Apprentice Critical Care Technologist in Leicester

The Medical Equipment Management Service (MEMS) requires a dynamic Critical Care Technologist apprentice. This is a demanding position and you will play a major part in achieving service objectives in a busy and technically challenging environment governed by an ISO9001 quality system. The CCT role is performed in-house, primarily at Leicester Royal Infirmary, but there may be a requirement to work at other sites within Leicester; a driving licence is desirable, but not essential. Training will be an integral aspect of this new role, so a willingness to be trained both in-house and by an external training provider is essential. Your training will take you to a minimum of NVQ level 2. The department encourages development and training of staff and developing your full potential. You will have a safety-conscious approach to your work and the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels. An ability to cope under pressure, be adaptable and multi-task is required. Experience of using an equipment database and associated IT skills will be a distinct advantage.

Main duties of the job:

• To work in a supported learning environment to develop the skills and knowledge which will assist the apprentice to complete their qualification and secure employment and progress in their career in the future.
• The main responsibility will be the supervised training in practical and academic duties for the safe maintenance and management of medical equipment in critical care areas across the University Hospitals of Leicester.
• The post holder will contribute fully as a member of the critical care team, to ensure the equipment used in the care of critically ill patients is safe and effective and aid in the smooth running of the ward/department.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

Assist critical care technicians in the provision of specialist technical support in the area of critical care technology in order to assist in the smooth running of the critical care units. Provide first line maintenance on equipment in the areas of physiological measurement, respiratory technology and biochemical equipment. Maintain quality of performance of equipment in the above areas by applying appropriate regime of checks, quality control procedures and performance assessments. Assist the units in equipment purchases by giving technical advice and arranging equipment demonstrations. Be familiar with the roles of the critical care technicians across all sites in order to provide cover and support. Assist in the training of nursing and medical staff in the correct use of medical equipment. Assist in the set-up of medical equipment including carrying out pre-user checks. Liaise with medical, nursing and other staff as required in the performance of duties. Keep work areas maintained in a safe, clean and tidy manner. Maintain necessary stock levels, especially consumables. Keep senior critical care technologists fully informed of developments on the critical care units. Keep records of all work done. Respond promptly to equipment faults and issues in order to maintain patient safety and flow. The post-holder will need to gain knowledge of all Departmental procedures, safety regulations and any legislation that is relevant to the job.

Person specification:

• Education/Qualification: GCSEs above grade 3, to include Maths, English and a Science. More than 5 GCSE above grade 3 or ‘A’ levels or science/engineering qualification.
• Communication and skills: Able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Able to work accurately, methodically and quickly, following verbal and written instructions. Able to communicate with all levels of staff relaying complex information. Able to work as part of a team. Able to use own initiative when required. Friendly and approachable manner, able to handle patients sympathetically. Experience of working with patients/people in a caring capacity. Experience of working in a team. Computer/IT experience.
• Other requirements: Punctual and reliable. Able to work and adapt to different sites and work teams at all three major hospitals within Leicester. Manual dexterity including the ability to handle patients and equipment, also carry light loads between clinical areas. Willing to carry out general housekeeping/clerical duties.

Additional Information: 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. 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 endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager. 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.