UHWA Respiratory Physiologist, Staff Grade

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Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general direction of duly authorised Officers, the Respiratory Physiologist (Staff Grade)will undertake the duties appropriate to a Respiratory Physiologist (Staff Grade), subject to the supervision of the Senior Respiratory Physiologist.

The Respiratory Physiologist (Staff Grade) should be familiar with the techniques and range of equipment used in current medical practice for the diagnosis, treatment and care of respiratory patients.

Requirements in this area include the ability to test ill patients with caring and understanding, and encourage maximum effort from them when performing pulmonary function tests and/or sleep studies.

The post-holder will be required to conduct and participate in a wide range of medical procedures. A complete understanding of all such procedures and an ability to make accurate measurements is essential.

The Respiratory Physiologist (Staff Grade) will:

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct a full range of non-invasive respiratory diagnostic tests including: spirometry, bronchodilator response, lung volumes via plethysmography, DLCO -gas transfer, MIP, MEP and SNIP testing.
• Assit in performing a range of invasive diagnostic procedures including bronchial challenge tests (Mannitol), and skin allergy testing.
• Set-up and score limited polysomnography
• Conduct ambulatory/nocturnal oximetry testing
• Provide remote support and oversight to patients on CPAP therapy
• Contribute as required to the development of training for new/established staff and external groups.
• Provide first line maintenance, electrical and medical gases safety checking and calibration of all equipment in both Pulmonary and Sleep laboratories.
• Calibrate equipment daily and perform routine maintenance and cleaning on equipment as per laboratory protocols/procedures.
• Support nursing, medical and technical staff in the implementation of patient care involving technology.
• Perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned to him/her from time to time.
• Ensure clinical standards and standards of patient care are followed at all times.
• Ensure the accurate patient records and departmental statistics are recorded.
• Report any malfunctioning or usages equipment in line with protocols/procedures.
• Assist and be willing to undergo training in more advance tests carried out within the department.
• Participate in quality control program to ensure accurate and reproducible results.
• Participate in regular audits as part of the multidisciplinary team in the Sleep/Pulmonary Department.
• Act for other staff in their absence as required.
• Carry out a daily calibration of all equipment and regular maintenance and quality procedure checks.
• Ensure the recognition of abnormal results and bring these to the attention of the Senior Respiratory Physiologist.
• Ensure the correct handling of hazardous materials e.g. special gas mixtures, chemicals, etc.
• Ensure the sterilization of equipment.
• Maintain adequate laboratory supplies.
• Have proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques.
• Comply with CPD process.
• Be familiar with, and follow the program of infection control. Every effort must be made to prevent the spread of infection between patients and staff, and ensure that the equipment does not become contaminated.
• Ensure the most effective and efficient use of information technology for both patient care and administration in a manner that integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
• Ensure the update his/her knowledge and training as appropriate and as medical procedures change and new developments are introduced.
• Keep up to date with department quality assurance protocols.
• To participate in the practice education of students.

Education and Training

• Participate in mandatory training programmes.
• Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, contributing to research etc.
• Update knowledge and training accordingly as medical procedures change and new developments are introduced.
• Assist and be willing to undergo training in more advance tests carried out within the department.
• Engage in support with peer Respiratory Physiologists.
• Contribute as required to the development of training for new / established staff and external groups.
• Participate in the practice education of students.
• Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.

Quality, Risk Management, Health & Safety

• Implement policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
• Promote a safe working environment in accordance with health and safety legislation.
• Actively participate in risk management issues, adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.
• Report any adverse incidents in accordance with organisational guidelines.
• Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s).
• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Administrative

• Contribute to the development and implementation of service / business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes in collaboration with the Senior Respiratory Physiologist and relevant others.
• Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Respiratory Physiology Department service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services, in collaboration with the Senior Respiratory Physiologist and relevant others.
• Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice.
• Promote good team working, and a culture that values diversity.
• Ensure accurate departmental statistics are recorded.
• Ensure computer files are archived and updated regularly.
• Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate.
• Maintain adequate laboratory supplies.
• Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements, GDPR and the Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other information / statistics as required.
• Engage in IT developments as they apply to service users and service administration.
• Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.