Assistant Technical Officer

We are recruiting an Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) to join the Respiratory Physiology team at Arrowe Park Hospital, Ward 37, Respiratory Lab.

The post holder will be required to provide support within the Respiratory Diagnostics Service to deliver high quality diagnostic investigations. They will be expected to follow policies and procedures appropriate to the task and to liaise with senior physiologists as appropriate. They will be also required to adhere to ARTP standards when performing spirometry and to successfully complete certification and registration, within a specific time scale.

With training and experience, provide all types of spirometry and FeNO assessments as part of the respiratory physiology team.

Prepare and provide sleep monitors and overnight oximetry for patients.

To help the physiologists with the delivery of the sleep service e.g gathering the consumables needed for the clinic.

Responsible for reporting issues of patient concern if they have been identified.

Evaluate, interpret, and present all test results in a format in line with departmental policy.

Ensure prompt completion of own duties via the hospital computer system to maintain comprehensive records of procedures.

Provide general administrative support by assisting in the day-to-day planning and booking of clinics.

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as “competent and caring staff” by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral’s only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

These individual will be responsible for independently performing and interpreting spirometry. They will support physiologists in performing their duties as the assistant in the appropriate areas of the department e.g. Bronchial Challenge Testing. The post holder will be required to set up and download sleep studies and overnight oximetry. The post holder is expected to help assist with efficient delivery of the sleep service and community spirometry.

**Duties and Key Tasks**:
Assist the clinical physiologists in their duties.

Prioritise own workload and duties.

Communicate with patients, explaining the procedure considering the needs of the individual, ensuring privacy, dignity, and confidentiality always.

Ensure availability, cleanliness, and maintenance of equipment.

Accurately perform spirometry, interpreting test results to determine the need for bronchodilation.

Issuing sleep studies and downloading information on patient return of equipment and reporting information in adherence to departmental guidance.

Supporting drop in clinics and issuing CPAP consumables.

Answering CPAP and sleep queries.

Issuing, downloading, and reporting overnight oximetry.

Prior to patient’s arrival ensure clinic rooms are clean, well-stocked and equipment is calibrated, fully functional and clean.

Post holder will comply with the Data Protection Act, Caldicott Guidelines and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.

Recognise and report any adverse clinical findings in line with local policy.

Effectively communicate information to patients, carers and Trust colleagues; this would include explaining about the procedures and obtaining the patients agreement for them to proceed thus ensuring patient compliance.

Ensuring patient’s privacy, dignity and confidentiality is maintained. Must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the current Health and Safety guidance, to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees

Please see attached Job Description for further information about the Assistant Technical Officer position available at WUTH.