Clinical Engineer

Overview

Rehabilitation engineering is the clinical application of engineering science and principles to develop technological solutions and devices, in the provision of services and research and development to meet the needs of individuals living with complex disabilities. The Regional Technical Aids Service (RTAS) provides bespoke design, modification, manufacture and consultancy services for mechanical, electrical and electronic, specialist IT and communication assistive technologies to suit the needs of these individuals. Working in collaboration with therapists and other health, social care and medical professionals across the region, in both clinical and community settings, the service aims to improve the lives of people living with disabilities, enabling them to remain in their own homes and realise their full potential in terms of independence, education, employment and social participation. RTAS engineers / technologists are engaged in and utilise their skills and experience in the provision of high quality engineering solutions to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

• We are currently seeking a suitably qualified, capable and motivated clinical engineer to join the team to support the delivery of our services which include, initial assessment of referral requirements, problem solving, risk analysis, design, manufacture and documentation.
• The post holder will lead the development of the service quality management system in accordance with applicable standards and the requirements of the Medical Device Regulation.
• They will also coordinate the required quality assurance, audit and clinical governance activities, developing and delivering associated training to colleagues and other healthcare professionals, relevant within the scope and activities of the wider Rehabilitation Engineering and Aids for Living unit.
• This is a demanding, but rewarding, patient facing role, working alongside other healthcare professionals, engineering technical solutions to meet patient need, requiring excellent technical awareness, communication, planning, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A full valid UK driving licence is essential; as regular region wide travel is a required.

About us

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
• 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 (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) 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

• Contributes to service delivery, region wide, within their specialist area.
• Assists in providing professional technical leadership within their specialist area.
• Supports service improvement and the development, implementation and audit of clinical and organisational strategies within the service via the quality management system.
• Performs a range of advanced healthcare science activities.
• Provides highly specialist advice and training to staff within own area and other professionals.
• Actively involved in research and development projects.
• Contributes to staff development, supervises and trains less experienced staff and trainees.

Person Specification

• First or second-class honours degree in a relevant science or engineering subject
• Appropriate post-graduate degree at master’s level, or equivalent level of specialist knowledge
• Registered as a Clinical Scientist or working towards
• Full, valid driving licence
• Higher degree in a relevant subject

• In-depth specialist knowledge and understanding of the application of physical and engineering sciences to medicine
• Specialist knowledge and skills in medical or scientific equipment and / or clinical procedures relevant to the working area
• Specialist knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to the working area
• Specialist knowledge of the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations and of other relevant legislation, standards and safety principles relevant to the working area
• Knowledge of clinical audit and governance, including ethical and regulatory considerations and their application relevant to the working area
• Proven ability to problem-solve
• Knowledge and experience of rehabilitation engineering and the services provided by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Aids for Living (REAL) unit
• Experience of working within quality management systems
• Understanding of audit and quality assurance
• Understanding of NHS funding, commissioning and contracting processes
• Experience of investigating adverse incidents related to healthcare services
• Experience in training and supervision of trainees

• Excellent patient and interpersonal communication skills
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and maintain technical services
• Proficient IT skills, including use and application of databases and office software packages
• Demonstrable ability to work both within a multidisciplinary team, or independently and manage personal work / caseload
• Ability to carry out research and development working as part of a team
• Highly developed physical skills for the safe and efficient operation of equipment
• Teaching, training and mentoring skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent report writing and presentational skills, including the production of scientific papers, reports and conference presentations

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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.