Cardiology Assistant

The Cardiology department at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital is seeking to recruit a Cardiology Assistant to support our existing team. We are a supportive, dynamic and friendly team, which is continuously expanding and developing the services that we offer.

Our Cardiology Assistants play a vital role in the delivery of our cardiology services, undertaking a range of clinical and clerical duties. This role requires post holders to perform 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG’s) and assisting in supporting Cardiac Physiologists and Cardiologists in the delivery of the echocardiography service. The role also involves performing important administrative duties; for instance, booking clinics, distributing patients results and maintaining stock.

Our service users come from a variety of cultural backgrounds; and so the successful Cardiology Assistant must be able to communicate effectively. The successful candidate will also need to be flexible to the changing needs of the department, as well as demonstrate a willingness to learn to further develop their knowledge and skills.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to progress into a Band 3 Senior Cardiology Assistant role after satisfactory completion of the 6 months probation periodandif SCST ECG exam is passed.
1. Support Cardiac Physiologists and Cardiologists in the delivery of the echocardiography service in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Duties will include (but not limited to) preparing the room and equipment/environment, setting the patient up for their test, taking measurement of height, weight and blood pressure, undertaking administrative duties and to act as a chaperone throughout the test.
2. After appropriate training and assessment of competencies, to participate in the delivery of 12-lead ECG’s to standards set out by the Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST).
3. After appropriate training, to participate in the delivery supporting in the delivery of the specialist echocardiography service (transoesophageal and stress echocardiography). Airway support will also be required during transoesophageal echocardiograms.
4. To undertake cleaning of clinical rooms and clinical equipment as and when required/or under the instruction of a Physiologist.
5. Transporting patients from Cardiology to various areas within the hospital, i.e. outpatients and inpatients in line with Trust Policies.
6. To assist with the collection of inpatient ambulatory monitors.
7. Act as a chaperone for any cardiac investigation.
8. To perform general clerical duties that may be associated with the efficient running of the department area, including data entry, reception duties, telephoning patients, and dealing with post.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Our Values - Helping you to THRIVE

At the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, our values underpin everything we do, allowing us to achieve our vision - to attract the best people, value and develop them, so that the teams they work in deliver outstanding care to our patients.

We recruit based on our values, too.

T - Teamwork

We work mindfully and collaboratively to create a well-organised, professional, and supportive atmosphere that achieves the best possible outcomes for all.

H - Honesty & Openness

We are open, authentic and have integrity and in all we do, reflecting on our actions to improve the quality of care and experience we deliver.

R - Respect

We respect colleagues, patients and carers by actively listening, responding, and providing everyone with a voice to create a positive work atmosphere.

I - Inclusivity

We are fair and inclusive, giving access for all by considering and valuing difference and appreciating the diversity within our community and workforce.

V - Valuing People

We value patients, colleagues and carers as individuals by showing care and empathy, working to create a culture where we look after each other's wellbeing.

E - Excellence

We share knowledge, information and support each other to develop, innovate and learn. Always looking at ways we can improve the care, safety and experience of our patients and the sustainability of our hospitals.

Please read the detailed job description and person specification documents for further information.