AddressJob summary
As a Healthcare Science Assistant the post holder will make a difference to patients' lives by supporting the assessment and diagnosis of illnesses. The post holder will primarily assist in the efficient running of consultant-led electromyography (EMG)/nerve conduction studies (NCS) clinics and provide occasional assistance in clinical physiologist led NCS/electroencephalography (EEG) clinics. There is the expectation that the member of staff participates as part of the team within the Neurophysiology department to provide an excellent service to patients. To provide help and support where required within the service which may include inputting data, working directly with patients under supervision, following procedures and maintaining stock control.
The post holder will perform a range of routine tasks under supervision.
Main duties, tasks & skills required
Preparing patients for consultant electromyography (EMG)/nerve conduction studies (NCS)/Botox clinics and assisting consultant in clinic.
Assist in electroencephalography (EEG) clinics by applying scalp electrodes in preparation for EEG test.
This role involves preparing adult inpatients and outpatients of all ages, confirming the patient demographics, and communicating instructions and information about the diagnostic test effectively to patients and relatives to ensure cooperation and compliance. This may include patients with communication difficulties (e.g. language barriers, hearing and/or visual impairment, impaired mental state).
Accommodate patients' needs as necessary in preparation for the test and during the investigation, assisting patient with getting dressed/undressed, and ensuring the patient is warm. Escort patient's back to the ward where required.
Develop knowledge of the muscles and nerves typically tested during EMG/NCS clinics to assist in the smooth running of clinics an effective operation of diagnostic equipment.
Develop knowledge of the 10-20 measurement system and assist in EEG clinics by applying a full head of scalp electrodes to prepare the patient for EEG recordings.
Being sympathetic and kind to all patients, especially those who have had surgery/treatment and may be in pain; make allowance for them and be considerate at all times.
About us
We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.
Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:
Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;
Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.
UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.
University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital.
Job description
*Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs at grade C/Level 4 or above (or equivalent qualifications) which must include English, Maths and a Science.
- Healthcare qualification NVQ level 2 or equivalent knowledge of Healthcare science duties acquired though on the job training and induction
Desirable
- A-level (or equivalent) in Maths and/or a science subject.
Experience
Essential
- Previous healthcare work experience or similar in a Healthcare/ NHS environment
- Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with issues within own area of competence
- Knowledge of accountability, understand importance of maintaining documentation and following Trust and departmental policies.
- A reasonable knowledge of health and safety principles applicable in a healthcare environment
- Must understand the nature of patient confidentiality
- Knowledge of IT systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook etc
Desirable
- Demonstrate knowledge of Healthcare Science and its importance in patient care
- Demonstrate knowledge of Neurophysiology
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Undertake appropriate training as required.
- Able to work across all UHB sites as per operation need.
- May need to work a flexible shift pattern.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
