Associate Practitioner (Respiratory Physiology) in Gateshead

Job Overview

We provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for a wide range of patients with respiratory or sleep related disorders. The postholder will work alongside qualified Respiratory Physiologists at the Freeman Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary. They will also cover the new community diagnostic centre at the Metro Centre and regional outreach clinics in Middlesbrough and Carlisle.

The successful applicant will perform routine lung function tests including spirometry, flow‑volume loops, gas transfer, static lung volumes, pulse oximetry, respiratory muscle tests and field exercise tests. They will be involved with departmental infection control, quality control of equipment, and administrative duties. They will take part in the sleep apnoea service by setting up diagnostic studies on evenings and attending outreach cystic fibrosis clinics out of hours.

We are seeking someone with a mature approach to work, excellent organisational and communication skills. Previous experience in a healthcare setting and knowledge of basic lung function tests would be advantageous but is not essential as training will be provided.

Role Responsibilities

• Function at a higher competency level than Assistant Technical Officers; actively participate as part of the multidisciplinary team within Respiratory Medicine with minimal supervision from qualified respiratory physiologists.
• Deliver a high standard of care as part of a specialist clinical service.
• Perform routine lung function tests (spirometry, flow‑volume loops, gas transfer, static lung volumes, pulse oximetry, respiratory muscle tests, field exercise tests).
• Participate in an out‑of‑hours rota for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep‑related breathing disorders and neurological disorders.
• Rotate through the Lung Function Department, including cross‑site working, to extend knowledge of lung function and sleep investigations.
• Continue theoretical and practical training in‑house and by attending designated courses.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Qualified to provide lung function testing or willing to undertake training.
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills; mature, professional approach to work.
• Good understanding of infection and quality control procedures.
• No strict prerequisite of prior lung function test experience – on‑the‑job training will be provided.
• References covering a minimum of three years employment required. Provide address, telephone number, and work email of each current/previous line manager.

Application Process

All successful candidates who require a DBS for the post will be required to pay for their DBS certificate. This will be deducted from your first month\’s pay. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted by e‑mail; check your spam folder. If you have not been contacted within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Company Information & Benefits

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS foundation trusts in the country, with around 15,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.6 billion. We provide high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation across a wide range of patients, including rare and complex conditions, cancers, and genetic disorders. We promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, and are committed to sustainability and Net Zero by 2030.

Work Locations:

• Freeman Hospital
• Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
• Health Innovation Neighbourhood (former Newcastle General Hospital and Centre for Ageing and Vitality site)
• Newcastle Dental Hospital
• Newcastle Fertility Centre
• Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
• Northern Genetics Service
• Cramlington Manor Walks

These sites include flagship services with state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic capabilities and support pioneering clinical practice across the NHS. The Trust also operates offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and various community sites.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of staff benefits. For further details, please review the information tied to ‘Documents to download’ or ‘Supporting documents’ on our career website.