, presenting and checking results, and writing reports. 

• The post holder will also assist senior colleagues in more advanced/complex procedures

Diagnostic Testing

• To perform a range of routine respiratory investigations and interpret as necessary
• (including Spirometry, Full PFT’s, Walk Tests, Plethysmography, FENO, Methacholine Challenge & Overnight Oximetry).
• To assist with other non-routine tests (e.g. Exercise, Sleep Studies, etc).
• To assist in running the physiologist-led sleep service and ILD clinics.
• To produce technically accurate results in accordance with local and national guidelines, adhering to safety and infection control policies.
• Be competent in manipulating lung function and general 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 efficient use.)
• Be responsible for the maintenance, quality assurance, calibration and infection control of all lung function equipment.

Professional

• Maintain a high standard of clinical practice including CPD and achieve the standards required for registration at the end of training.
• To recognise the limits of your abilities and therefore be able to ask questions of your line managers.
• 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

• Undertake the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) Degree Apprenticeship (requires attendance at UWE, Bristol).
• To provide education and training on respiratory diagnostic procedures to other healthcare professionals when deemed competent (in particular supporting the delivery of spirometry testing in outpatient departments and primary care locations).
• To attend and present at departmental educational meetings.

Departmental

• To contribute to 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.