About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Cardiac / Respiratory Healthcare Science Assistant to work as part of our friendly team providing a diagnostic Cardiology and Respiratory service to both in-patients and out-patients. The post will also involve some administrative and reception duties, including dealing with patient and staff queries, managing clinics on the Trust IT systems and making and amending appointments. The principal hospitals within County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust are University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Bishop Auckland Hospital and Shotley Bridge Hospital. The Cardiology and Respiratory Investigation Units provide a broad range of invasive and non invasive procedures. We are committed to providing learning and development opportunities to all our staff.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity for someone who would enjoy a post combining both clinical and administrative work.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will work as part of a team in a busy Cardio-Respiratory Department. As a department, we pride ourselves on the quality of diagnostic services we provide for patients. You should have a good understanding of, or have experience of working in a medical environment and have the ability to remain calm, especially in stressful situations. Ideally, you should be technically competent to perform 12 lead ECGs, as well as a number of other basic diagnostic procedures but this is not essential. Experience of reception and administrative work would also be useful
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years of as a HCA Band 3 within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description Job responsibilities
This post will be based at Darlington Memorial Hospital, however the post holder will be expected to be flexible and there will be some requirement to work at Bishop Auckland Hospital. You may also be required at times to support services at the other sites within the Trust. We actively encourage and support all appropriate professional development and we develop staff in line with professional and clinical competencies.
Minimum qualifications: 3 GCSE passes grade 4 or above (or equivalent), one to be English Language.
To either hold, or be prepared to obtain, with training, the Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST) Award in Electrocardiography within the first year of employment.
Person Specification
Special Requirements Essential
Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post Approachable and friendly Ability to put patients at ease and work across all patient groups Ability to work under pressure and to remain calm in stressful situations. Ability to respond appropriately in an emergency situation. Present a professional image at all times Driving posts must have valid Full UK driving licence
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Organisational skills Good interpersonal and communication skills written and verbal IT literate / administrative skills Knowledge of Data Protection and an understanding of the need to maintain patient confidentiality Ability to use discretion and use own initiative to resolve routine queries in line with departmental procedures Flexible approach to work and adaptable to change.
Desirable
Knowledge of medical terminology Experience in performing spirometry and 12 lead ECGs Basic ECG interpretation Ability to use relevant Trust IT systems
Experience Essential
Good understanding and / or experience of working in a healthcare environment. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
Experience of other tests performed in Cardiac and Respiratory diagnostic Departments. Experience of reception and administrative work
Statutory Registration Desirable
Member of SCST
Qualifications Essential
Good standard of education minimum of 3 GCSE Grade 4 (or equivalent), including English Language. SCST Award in Electrocardiography, or willingness to undertake with training within the first year of being in post.
Desirable
NVQ level 2 Health and Social Care NVQ level 2 Business and Administration or equivalent
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 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)