Detailed job description and main responsibilities

·         Select and prepare under sterile conditions the appropriate cardiopulmonary bypass equipment according to the needs of the patient and the surgical procedure. This may involve manual handling of heavy equipment.

·         Implement a perfusion strategy for an individual patient based on the pre assessment of the patient records and discussion with the relevant medical groups. This will involve close working relationships with staff in a stressful working environment.

·           Initiate and maintain cardiopulmonary bypass, constantly monitoring, interpreting and manipulating multiple complex clinical parameters; taking autonomous corrective action including blood transfusion during adult, paediatric and neonatal procedures. 

·         Implement evidence based best practice to maximise clinical effectiveness.

·         Monitor and where necessary make appropriate autonomous corrections to blood gases, electrolytes, metabolites, acid-base balance, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, and anticoagulation status of the patient during adult, paediatric and neonatal practice.

·         Advise on and perform deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in conjunction with continuous cerebral perfusion techniques in order to preserve neurological function during complex surgery or other emergency situations where the patient’s systemic circulation may have to be temporarily suspended.

·         Provide a highly skilled, reliable “out of hours” service by participation in the on-call rota. This requires autonomous practice without recourse to assistance or advice, and where highly complex, emotive decisions have to be made with regard to patient treatment and the employment or otherwise of particular treatment modalities.

·           Perform paediatric and neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass with or without supervision depending upon experience. Training and supervision will be given where necessary. 

·         Competently perform Intra Aortic Balloon Counter Pulsation therapy in all areas of the hospital.

·         Ensure that stock levels are maintained at all times. 

·         Ensure all equipment is maintained and decontaminated to the departmental standard.

·         Be proactive in the blood conservation programme following the better transfusion policy, by providing cell salvage to all patients.

·         Administer blood transfusions following the better blood transfusion policy.

·         Offer a blood management service to all specialties including sealants and gels.

·         Assist with the provision of a specialist ECMO service to patients and other multi-disciplinary teams including initial assembly and technical support throughout the ECMO period. Training and supervision will be given where necessary.

·         To be responsible for patient parameters whilst on cardiopulmonary bypass with the administration of drugs within set guidelines.

·         Familiar with all emergency procedures for equipment failure and act according to the department procedures, ensuring patient safety.

·         To perform quality assurance procedures and checks. Taking the appropriate action in the event of failure.

·         Accurately complete the data set requirements for the Trust.

·         Assist with the provision of a near patient testing service and provide interpretation of the results.

·         Deal empathetically with patients, carers and staff in difficult situations.

·         Provide teaching training and support of senior clinical perfusionists and trainee clinical perfusionists whilst demonstrating teaching skills.

·         Maintain accurate real time patient records with hard copies correctly stored.