Deputy Chief Clinical Perfusionist in Birmingham

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Chief Clinical Perfusionist position within the Clinical Perfusion Department at UHNM. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Perfusion Scientist to take a lead role in supporting the Chief Clinical Perfusionist alongside a Deputy currently in post in the provision, management, and development of all perfusion and related services. The post holder will contribute to the long-term planning and organisation of service delivery within the directorate, regularly representing Clinical Perfusion at Directorate meetings and helping ensure the service meets its professional, clinical, and performance targets.

The role requires a high level of clinical expertise, including the management of cardiopulmonary bypass and associated technologies to support cardiac surgery and other interventions, participation in on-call and late duty rotas, and a strong commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and service improvement. The department is committed to delivering outstanding patient care and fostering a supportive environment for staff development.

The successful applicant will have full UK registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists and have at least five years experience post qualification or be able to demonstrate suitable exposure.

Main duties of the job:

• To take a lead role in supporting the Chief Clinical Perfusionist in the provision and management of all perfusion and related services ensuring the clinical group meets its professional and clinical targets.
• Actively involved in the long term planning and organisation of service provision within the directorate, regularly representing Clinical Perfusion at Directorate meetings.
• To clinically manage and control the temporary replacement of a patient’s cardiopulmonary function to enable cardiac surgery and to support that function during other interventions.
• To operate auxiliary equipment for the benefit of patient safety and the effectiveness of clinical outcome.
• Participate in the 'on call' and late duty rotas.

Key Responsibilities and Clinical Duties:

• Choose the most appropriate equipment and disposable items for the procedure to be undertaken.
• Prepare equipment and disposable items to undertake cardiopulmonary bypass for routine and emergency cardiac surgery.
• Operate the heart lung machine and auxiliary equipment to maintain the patient’s clinical condition within physiological parameters, taking corrective action to compensate for changing conditions during cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Independently perform complex perfusion techniques including: Aortic procedures; Autologous blood salvage (intra- and post-operatively); Intra-aortic balloon pump preparation, insertion and management, including troubleshooting; Advanced blood gas analysis and interpretation; Thromboelastography (TEG) including Platelet Mapping and Fibrinogen Analysis; Vacuum-assisted venous drainage and carbon dioxide field flooding; Modified ultrafiltration and haemoconcentration.
• Apply rigorous aseptic technique, equipment cleaning, calibration, and safe disposal of consumables in accordance with Trust policy.
• Lead on evaluating, implementing, and teaching new technologies and innovations in perfusion practice.
• Complete accurate clinical documentation, ensuring all perfusion activity is recorded for audit, quality assurance, and service development.
• Lead in supporting departmental planning, service delivery, and research initiatives, ensuring perfusion services evolve in line with best practice.
• Participate fully in the departmental on-call rota, acting independently in emergency and high-pressure situations.

Quality of Care and Clinical Governance:

• Lead departmental quality improvement, audit, and benchmarking activities, ensuring evidence-based best practice in all perfusion procedures.
• Develop and review clinical policies, protocols, and risk management strategies to support patient safety.
• Act as a clinical expert and advisor within the multidisciplinary team, liaising with surgeons, anaesthetists, and nursing colleagues to optimise patient outcomes.
• To provide leadership and act for the Chief Perfusionist in their absence, supporting the Perfusion team.

Education, Training and Professional Development:

• Provide formal and informal teaching to trainee perfusionists, nursing and medical staff, both within the Trust and externally at national/international level.
• Act as mentor and assessor for trainee perfusionists, ensuring their personal logbooks and MSc programme requirements are met assisting in the development of departmental training programmes.
• Maintain own professional knowledge and competence through continuing professional development, national/international conferences, and specialist courses.
• Possess registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland and maintain professional re-accreditation through clinical and educational activity.
• Must abide by the Code of Ethical Conduct of the Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.
• Conversant with all relevant departmental and Trust protocols.

Advanced Clinical Skills and Expertise:

• Anticipate, assess, and respond rapidly to complex physiological and technical changes during cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Apply expert clinical judgement in critical and emergency scenarios, ensuring patient safety and effective decision-making under pressure.
• Lead in supporting the development of novel perfusion strategies and research into rare or complex patient pathologies.
• Utilise advanced communication skills to explain highly technical or sensitive information clearly to colleagues, patients, and external stakeholders.

Operational Excellence and Service Delivery:

• Manage independent caseloads and coordinate perfusion service delivery across multiple theatres and Trust sites.
• Take responsibility for equipment maintenance, stock control, and procurement, delegating tasks appropriately to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Lead in supporting workforce planning, service innovation, and strategic development regularly representing Clinical Perfusion at meetings.
• Maintain resilience and sustained concentration during prolonged, complex procedures and high-pressure environments.

Professional Standards and Ethical Practice:

• Demonstrate professionalism at all times, safeguarding patient dignity, confidentiality, and wellbeing.
• Lead in supporting developing evidence-based practice within perfusion, ensuring national and local guidelines are applied consistently.
• Provide leadership in supporting team wellbeing, debriefing, and resilience after critical or traumatic cases.
• Maintain effective and collaborative relationships within the multidisciplinary team, promoting an open and supportive culture.

Person Specification:

• Five years post qualification experience or able to demonstrate suitable exposure.
• Full professional registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.
• Evidence of strong leadership, management and communication skills.