Clinical Technologist - Rehabilitation Engineer 317 01 Freeman Hospital

The Regional Rehabilitation and Mobility Service (RREMS) provides clinical engineering expertise to 12 wheelchair services across the North-east of England and North Cumbria. This position is based at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The responsibilities of RREMS Clinical Technologists include undertaking engineering modifications to wheelchairs, specifying and providing powered wheelchairs, and providing the technical, biomechanical and safety related input to multidisciplinary wheelchair service teams. The service also works closely with the Approved Wheelchair Repair Contractor.

RREMS Clinical Technologists specialise in the provision of Rehabilitation Engineering which is the clinical application of engineering principles and technology within the aim to restoring or improving the physical, mental and social wellbeing of 70,000 NHS wheelchair users (of which approx. 4,000 have powered wheelchairs) and their carers to their maximum potential.

Applications are invited from candidates with a degree level qualification or equivalent experience in an appropriate discipline and demonstrable relevant experience having completed a recognised engineering or technical apprenticeship or training course. The post holder will be required to enrol onto IPEM Clinical Technologist Training Scheme, which will result in professional registration as a Clinical Technologist with RCT or AHCS.

RREMS Clinical Technologists work independently, or as part of multidisciplinary teams, providing specialist engineering services and technical knowledge enabling patient care.

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

With around 2 million contacts with patients every year, we deliver care from:

• Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
• Freeman Hospital
• Newcastle Dental Hospital
• Cramlington Manor Walks
• Urgent treatment centres
• Newcastle Fertility Centre
• Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
• Northern Genetics Service

These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS. We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.

Job responsibilities include:

• Providing the technical aspects of RREMS throughout the region, including at Approved Wheelchair Repairer contractors and District Wheelchair Services premises as required.
• Responsible for the prescription, design, manufacture or modification of bespoke mobility and assistive technology/engineering solutions to meet the needs of individual clients or carers.
• Project lead independently managing a caseload of referrals including initial assessment, problem solving, risk analysis, design, manufacture, and documentation.
• Ensuring the safe introduction, delivery/handover of manufactured/modified products into clinical, domestic and educational establishments.
• Compliance with all relevant legislative and other national and local requirements.
• Safe and efficient operation of all engineering/scientific equipment on which you have been trained.
• Reporting of adverse incidents to appropriate organisational establishments.
• Carry out powered wheelchair environmental risk and accessibility assessments.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities within the scope of RREMS to meet the changing needs and circumstances of the service.
• Contribute to research and development projects.

Person Specification:

Qualifications & Education

• Essential: Degree or equivalent level experience in relevant subject, Post Graduate Diploma or equivalent level experience, Full valid driving licence, Completion of a recognised training scheme.
• Desirable: Registered as a Clinical Technologist with RCT or AHCS.

Knowledge & Experience

• Essential: Good knowledge of materials and principles used in engineering, Specialist knowledge and skills in medical or scientific equipment relevant to working area, Good knowledge of IT software packages (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and experience of applying them, Good knowledge of safe moving and handling techniques in both clinical and non-clinical environment, Detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to area of work, Knowledge of clinical hazards and infection control, Knowledge, skill and experience necessary to respond calmly, competently and professionally in the event of a patient experiencing problems, including CPR.
• Desirable: Good report writing skills, Ability to use engineering design software, Ability to travel for prolonged periods of time.

Skills & Abilities

• Essential: Design, drawing and manufacturing of predominately-mechanical engineering components, Have the ability to use hand tools for the setting up and hand over of wheelchairs, specialised seating and associated accessories, Ability to demonstrate equipment in non-technical language, Good communicator.
• Desirable: Good report writing skills, Ability to use engineering design software, Ability to travel for prolonged periods of time.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.