Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities

Clinical

• To be technically proficient and competent in carrying out the following non-invasive specialist cardiology procedures:
• Electrocardiograph for inpatients, outpatients and General Practitioners. To provide reports of the investigation for the cardiologist and in cases where immediate attention or treatment is required ensure that appropriate medical staff are informed.
• Inpatient and outpatient Holter electrocardiograms and other ambulatory monitoring, analysing and producing reports. The Post holder will also be responsible for ensuring that Medical staffs are informed and appropriate action is taken where serious arrhythmia is detected and urgent/immediate treatment is necessary.
• Inpatient and outpatient Exercise Stress Testing and interpretation of the electrocardiograms produced with a written report. The post holder will also supervise junior staff.
• Setting up and safe usage of expensive complex medical equipment above and beyond routine cardiology e.g. stress and Transoesophageal echocardiography.
• The post holder will be expected to lead on Tilt Table tests and process relevant reports in line with departmental Protocols.
• The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the checking and safe use the department’s diagnostic equipment and associated computer hardware that they are using and that any faults are reported promptly.
• To be competent in basic Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation technique and be proficient in Intermediate Life Support. Initiate treatment and support Medical Staff during cardiac Resuscitation.

Managerial and Training

• To report equipment and environmental problems to the Service Manager. 
• To prepare the daily rota for non- invasive and managing junior staff annual leave and sickness in accordance to trust policy
• Ensuring Performance development reviews are completed for all junior non-invasive staff.
• Ensuring Protocols are up to date and junior staff members are completing test to the required standard.
• Assist with the process of adequately stocking the department; ensuring orders of supplies and stock are made in line with trust processes.
• To assist with research studies, audits and quality initiatives as appropriate.
• To assist with departmental administration, including but not limited to booking appointments, and responding to patient queries.
• To assist and support the Principal physiologist with the collection departmental statistics. Set up local databases to assist with this as required.
• To respond to patient and staff complaints in accordance with Trust protocol.
• To attend meetings as directed and feedback information as appropriate
• To assist with the process of formulating new policies and procedures relating to service provision and comply with Trust Policies and Procedures.

Clinical and Professional

• To be responsible for maintaining high standards of care and to be an effective role model.
• Be responsible for ensuring that reports and results processed by post holder are recorded / stored safely and accurately.
• To take necessary actions to sustain and improve own knowledge and professional competence. Participate in Clinical Governance activities and wherever possible ensure practice is research based.
• To communicate with all groups of staff within the Cardiology department to ensure dissemination of information., and maintain effective links with all other disciplines, wards and departments in the Trust
• Promote ideas and suggestions for improvements in care for patients attending the department.
• You will be expected to offer support and guidance and train junior team members and students attending placements.
• To be responsible participating in the daily checks of the resuscitation trolley.
• To work in accordance with the National Service Framework.
• To be actively involved in monitoring the quality of the service provided.
• Understanding the requirements of vulnerable patients and the processes that are required to maintain their safety.

Infection Control

• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control techniques
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe disposal of sharps into appropriate container
• Understand universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
• Dispose of body fluids, soiled linen, clothing etc. in line with the Trust Infection Control Policy and Waste Disposal Regulations
• Adheres to trust policy on hand hygiene, including ‘bare below the elbows’