Healthcare Science Assistant Apprentice - Cardio-Respiratory Level 2 - Halifax
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics.
We are committed to recruiting to our values. Leading One Culture of Care underpins our values by creating an environment, tone and behaviours across all parts of the Trust that are fundamentally rooted in compassionate care.
We are open to considering a wide range of flexible working arrangements. There are opportunities to flex the days of the week, hours and times of work and place of work including: part-time, job-share, flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home when appropriate.Please talk to us during the interview process to discuss any flexibility that you may require.
We received our Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which is helping actively promote SaBRE - Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers. This means that we provided its statement of intent to support all Defence personnel and we welcome application to work for us.Find out more - Why Choose CHFT?
Our Future Plans
The Department of Health and Social Care has awarded capital funding to invest in local health services at both Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. This is a significant investment and an opportunity to enhance services for our populations in Calderdale and Huddersfield and West Yorkshire for generations to come.To find out more, please visit https://future.cht.nhs.uk/
Job overview
The post holder will undertake a 12–14 month training programme as a Healthcare Science Level 2 Apprentice within the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT). It is also an exciting opportunity to work in the new Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC's) Spoke and Hub in the heart of the Halifax and Huddersfield communities.Formal training will be given where the successful candidate can learn and develop skills and knowledge relating to working in a busy cardio-respiratory department and by undertaking basic cardiology and respiratory diagnostic tests. Study will take place in partnership with the Sheffield College.
- Previous applicants need not apply.
- Apprentice position is not suitable for someone who holds a degree.
- Please note this apprenticeship is open to all ages.
The post holder will receive 20% off the job training to fulfil the apprenticeship standard. On successful completion of the apprenticeship and probationary period the post holder will be offered a permanent post of Cardio-Respiratory Healthcare Science Assistant (Band 2).
Main duties of the job
As an apprentice all tasks will be under direct supervision until competency through formal assessment is achieved and will include the following main duties within the cardiorespiratory department:
- To perform routine and urgent electrocardiograms.
- To perform routine and urgent spirometry.
- To perform and measure automatic and manual blood pressure measurements.
- To obtain venous blood samples.
- To set up and fit a cardiac monitor, 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitor, and a 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitor.
- To prepare equipment and clinical areas for other diagnostic cardiology tests.
- To support cardiology reception/clerical administration as required.
- To handle and store equipment and consumables within accepted and safe limits.
Working for our organisation
We employ more than 6,500 staff who deliver compassionate care from our two main hospitals, Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as well as in community sites, health centres and in patients’ homes. We also are incredibly proud to have almost 150 volunteers here at CHFT.
We provide a range of services including urgent and emergency care; medical; surgical; maternity; gynaecology; critical care; children’s and young people’s services; end of life care and outpatient and diagnostic imaging services.
We provide community health services, including sexual health services in Calderdale from Calderdale Royal and local health centres. These include Todmorden Health Centre and Broad Street Plaza.
We continue to modernise and invest in our health services to build on our strong reputation. Foundation trusts are public leaders in improving quality in health services. They are part of the NHS – yet decisions about what they do and how they do it are driven by independent boards.Boards listen to their Council of Governors and respond to the needs of their members – patients, staff and the local community.
Foundation trusts provide what the health service wants, yet are also free to invest quickly in the changes to the local community needs, in striving to be the best, and in putting their patients first.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- To record electrocardiograms and produce a report
- To perform spirometry and produce a report
- To perform and measure automatic and manual blood pressure measurements
- To obtain venous blood samples when needed
- To set up and fit a cardiac monitor, 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitor, and a 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitor
- To prepare equipment and clinical areas for Cardiology investigations
- Receive and assist patients and/or carers to prepare for Cardiology investigations
- Obtain additional information that will assist with planning and preparing of Cardiology investigations
- Support patients and/or carers during investigative Cardiology procedures
- To take an active role in the resuscitation of patients (Basic Life Support)
- To give support advise to patients and/or carers/medical team following completion of investigative Cardiology procedures
- To organise the patient journey and assist in the Cardiology clinics if required
- To chaperone Cardiology medical staff in the above
- Follow manufacturers/protocol instructions and operate equipment
- Assess and maintain equipment and devices for safe use during Cardio-respiratory investigations
- Report faulty equipment to the Team Leader
- Communicate technical equipment-related information to healthcare colleagues, patients, carers, and suppliers
- Use safe manual handling techniques when moving both patients and equipment
- Contacts medical/nursing staff to advise of adverse/life-threatening test results
- Follow departmental and national policies and procedures to maintain safe practice
- To undertake clerical duties as required including sending out appointments using the trust systems, filing, photocopying, and handling incoming and outgoing post
- To organise and prepare patients information, ready for investigation collect notes and identify as correct on equipment as necessary
- Records personally generated information and update records. Also to learn how to input results of investigations performed by other members of staff
- To attend to general tidiness of department including unpacking and storage of ward stock deliveries
- Assist with maintaining stock levels and supplies.
- To answer the telephone and relay messages appropriately
- To undertake department errands as required
- Assist in the safe use, custody and maintenance of equipment, utilising resources effectively and efficiently.
- When required to, act flexibly within the role which may include moving to other sites within the trust and/or change to duties in consultation with your line manager.
Person specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential criteria- GCSE English and Maths at Grades 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent
- ECDL/NVQ Level 2 in Business Admin/Customer Service or willingness to work towards or equivalent administration experience
- Evidence of commitment to organisational and individual development and undertake all mandatory training where required
- Accurate keyboard skills to RSA 2 typing or equivalent.
Knowledge, Experience & Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of dealing with the public within a reception area
- Excellent computer skills with knowledge of Word and Excel
- Experience of working with EPR
- Experience of scheduling outpatient appointments, waiting list management and understanding local and national targets
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload
- Experience of working in an NHS environment
- Knowledge of medical terminology, preferably in the field of Cardiology and Respiratory
- Experience and knowledge of patient pathways and RTT targets
Communication and Relationships
Essential criteria- Excellent communication skills, able to communicate clearly and concisely both on the telephone and face to face
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Excellent listening, negotiation/persuasive and problem-solving skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Approachable and supportive to others
- Professional and positive attitude
We take pride in the diversity of our workforce that’s why we encourage applications from all. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants.
Please ensure your application is submitted with referees who can verify your employment/education history over the last three years and include valid email addresses for them. We will request electronic Factual Employment References from your previous employers.These references will be requested before you are issued with an unconditional offer of employment letter.
If you are appointed to a post, information will also be transferred into the NHS Electronic Staff Records system. The Inter-Authority Transfer (IAT) process is a critical and beneficial component of ESR and following interview your previous NHS employment data, if applicable will be transferred from your current / most recent employer.
You may be required to undertake a DBS. The Trust will administer the DBS check on your behalf and will recover the cost (Enhanced £54.40, Standard £26.40 or Basic £26.40) from your salary when you commence in post (including Internal staff).You will also be required to participate in the DBS Update Service and pay the £16 cost per year. This is a condition of your employment.
CHFT is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.
If you have any questions please contact [email protected] for assistance.