Clinical Specialist

**Job Title**: Clinical Specialist Sleep Disordered Breathing Division: Medicine Base: Cheltenham General Hospital Grade: AFC Band 5-6 (Dependent upon experience / skills) Reporting to: Lead Physiologist for Respiratory & Sleep Hours 37.5 OverviewGloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust operates hospitals on our two main sites in Cheltenham and Gloucester, and were one of the largest NHS trusts in the country. Along with supporting activity in our local Community diagnostic hub. The service is currently based at Cheltenham General with plans for a purpose-built facility located in Cheltenham General hospital sometime over the next few years. A spoke service remains in operation in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to support the inpatient caseload.

**Job summary**: To be involved in the day to day activity in the sleep and ventilation service, CPAP set up, follow up (face to face and telephone) and ongoing management support for our cohort of approximately 5500 patients. In addition the role will support the diagnostic assessments and scoring, capillary blood gases as well as maintenance of stock supplies and consumables. The role will require you to maintain accurate health records and follow up for patients. Responsibilities Clinical, Scientific and Technical To assist the Lead for Respiratory Physiology in setting local technical standards.

Ear lobe capillary blood gas analysis Overnight oximetry Home Respiratory polygraphy and analysis (Band 6) Any other tests deemed necessary by the head of the department CPAP therapy follow up and management (telephone and face to face) Bi-Level therapy follow up and management (telephone and face to face) CPAP / NIV initiation (Band 6) To carry out all techniques and work independently as an unsupervised independent practitioner. The post-holder will provide specialist professional expertise to other staff members within and outside of the department as required. To communicate clearly and sympathetically, in order to obtain cooperation and best effort from patients and provide reassurance to patients as appropriate To deliver appropriate and individualised patient care at all times. To provide cross-cover within areas of the technical services, as the needs of the service dictate.

The post-holder will analyse complex information that may be technical and / or clinical, using best current scientific opinion, to interpret data and make autonomous decisions on how best to act. Be personally responsible for the adherence to the correct procedure for the disinfection of equipment, adhering closely to local and Trust infection control procedures, quality standards, set guidelines and risk assessments. Jointly responsible for stock control and ordering to maintain adequate stock levels. Management Responsible for daily management of their clinics.

Including competent use of the electronic booking systems; arranging appointments for outpatients and inpatients where necessary. Liaise closely with clerical team. Able to triage and prioritise vet urgent requests in order that the department workload is managed efficiently and appropriately Assist in updating and writing local policies and procedures Use IT packages and softwares to keep careful records of all work activity, carrying out audits where appropriate To take an active role in the procurement of equipment and consumables used within the department and advise other areas on this when required. The post holder must observe the rules, policies and procedures of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and promote them within the department.

**Communication**: To ensure that all staff maintain accurate/legible patient records. Communication skills may be required in a wide range of situations, including: provision of presentations and / or training to large / small staff groups, including other physiologist, nursing and medical staff. To communicate relevant Trust-wide changes with the team as required. To provide feedback to higher levels of management about the needs / requirements of the Department in order to implement changes / service development.

**Teaching, training, professional and research**: Attend Mandatory training as required Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager To maintain full conversance with current training curricula and Modernising Scientific Careers program. To supervise and assist in assessing students during apprenticeships, PTP, STP, HSST placements in the department. Participate in CPD scheme by attending professional meetings, relevant course and further training as part of personal development, and to further the work of the department. To actively participate in maintaining professional development.

To keep up to date with current Sleep Guidelines, procedures and technical developments. Carry out research and audits to support clinical research and development; advice on protocols and maintain quality assurance records, and