Band 7 - Highly Specialised Cardiac Physiologist, Cardiology in Watford

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, enthusiastic individual to join the friendly and supportive Cardiology team at West Herts.

A wide range of procedures are performed in the two cardiac catheterisation laboratories, including:

• PCI and PPCI, pressure wire studies, IVUS/OCT imaging and orbital atherectomy
• Coroventis physiological studies to assess the microcirculation
• Complex CIED implantation, including ICD, CRT, S-ICD and LBBAP
• Conventional and 3-D mapping EP studies and ablation

The Cardiac Devices Clinic provides an extensive CIED follow-up service for all devices and includes a well-established remote follow-up service. The department supports flexible working and gives physiologists the opportunity to work from home. This is primarily a CRM/EP role but the successful candidate will be expected to rotate through the intervention lab as service demand dictates. Extended working hours may be required during cath lab rotations. The post holder will be primarily based at Watford with rotations at St Albans and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals to cover outpatient activities.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder is expected to use their experience and knowledge to provide a highly professional standard of care. The successful candidate will have BSc in Clinical Physiology, or equivalent, and be expected to have a level of skill and autonomy appropriate to the Band 7 level. The successful candidate will have experience leading brady and complex device implant and follow-up and/or experience performing conventional and 3-D mapping EP cases independently. BHRS Devices and/or EP certification, or recognised equivalent, is essential. Independent invasive technical expertise will be expected during diagnostic and interventional cardiac cath lab cases, including acquisition of haemodynamic data for left and right heart studies, PCI, PPCI and IABP set up and monitoring. Operation of IVUS and OCT systems with skilled image interpretation are required. The successful candidate will contribute to service improvements, departmental audits, clinical governance and quality assurance. Active involvement in the personal and professional development of other cardiac physiologists and assistant cardiac practitioners is expected.

Working for our organisation

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements carried out under the band 7 remit. They will be expected to interpret and act upon results of tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. The individual will be expected to contribute to new proposals and protocols, especially for service improvements, and share the responsibility for quality assurance. Active involvement in the personal and professional development of other clinical cardiac physiologists and assistant cardiac practitioners is required. The post holder will work in a multidisciplinary team that includes other cardiac physiologists, assistant cardiac practitioners, radiographers, consultants and medical staff, nursing staff and all other personnel either hospital or externally based. The post holder will report to and is accountable to the two Lead Cardiac Physiologists.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

• BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) or recognised equivalent.
• Current ILS.
• BHRS Devices/EP certification or recognised equivalent.
• Evidence of recent CPD.
• RCCP/AHCS registration STP equivalence.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of practical and interpretational electrocardiography.
• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical pathologies, cardiac anatomy, and cardiac conditions.
• Evidence of knowledge of all non-invasive cardiology investigations.

Experience

• Experience leading brady and complex device implant and follow-up and/or experience performing conventional and 3-D mapping EP cases in the lead physiologist role.
• Experience working independently during left and right studies, PCI, PPCI and IABP set-up and monitoring.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire. As an employer of nearly 6,000 people the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.