Senior Perfusionist

In conjunction with the Deputy Manager, Clinical Perfusion, ensure the provision of extracorporeal circulation, life support systems, ventricular assist devices, haemoconcentration, cell salvage, and autonomous assessment and maintenance of physiological parameters. Assists in formulating policies for the smooth running of the Clinical Perfusion Department and makes recommendations for improvement and development.

The post-holder will provide clinical and scientific advice, and provide interpretation of results to clinicians throughout the Trust and to external agencies. Draw on knowledge of a range of theories to inform practice. Assist in developing strategies for the management and delivery of care for the patient group.

Setting up, priming and running cardiopulmonary bypass equipment for cardiac surgery procedures, according to the perfusion procedures and protocols and to play a full role in the routine cardiac surgery programme. Ensure quality control, calibration and maintenance of expensive and complex medical equipment, ensuring accurate and safe use during clinical procedures.

Assess the patient for relevant medical history, pathology and diagnosis and make appropriate clinical decisions concerning the conduct of the procedure i.e. type of cannulation, size and type of equipment, type of priming solution. Administer fluids and drugs according to local policy and as necessitated by the clinical situation i.e. priming solutions, anticoagulants, inhalational anaesthetic agents, potassium, and cardioplegic solution.

Be conversant with specialist techniques and perfusion procedures as required by individual patients such as left-heart bypass, cerebral perfusion, vacuum assisted venous drainage, ventricular assist devices and blood conservation techniques. Assist surgical and cardiology staff in the insertion and management of intra-aortic balloon pumps as required by individual patients.

Take a full role in departmental and individual projects, with a commitment to research based clinical practice. Contribute to evidence based clinical practice to maximise clinical effectiveness.

The post-holder is required to participate in 'out of hours/on-call' arrangements and to ensure continued co-operation, flexibility and reasonable cover during absence of colleagues and operational demands of the Directorate. Participate in the training of Perfusionists, and other staff as directed, and the supervision of staff in lower grades as appropriate.

Consolidate specialist skills, knowledge and expertise in clinical practice. Applying these skills to the supervision and training of others in the department and the multidisciplinary team. Ensure communication is upheld between all disciplines throughout the directorate. Liaison with all relevant staff in research projects related to Perfusion Science. Any other reasonable duty which may be delegated.

Person specification

• Experience

• Essential criteria: 3 years experience
• Desirable criteria: 5 years experience

• Essential criteria: PGDip qualification
• Desirable criteria: MSc qualification

• Essential criteria: Adult experience
• Desirable criteria: Adult and Paediatric experience
• Desirable criteria: ECMO experience

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms. Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria. Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment. The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID-19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer. The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors. If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.