About this role
Job summary
Sentinel Healthcare are looking for flexible NHS Band 3 Healthcare Assistants (HCA) or Healthcare Science Assistants to perform spirometry (routine diagnostic lung function tests), manage patient assessments and maintain clinical equipment under indirect clinical supervision.
Main duties of the job
Perform spirometryPrepare patientsData managementMaintain equipmentProvide other clinical support to respiratory teams
About us
Sentinel Healthcare Community Interest Company (CiC) is owned by shareholders of General Practitioners and Practice Managers in Plymouth. We provide services for patients and medical professionals in Plymouth, South East Cornwall, South Hams, and West Devon.
Our Values
Valuing PeopleWe believe in equality, choice, putting patients first and allowing local medical professionals to develop and thrive in their roles.
Promoting ExcellenceOur work is underpinned by our commitment to promoting excellence and improving the quality of local services.
Efficiency & EqualityWe believe in efficient and equitable use of public resources, which should be distributed universally and fairly.
Behaving With IntegrityA strong sense of professional integrity and personal respect is fundamental to our ethos and corporate values.
Job description Job responsibilities
Perform Spirometry: Conduct quality-assured diagnostic spirometry and flow-volume loops, including bronchodilator reversibility testing where trained and authorised via Patient Group Directions (PGD). Patient Care: Prepare patients, explain the breathing manoeuvres clearly, ensure accurate physical measurements (height, weight), and monitor patient wellbeing during testing. Data Management: Accurately record, upload, and input physiological data into electronic patient record systems. Equipment Maintenance: Clean, calibrate, and daily check lung function and diagnostic equipment according to infection control and safety policies. Additional Clinical Tasks: Support respiratory teams with spot-check oximetry, FeNO testing, or basic observations (blood pressure, pulse, temperature) as required. Ability to move between centres as the project aims to provide spirometry closer to patients home.
Person Specification
Skills Essential
Good interpersonal and communication skills to coach patients through maximal breathing efforts, basic IT literacy, and the ability to follow strict standard operating procedures.
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 3 in a healthcare/science-related subject, or an equivalent level of practical knowledge (e.g., Care Certificate plus targeted respiratory competencies).
Training Essential
Willingness to work toward or hold a recognised competency certificate (such as the Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology - ARTP Spirometry certificate).
Experience Essential
Prior experience working in a patient-facing clinical or community healthcare setting, ideally within primary care or a respiratory/sleep physiology department.
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 Sentinel Healthcare South West CIC
Address Unit 1, 5 Research Way
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 8BT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.sentinelhealthcare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)