Healthcare Scientist Assistant in Banbury

Responsibilities

• Without immediate supervision, use appropriate electro‑medical equipment (e.g. electrocardiograph, sphygmomanometer, spirometer, weighing scales, and ambulatory recording systems) in wards or departments throughout the organisation to obtain physiological data from patients (adults, children and neonates).
• Perform, accurately record and report patient observations – temperature, pulse, blood pressure – following completion of relevant competencies/training.
• Identify when to carry out and report observations should a patient's condition alter or deteriorate.
• Perform additional tasks as directed (e.g. cannulation and phlebotomy) following completion of relevant competencies/training.
• Demonstrate good communication skills when dealing with patients, relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team, utilising sensitivity, empathy and the ability to manage conflict.
• Assist with patient moving and handling using correct methods and equipment as required (as per manual handling policy) and completion of appropriate paperwork.
• Demonstrate skills at time‑management and prioritisation of workload with support from senior cardiac physiology support worker/HSA or service lead.
• Undertake mandatory, statutory and local training as required by the Trust and directorate.
• Be flexible/willing to assist all areas within cardiac physiology (e.g. at times of sickness or increased workload).
• The role involves hands‑on clinical duties such as performing electrocardiograms (ECGs), fitting event monitors and assisting with exercise testing.
• Other duties include measurement of height and weight, cannulation and urine analysis.
• The role also requires basic administration skills, good time‑management and organisational skills, and an outstanding approach to customer care.
• Due to the nature of this patient‑facing role, candidates should have a calm and caring attitude and excellent interpersonal skills.
• The role involves working across the county, so the ability to adapt to varied locations and show flexibility when necessary is a must.
• No previous clinical experience is necessary; full training will be provided.
• Successful applicants will be expected to work towards the SCST Certificate of Electrocardiography examination and the Trust's Care Certificate.
• Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the department for a greater understanding of the post.

Qualifications

• Literate, articulate and numerate.
• Secondary school education.
• SCST exams.
• Experience in the NHS (desirable).
• Aware of the critical nature of cardiac physiology, experience of dealing with people.
• Ability to develop new skills efficiently.
• Aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Supportive to patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Demonstrable experience in a broad range of cardiac physiological procedures such as ECG, exercise tolerance testing, continuous ambulatory monitoring preparation.
• Understanding of the roles of cardiac physiology, nursing, ancillary and other staff.
• Previous health care work (desirable).
• Ability to perform and record vital observations (e.g. BP, temperature).
• Competent in a range of electrocardiographic procedures including preparation, attachment and detachment of ambulatory monitoring systems.
• Documented evidence of attendance to mandatory and statutory training.
• Experience in an acute setting.
• Undertaken appropriate mandatory and statutory training including child protection and vulnerable adult, professional attitude, takes pride in work.
• Patient‑centred approach.
• Respectful to colleagues and patients, respects diversity.
• Works well within a team.
• Committed to professional development of self and team.
• Ability to learn from successes and setbacks.
• Excellent customer care.
• Good communication skills – verbal/written.
• A positive approach to change.
• Good team player.
• Demonstrates initiative.
• Customer care training, self‑motivation (desirable).
• Open to change.
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrates adaptability/flexibility and a positive approach to challenges.
• Able to cope under pressure.
• Decision making and problem‑solving skills.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and Horton General Hospital in Banbury.