Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Respiratory Physiologist in Sleep and Ventilation to become an integral part of a highly motivated and enthusiastic team in the Lung Function Department at Homerton University Hospital.

Our service provides a large range of physiological studies including routine lung function tests, exercise tests, broncho-provocation tests, bronchodilator studies, sleep studies, capillary blood gas analysis and skin testing.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the operational management of the Sleep and CPAP service, providing expert professional leadership. They will also be expected to deputise for the Senior Chief Respiratory Physiologist therefore a proven track record of demonstrating strong decision making and managerial skills is essential.

Main duties of the job

Main duties include: 

  • To perform a range of lung function tests including spirometry, capillary blood sampling and LTOT assessment.
  • To perform a full range of sleep studies including home oximetry, domiciliary respiratory sleep studies, in-house full polysomnography and CPAP titrations.
  • To interpret the data generated on all tests and produce reports commenting on any abnormal results and identifying whether they are physiological or due to mechanical or technical error.
  • Advise patients on the use of CPAP and have a leading role in the development and running of the CPAP clinic.
  • Instruct patients on the use of oximeters, home sleep study equipment, nebulisers and good inhaler technique.
  • Have a good knowledge of the lung function and sleep analysing programs.
  • Assess training and instruct more junior staff in the techniques used within the department.
  • Perform Transcutaneous CO2 studies
  • Support and participate in education and training programmes in the department and maintain skills and competence with CPD plans.
  • Promote high quality care and support in research projects carried out within the department or in collaboration with other departments/companies/hospitals.
  • Occasionally set-up in-patients for respiratory sleep studies and CPAP therapy on the wards.
  • Occasionally set-up, with the support of the respiratory team, on ward in-patient NIV and fulfil a supporting role for the NIV out patient clinic.

    • Working for our organisation

    Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

    We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of “Outstanding” from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

    Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard’s Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

    Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

    We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

    Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

    Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.

    Person specification

    Education / Qualifications

    Essential criteria

  • Respiratory Physiology Degree or equivalent.
  • BSc in Respiratory care.

    • Desirable criteria

  • Registration with RCCP / NMC / CSP

    • Skills / Abilities

    Essential criteria

  • Able to work effectively as an individual and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Evidence of implementing innovation or having responsibility for part of service delivery.
  • Have good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
  • Have good written and verbal communication skills.

    • Experience

    Essential criteria

  • Substantive post qualification experience in Respiratory Medicine
  • Experience in CPAP.
  • Experience of lung function testing and rationale.

    • Desirable criteria

  • Experience of teaching small groups using various presentation media.
  • Have knowledge /experience of advanced sleep physiology and monitoring techniques.

    • Knowledge

    Essential criteria

  • Knowledge/understanding of confidentiality issues
  • Knowledge of Respiratory Physiology and its disorders

    • Trust Values

    Essential criteria

  • Understanding and demonstration of the Trust Values.

    • General Guidance for Applicants

    The Trust is committed to supporting flexible working wherever possible. The Trust also welcomes applications from candidates wishing to job share with or without job share partners.

    We are committed to equal opportunities, and have been approved as a Disability Confident Employer.

    The Trust offers a number of benefits, including a relocation loan for new starters moving to the area. More details on our range of benefits can be found on the Homerton website.

    Employer certification / accreditation badges