NHS Forth Valley
Highly Specialist Clinical Physiologist
Full time 37.5 hrs per week, Fixed term/Secondment Opportunity until end
of October 2013 (to cover maternity leave)
Band 7, Salary scale: £30,460 – £40,157 per annum, pro rata
Ref no: 1212616
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic individual to come and join our
friendly and industrious team in Cardiology, NHS Forth Valley. We require a
motivated individual to help maintain our Specialist Device Service with the
follow up of patients with Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Cardiac
Resynchronisation and Implantable Loop Recorders. There may also be a
requirement for the successful applicant to participate in assisting with Exercise
Tolerance Testing and Ambulatory ECG monitor analysis.
Essential qualifications include HRUK/IBHRE qualification, HNC Physiological
Measurement/BSc Cardiology, State Registration with RCCP and ILS
(Intermediate Life Support) from the Resuscitation Council (UK). Evidence of
continuing professional development to help maintain a complete, in-depth
knowledge of cardiac procedures and interpretation of results is required.
There would be opportunity to develop skills.
Permanent employee’s who wish to be considered for this post on a
secondment basis, must discuss this with their current line manager, as per
the NHS Forth Valley Secondment Policy which can be viewed on the intranet.
Further information and informal enquiries to: Joanne Cusack - Cardiology
Investigations Manager, Forth Valley on Tel: 01324 566973 or E-mail:
joanne.cusack@nhs.net
Application forms and job descriptions (quoting relevant post title and
reference
number)
are
available
by
e-mailing
FVUHB.Recruitment@nhs.net or by telephoning the recruitment answerline
on 01786 447488.
Closing Date: Friday, 25th January 2013 at 12 noon
For Insertion:
Redeployment – Tuesday 08 January 2013
Internal – Thursday 03 January 2013
SHOW – Thursday 10 January 2013
NHS Forth Valley
Job Description
Job Title:
Highly Specialist Clinical Physiologist in Cardiac Rhythm
Management
Responsible to:
Cardiology Investigations Manager
Department(s):
Cardiology, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
Job Holder Reference:
No of Job Holders:
1
1.
a.
ROLE OF UNIT
General medical care including the provision of emergency services in acute
medicine, specialty and sub specialty outpatient services, care of the elderly &
rehabilitation and Division-wide AHP services.
b.
ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The Cardiology Investigation Service provides a clinically effective supply on
demand access for patients from all wards and departments in Forth Valley
Royal Hospital.
2.
JOB PURPOSE
The post holder has a major role in the delivery of the Rhythm Management
Service/Pacemaker /Internal Cardiac Defibrillator Follow-up and Implant
Service at Forth Valley Royal Hospital including deputising for the Clinical Lead
and independent problem-solving which is entirely dependant on in-depth
knowledge. The post holder must also be capable of differentiating appropriate
and inappropriate shock therapy and appropriately manage patients who are
having frequent shocks from their Internal Device. Management/ referrals for
replacement devices or further Medical Intervention when required form an
integral role of this post. Careful and sensitive Patient counselling is a very
important demanding part of this service responding to requests for
assessment of emergency admissions. The post holder also has to be a skilled
trainer in interpretation and management of difficult results from specialised and
highly specialised cardiac investigations and ensure this is timeously done to
support best possible clinical practice, rapid diagnosis and patient care.
3.
ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
See Appendix 1
4.
DIMENSIONS
The post holder has a major role in the provision of a highly skilled, professional
and clinically effective Cardiac Rhythm Management service at Forth Valley
Royal Hospital including direct Clinical responsibility for Pacemaker/Internal
Cardiac Defibrillator Follow up Clinics and deputises for the Forth Valley
Clinical Lead in Rhythm Management.
The post holder has a key role in training and guidance of Specialist and
Registered Practitioners in Clinical Physiology, SHOs and Specialist Nursing
Staff in all procedures within the service particularly Pacemaker follow up and
Exercise Tolerance Testing.
5.
KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Sole charge of allocated Pacemaker/Internal Cardiac Defibrillator followup Clinics including; interrogation and /or reprogramming as clinically
indicated.
 Independent problem solving which is entirely dependant on an in depth
knowledge of Drug/Internal Cardiac Defibrillator and Pacemaker
interactions, referrals for replacement devices or further Medical
Intervention when required form an integral role of this post.
 The post holder is responsible for differentiating appropriate and
inappropriate shock therapy and managing patients having frequent
shocks from their Internal Device. Careful and sensitive Patient
counselling is a very important demanding part of this service.
 Provision of Emergency response to requests of assessment of Patients
admitted with devices, pre operative and post mortem disablement of
devices
 Provision of Emergency response to requests of assessment of patients
with devices.
 A lead role in the provision of a highly skilled, professional and clinically
effective Cardiac Investigation service to all departments throughout the
Trust.
 Independently performing and reporting of highly specialised and
specialised investigations. Reports sent directly to referring clinician.
Responsible for telephoned notification to Physicians of grossly
abnormal results requiring immediate intervention.
 Supervision, preparation, careful observation, assessment of patients,
with interpretation of haemodynamic and abnormal functional results
during Exercise Tolerance Testing and Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinics
and providing first line response to emergency situations when required.
 Skilled knowledge and interpretation of Exercise Tolerance Tests and 24
hour ECG recordings results to ensure appropriate management of
patient investigation, diagnosis and follow up.
 Ensuring Medical staff are notified of abnormal results requiring urgent
treatment or change in management. Ensuring any outpatient
recognised to be at risk from results of Investigations is reviewed by a
Physician before leaving Department.
 Accountable for own professional actions and reports whilst working
with Professional Codes of Practise/Guidelines and Trust policy and
procedures. Departmental policies and procedures should also be
followed.

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The post holder will be expected to advise Cardiac and Clinical staff on
Interpretation of results giving an opinion and advice on action to be
taken in order that true and accurate reports are filed in patient notes
and planned treatment can proceed or should be delayed until further
investigations can be performed.
The post holder is required to act on any acute, new or conflicting
findings from results of all procedures
The post holder will work unsupervised in all areas.
The post holder will supervise junior staff as required.
6.
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
The post holder is expected to have a skilled knowledge and practical experience
of all Electromedical equipment in use in Departments, including fault finding and
liaison with medical Physics/external Engineers/ Manufacturers etc as
appropriate.
Highly specialised
Pacemaker/ICD programmers
Complex
Exercise Tolerance Testing equipment
Electrocardiography
Ambulatory ECG recording equipment and analyser
24 hr BP monitoring equipment
Computers/Databases
All the above equipment is computerised with various Databases and/or
Measurement packages.
Local Databases for Annual Audit of Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic and monthly
statistics.
7.
ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK






8.
Rostered by Head of Service to take Clinical responsibility for the
following: Pacemaker /ICD follow up Clinics, Exercise Tolerance Tests
and 24 hr Tape Analysis, including practice, reporting and teaching.
For each rostered session post holder has responsibility for prioritisation
of patient list, dependant on clinical need and ensuring efficient service
to all outpatient clinics.
The post holder is also required to adjust lists at short notice to allow for
clinical emergencies.
Planning and management of allocated Pacemaker/Internal Cardiac
Defibrillator sessions including interrogation, assessment and/or
reprogramming and decisions on any changes in treatment or settings
or need for replacement devices forms an integral part of this post.
The post holder is responsible for recognising any deterioration in
patient during Investigations and is expected to instigate Emergency
procedures.
Patient Health and Safety
COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder must have highly developed communications skills. These
must be allied to an accurate knowledge and understanding of the wellestablished forms of communication in order to provide complex information to
highly specialised clinical staff in a knowledgeable and professional manner
and convey the same information/results to patients and relatives at a level that
can be clearly understood. The post holder will demonstrate a balanced and
equitable approach to managing difficult situations for patients, staff and
visitors.
Interdepartmental/staff communication
Daily communication by phone and face to face with all levels of staff
throughout the organisation in a concise, professional and reasonable manner.
-communicate complex Pacemaker data to Cardiologists, Medical staff of all
grades,GP’s and other clinical colleagues.
-Regular communication with ward staff and specialist nurses with regards to
results and actions required
- Regular communication with other clinical departments in order ensure
appropriate testing is carried out so that the patient flow is clinically and
physically optimised for the patients care and treatment.
- Regular communication with other members of the department with
regard to patient welfare and care, equipment and administration
problems that may arise on a day to day basis.
External communications
and
etc.
Liaise with GP’s and departments with regards to ongoing patient care
follow up.
Liaise with Pacemaker Representatives re equipment, Medical Devices
Alerts/complex programming issues.
Liaise with suppliers to maintain optimal stock control, order clarification
Patients, carers and relatives
-
Communicate to patients the arrangement of appointments and any
information relevant to their procedure.
- Sensitively and carefully counsel and guide patients with Pacemakers
and Internal cardiac Defibrillators both face to face and on the phone.
- With patients agreement explain the role of devices to patients relatives.
- Instruct patients at an appropriately pitched level, what to expect during
their investigations and why. In this manner to actively encourage their
co-operation in order to achieve the best possible results/outcome from
their test/procedure.
- Communicate to non English speaking patients through an appropriate
interpreter and respect any cultural and religious requirement
- Sensively communicate with children, mentally handicapped and
psychiatric patients
Communicate with colleagues on a day to day basis and feedback any problems
with equipment.
9a.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Daily exposure to prolonged standing or sitting in awkward positions during
investigations.
Daily exposure to Manoevering of patients in wheelchairs prior to and post
investigations.
Constant manipulation requiring manual dexterity in Application of electrodes,
leads, belts etc during investigations.
Manual handling of Pacemaker programmers on a daily basis from ledge under
worktop to desk level.
Occasional transfer of equipment, couches, beds etc within the Department.
Daily contact with patients who have MRSA.
Occasional blocks of contact with Norovirus/winter vomiting bug.
Frequent contact with airborne infections.
Unavoidable Close physical contact with patients.
Occasional unexpected exposure to bodily fluids in course of duties
9b.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
3-4 hour Pacemaker follow up/ICD sessions with detailed scrutiny of and
prolonged concentration on measurements and numerous various recordings and
parameters with frequent exposure to unpredictable or grossly abnormal results
requiring Intervention./reprogramming.
Dealing compassionately and professionally with anxious and sometimes
traumatised patients or relatives on a daily basis.
Responding daily to unexpected and emergency requests from all parts of the
Hospital (during busy departmental lists)
for urgent assessment of
pacemakers/ICDs on very sick patients who have suddenly deteriorated or been
inappropriately subjected to Internal Cardiac Defibrillation.
Constant demand for coping with a wide range of unpredictable situations on a
daily basis .
10. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
BSc in Physiological Measurement
ONC in Physiological Measurement
HNC in Physiological measurement
IBHRE (Post Graduate qualification)
State Registered with RCCP
ILS- Intermediate Life Support from the Resuscitation Council (UK)
Minimum of 3 years experience as a Specialist Clinical Physiologist in
Pacemaker follow up and Rhythm Management years in-service training
gaining a complete and in depth knowledge of cardiac procedures including
interpretation and management of results.
Continuing professional development in all specialist fields to maintain
registration and competence.
Skilled Expertise in Practice of Pacemaker/ICD follow-up
Skilled Expertise in Exercise Tolerance Testing and Analysis
Skilled Expertise in ECG Interpretation
Skilled Expertise in 24 hr ECG rhythm recording Analysis
Appendix 1 ROLE OF UNIT
General medical care including the provision of emergency services in acute
medicine, speciality and sub-speciality outpatient services, care of the elderly &
rehabilitation and Division-wide AHP services.
ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
General Manager
Cardiology Department Manager
Cardiology Investigations Manager
Highly Specialist
Clinical Physiologist
Pacemaker/ICD follow up
Echocardiography
Specialist Clinical Physiologist
Registered Practitioner Clinical Physiologist
Associate Practitioner
(Student Clinical Physiologist and Experienced Assistant Technical Officer)
Assistant Technical Officer
NHS FORTH VALLEY
Terms and Conditions:
The terms and conditions of service are those laid
down by the Agenda for Change Handbook.
Salary Scale:
£30,460 - £40,157 per annum, pro rata
Staff taking up a new appointment with NHS Forth
Valley will normally enter the scale at the minimum
of the pay band/range. Any appointments above the
lowest point of the pay band/range will be subject to
verification of previous NHS service, or experience
outside the NHS, which is given in recognition of
relevant complete years of experience.
Hours:
Full-time 37.5 hours per week
Employees may be required to vary the pattern of
their working week subject to the exigencies of the
service.
(if applicable)
Your performance must comply with the “Mandatory
Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers
in
Scotland” 2009; and with the Code of Conduct for
Healthcare Support Workers, both as amended from
time to time. These documents can be found at
www.workinginhealth.com/standards/healthcaresupp
ortworkers
Duration:
Fixed term until 31/10/2013
Annual Leave:
27 days rising to 29 days after 5 years service and to
33 days after 10 years service plus 8 public holidays
(pro rata).
H.C.S.W Mandatory
Induction standards
or
202.5 hours rising to 217.5 hours after 5 years
service and to 247.5 hours after 10 years service
plus 60 hours public holiday (pro-rata).
Superannuation:
The post is superannuable under the Scottish Public
Pensions Agency Scheme and your remuneration
will be subject to deduction unless you choose to opt
out of the scheme.
Right to Work in the UK
NHS Forth Valley has an obligation to ensure it does
not employ any worker who has not been granted
the relevant permission to work in the UK. This
permission is without exception granted by the UK
Border Agency. We are required to check the
entitlement to work in the UK for all prospective
employees, regardless of nationality or job category.
Medical Examination:
No appointment can be confirmed until a satisfactory
medical examination has been undergone.
Protecting Vulnerable
Groups Scheme
(if applicable)
From 28th February 2011 the Scottish Government
introduced a new membership scheme to replace and
improve upon the current disclosure arrangements for
people who work with vulnerable groups. If the duties
of this post involve regulated work with children and
young people and/or protected adults, the successful
candidate will be required to be a member of the PVG
Scheme and consent to NHS Forth Valley obtaining a
Scheme Record or a Scheme Record Update if they
are already a member of the Scheme. More
information on the PVG Scheme can be found at
www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
Police Act
Disclosure Check:
(if applicable)
If the duties of this post require the declaration and
validation of criminal convictions, the successful
candidate will be required to complete a standard or
enhanced Police Act Disclosure Scotland check
prior to any offer of appointment being made. In the
event of employment, any failure to disclose such
convictions could result in the withdrawal of any
offer, disciplinary action or dismissal by NHS Forth
Valley.
Secondments
Employees of NHS Forth Valley who are interested
in pursuing a secondment opportunity should initially
discuss the implications of this with their immediate
line manager in order to gain their support. Please
refer to the secondment policy of the NHS Forth
Valley intranet for more information.
NHS Knowledge and
Skills Framework
The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)
defines and also describes the knowledge and skills
that NHS employees need to apply in their work in
order to deliver quality services. It provides a single,
consistent, and comprehensive framework on which
to base review and development for all employees.
KSF will apply to all NHS employees except doctors,
dentists and senior and executive level managers.
The purpose of the KSF is:
 To support the effective learning and
development of all staff, providing the
resources to do so.
 To support the development of individuals in
the post to which they are employed, so that
they are effective at work and are clear about
what is required of them.
 To promote equality and diversity.
Confidentiality:
In the course of your duties you may have access to
confidential information concerning patients or staff.
Unauthorized disclosure or removal of information
may lead to consideration of disciplinary action.
Equality in Employment:
NHS Forth Valley fully supports the principle of
equality in employment and opposes all forms of
unlawful and / or unfair discrimination which cannot
be shown to be justified. NHS Forth Valley is
committed to ensuring equality of treatment for both
present and potential employees.
Tobacco Policy:
It is the policy of NHS Forth Valley to discourage the
habit of smoking within the organization and to
provide a smoke free environment.
The NHS Forth Valley policy is to establish no
smoking as the norm and smoking is not permitted
anywhere within NHS Forth Valley premises
including residences and grounds.
The Occupational Health Service will assist
members of staff who wish to stop smoking by
providing or facilitating the following services:
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Information on smoking and ways to stop
Personal support
Health Education materials and helpline
numbers
Nicotine replacement therapy
Smoking Cessation support
Copies of the Tobacco Policy are available from HR
Advisors or via the NHS Forth Valley Intranet.
Health & Safety:
All employees have a responsibility for their own
health & safety and the health & safety of others who
may be affected by what they do. Employees also
have a duty to co-operate with their employer by
following NHS Forth Valley policies and procedures
and safe systems of work; by using equipment safely
and by bringing any shortcomings in health and
safety arrangements to the attention of their
employer. Where something is provided in the
interests of health & safety employees must not
interfere or misuse it. All employees have a legal
responsibility to report any shortcomings in terms of
this in their area. Managers and supervisors have a
responsibility for monitoring health & safety
arrangements and ensuring staff are following
policies and procedures and safe systems of work.
Partnership Agreement:
Contributing to the development of partnership
working by: supporting NHS Forth Valley in
delivering its goals and objectives; supporting
continuous improvement in own performance and
the performance of the department, directorate and
NHS Forth Valley; attending training, development
and other activities aimed at improving own skills
and for the benefit of the organisation and patient
care.
Nursery Facilities:
There is an independently run on-site nursery at
Stirling Royal Infirmary. With places open to staff
and the general public. For further information
please contact:
Chapter One Childcare (SRI site): 01786 465112
Parking Permits:
Limited staff parking permits are available for Forth
Valley Royal Hospital. Staff need to apply for these
and further details of how to apply will be available
should you be successful in obtaining a post based
at FVRH.
Upon receipt of your application you will be added to
the waiting list for consideration, it may take some
time for approval and you may need to consider
alternative methods of travel to work pending
approval of any parking permit. Information on
public transport and bus times to the hospital
are available
at:
http://www.nhsforthvalley.com/ForthValleyRoyalHom
e/AbouttheHospital/GettingtotheHospital/fvr_gettingt
othehospital.html
Completed application forms should be returned to:
Recruitment Office
Eurohouse
Wellgreen Place
Stirling
FK8 2DJ
Closing Date:
Friday, 25th January 2013 at 12 noon
Ref No:
1212616