Deputy Sleep Physiology and Educational Lead

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Respiratory/Sleep Physiologist with experience in team leadership and a strong interest in Sleep.

The postholder will share responsibility for the day-to-day and overnight operations of the unit and the line management of the physiology and technologist team. The postholder will also support and oversee existing departmental patient care, including overnight limited and full polysomnography (PSG), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy, and home diagnostics such as oximetry and actigraphy studies. Additionally, the role includes mentoring and assessing Level 4 and Level 6 respiratory apprentices.

Flexible working patterns are available, including a hybrid model of remote and on-site working. Twilight shifts (13:30–21:30) or participation in the evening on-call rota may be required.

This is a leadership role within the team, focusing on service development and expansion, as well as providing day-to-day supervision and support. The postholder will also oversee and facilitate the training and development of the technical and physiology staff, work alongside external training providers and apprentices, and deputise for the Sleep Physiology Manager when necessary.

Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC. A specialist NHS hospital providing life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond.

A centre of excellence, with an international reputation for pioneering advanced techniques and treatments. Everything we do is informed by our passion for providing the highest quality care and the best clinical outcomes.

At QVH we are proud of our achievements and our specialist services continue to record excellent clinical outcomes for patients. We regularly receive excellent results from patient satisfaction surveys and on average 98% of inpatients say they would recommend the hospital to their family or friends.

Our success is underpinned by the skills and enthusiasm of our staff and a strong culture of partnership. We are fully committed to training and development of the workforce with support for continuing education and learning.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Perform holistic assessments of patients' needs, plan, implement, and evaluate care delivery with reference to changing respiratory healthcare needs in a hospital setting.
• Provide highly specialist advice to medical staff and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) regarding the treatment and management of patients with complex sleep apnoea.
• Use and maintain a range of technologies to carry out physiological measurements and assessments, including overnight polysomnography (full and limited cardio-respiratory studies), home oximetry, actigraphy, transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcCO₂) monitoring, Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT), full lung function testing, and arterial blood gas analysis.
• Apply sensors and electrodes for overnight and daytime sleep studies, including limited respiratory PSG, MSLT, and full PSG with electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG), using both standard sleep staging and extended 10/20 montages.
• Perform bio-calibration of signals prior to each study and verify data quality.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and ensure data integrity.
• Analyse and score cardio-respiratory, EMG, and EEG events; stage sleep on PSG recordings; and discuss findings with Consultants to aid diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Produce detailed reports summarising data and results.
• Conduct clinical interviews, offer treatment plans and advice, and provide reassurance.
• Initiate patients on CPAP or NIV therapy, determine appropriate equipment settings, and select suitable masks.
• Write clear, comprehensive letters to General Practitioners and update patient records and electronic systems accordingly.
• Conduct outpatient clinics to review patients on CPAP and NIV therapy, adjusting treatment plans as needed.
• Advise on sleep hygiene and lifestyle modifications.
• Formulate and monitor treatment plans, record compliance and efficacy.
• Manage complex patients requiring tailored interventions.
• Maintain and enhance professional competencies in sleep diagnostics and therapy.
• Support data archiving and ensure safe storage of clinical data.
• Assist with the procurement and commissioning of specialist equipment, in collaboration with clinicians and the Sleep Physiology Team Leader.

Professional Responsibilities

• Assist and deputise for the Lead Clinical Physiologist/Department Manager.
• Line manage the physiology and technologist team, including rota management, appraisals, performance reviews, and staff induction.
• Provide expert input on the procurement of medical and IT equipment.
• Review and update clinical protocols with the Lead Clinical Physiologist.
• Work collaboratively to identify service improvements, cost-saving measures, and efficiency strategies.
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Oversee education and training within the team, including competency assessments and skill development.
• Lead training sessions within the Sleep Disorder Centre.
• Deliver presentations to staff or external groups, as required.
• Engage in the appraisal process and commit to ongoing professional development.
• Participate in research projects and clinical trials as directed.
• Obtain informed consent from study participants and maintain accurate documentation.
• Lead service improvement initiatives as directed by the management team.
• Stay informed of departmental and Trust-wide objectives and strategies.