Cardiographer

The Cardiology Diagnostic department at SWBH NHS Trust is currently split over two hospital sites - City Hospital and Sandwell Hospital, where we carry out a variety of investigations and procedures on patients with known, or suspected cardiac conditions and currently employ over 40 staff in a multi-disciplinary team. We are expecting to move into our new Acute Hospital “The Midland Metropolitan (MMUH)” next year. This will be a state of the art acute hospital in Grove Lane, Smethwick and will bring together all acute services onto one site.

You will be expected to work at all hospital sites. We do support a flexible working policy, and so would happily consider part time or job share applicants.

**Job Summary**:
Cardiographers perform routine and non-routine electrocardiograms (ECG’s) as well as a range of non-invasive cardiac recording device investigations as an independent competent practitioner. Investigations will be performed on a range of patients within a range of clinical situations both in the outpatient setting and on the wards. This will include patient and equipment preparation. All work will be to a high standard in line with the SCST (professional cardiac body), and the post holder will be contributing to a high quality effective care to patients that require our services.

The post holder will work in a multidisciplinary team which includes cardiac physiologists, cardiology doctors, nurses, managerial, clerical, and portering. Duties to include:

- Performing 12 lead electrocardiograms on adults, paediatrics and neonates, quickly and with accurate anatomical electrode placement in line with the SCST guidelines
- Recognise from the basic interpretation of the recordings when to refer life threatening abnormal results to a senior member of the team immediately
- Recognise and troubleshoot artefacts (interference) on recordings, using alternative methods of recording techniques.

Communication

Communicate all instructions clearly avoiding undue anxiety to patients at all times
- Liaise closely with patients, and with their carers if necessary, with whom it may be difficult to communicate, explaining procedures as appropriate
- Obtain verbal consent for all investigations from all patients or someone appropriate on their behalf
- Acknowledge personal preferences, rights and choice of patients, including their cultural and religious beliefs
- Deal appropriately with patients who are acutely unwell and distressed, including mentally impaired patients
- Demonstrate good communication skills at all times ensuring all patients are dealt with courteously, respectfully and promptly, whilst maintaining their privacy, dignity and comfort as much as possible
- Utilise sensitivity, empathy and ability to deal with conflict
- Communicate within the multidisciplinary team, and develop strong working relationships to allow effective working
- Answer the telephone and face to face queries in a correct manner and direct to the correct person/department when required