About this role
Job summary The Chief Respiratory Physiologist will be undertaking a range of respiratory and sleep diagnostic tests.
The Respiratory Physiology department operates from both the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow. and the Community diagnostic centre based at St Margarets Hospital, Epping.
The purpose of this role is to undertake Respiratory investigations on patients, to inform clinical diagnosis, and provide factual reports. The post holder should be able to independently test outpatients, prioritise the competing demands placed upon this service, and be able to work flexibly to adapt to service needs. The post holder will work across 5 days with an opportunity to work across our two sites.
You would be undertaking a wide range of both simple and highly complex procedures in lung function testing, Interpreting, reporting and teaching.
Main duties of the job The successful candidate will be required to undertake and interpret a full range of investigations safely, obtain relevant patient history and consider contraindications for testing. Make decisions regarding patient suitability for testing. Very good communication skills to obtain good quality - well performed and repeatable results. Interpret results correctly and produce a well written report in line with national guidelines and local SOPs.
The investigations currently include:
Full lung function testing (Spirometry, gas transfer and Lung volumes.
BDR assessment / FeNO assessment 6-minute walk Sleep studies (multichannel) - Set-up, give out and upload data and analyse from sleep diagnostic devices. Attend sleep MDTs. Capillary blood gas (earlobe) Bronchial Challenge (Mannitol) Hypoxic challenge Respiratory muscle strength testing (MIPS/MEPS)
About us The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job overview
The Chief Respiratory Physiologist will be undertaking a range of respiratory and sleep diagnostic tests.
The Respiratory Physiology department operates from both the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow. and the Community diagnostic centre based at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping.
The purpose of this role is to undertake Respiratory investigations on patients, to inform clinical diagnosis, and provide factual reports. The post holder should be able to independently test outpatients, prioritise the competing demands placed upon this service, and be able to work flexibly to adapt to service needs. The post holder will work across 5 days with an opportunity to work across our two sites.
You would be undertaking a wide range of both simple and highly complex procedures in lung function testing, Interpreting, reporting and teaching.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be required to undertake and interpret a full range of investigations safely, obtain relevant patient history and consider contraindications for testing. Make decisions regarding patient suitability for testing. Very good communication skills to obtain good quality - well performed and repeatable results. Interpret results correctly and produce a well written report in line with national guidelines and local SOPs.
The investigations currently include:
Full lung function testing (Spirometry, gas transfer and Lung volumes.
BDR assessment / FeNO assessment 6-minute walk Sleep studies (multichannel) - Set-up, give out and upload data and analyse from sleep diagnostic devices. Attend sleep MDTs. Capillary blood gas (earlobe) Bronchial Challenge (Mannitol) Hypoxic challenge Respiratory muscle strength testing (MIPS/MEPS)
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Day-to-day management of data systems and their back-up for lung function testing within the Information Governance Framework. To implement local and national policies, codes of practice and guidelines in clinical areas for best practice of measurement, assessment and application of therapeutic regimens and where appropriate, new developments within the
field of Sleep Diagnostics as directed by the Healthcare Scientist Professional
Manager and Consultant Clinical Scientist.
To develop and implement, in conjunction with the Healthcare Scientist Professional Manager and Consultant Clinical Scientist, new and innovative
ways of working to improve efficiency and productivity of the services.
Propose changes to and the implementation of new policies and procedures within the lung function service in adults, which may impact across the Trust.
Plans day-to-day activities for staff and service provision within the Lung Function Services (Adults).
Liaise with reception staff to ensure smooth running of the lung function clinics in adults.
Ensure correct and up to date information is entered onto Trust and departmental databases for the purposes of audit and research.
Take part in research and audit studies within the department as requested by the Service Manager, Nurse Lead and Consultant Physician
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Respiratory healthcare Science degree OR BSc Clinical physiology (or equivalent) ARTP Part 1 and Part 2 equivalent qualification Post-qualification experience as a Respiratory Physiologist (+3 years) Teaching & mentoring junior staff and students Experience of performing and interpreting specialist Pulmonary Function test and sleep studies. Ability to demonstrate high standards of professional behaviour and positive attitude including punctuality and reliability Strong team leadership skills
Desirable
Professional membership of a relevant body obtained by examination (e.g. RCCP) Post-graduate courses in subjects relevant to respiratory & physiological measurements Specialist knowledge in practical & theoretical aspects of respiratory physiology & disorders
Experience Essential
Have experience in the performance and interpretation of a range of lung function tests, sleep studies, bronchial challenge testing, arterial/capillary blood gas analysis. Extensive experience as a Band 6 in Respiratory physiology services.
Desirable
Previous experience of Trust software Budget management experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)