RQ999 Senior Respiratory Physiologist

Job Specification and Terms & Conditions Job Title & Grade Senior Respiratory Physiologist Campaign Reference RQ999 Contract Type Permanent Full-time Closing Date Wednesday July 9th Proposed Interview Date To be Confirmed 1 Weeks Notice will be given Informal enquires Kevin McEvoy, Chief 1 Respiratory Physiologist Location of Post Peamount Healthcare, Newcastle, Co. Dublin Details of Service Peamount Healthcare is an independent voluntary organisation that provides a range of high-quality health and social care services. We help people return home after a serious illness, we provide safe and homely residential care for those who need it, and we support people to live as independently as possible in the community. Peamount Healthcare is committed to the following values : Person centred seeing each person as unique, giving them a voice and focusing on ability. Respect creating a supportive environment where everyone is given courteous and respectful care and support. Excellence enabling interdisciplinary teams to deliver high quality integrated care, meaningful outcomes with a focus on continuous improvement. Team working fostering an inclusive, healthy working environment where people are valued and recognised for their individual and shared achievements. Quality improvement supporting teams to embed continuous improvement methodology as part of everything we do. Education & Research partnering with academia to support education, learning, research and evidence-based care. Reporting Relationship Reports to Chief 1 Respiratory Physiologist Purpose of Post The Senior Respiratory Physiologist will support the provision of a high quality inpatient and outpatient Respiratory and Sleep Diagnostics service under supervision by and in conjunction with the Chief Respiratory Physiologist Eligibility Criteria Qualifications & Experience Qualifications 1.Possess the BSc in Clinical Measurement from Technology University Dublin or Dublin Institute of Technology. Or 2.Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification (Level 8) as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurements Science (IICMS). Or if qualified in or prior to 2005 1.(a) Possess the Certificate in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurement (MPPM) from Dublin Institute of Technology Or 2. (b) Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science (IICMS). Experience Have a minimum of 3 years satisfactory relevant post qualification experience in both PFTs and sleep diagnostics Core Competencies Have the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role. 1.CommunicationSkills Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and network with all levels and stakeholders in the organisation. 2.Results Orientation Have initiative, diplomacy and analytical skills necessary for anticipating changes that are required and persisting until those changes are implemented. 3.OrganisationalSkills Have excellent organisational, administrative andtime management skills; the ability to multitask, combined with the ability to prioritise. 4.Initiative Have the ability to work independently on his / her own initiative and as a member of a team. 5.Problem SolvingSkills Have good decision making and problem-solving skills. 6.Adaptability andFlexibility Be flexible and have an on-going positive acceptance of and adaptability to changes in the services. 7.Teamwork Skills Have the ability to build effective working relationships with others, co-operate with colleagues to achieve goals and is sensitive to their needs. 8.Patient Focus / Service Skills Promotes patient safety. Skills, Competencies and Knowledge The Senior Respiratory Physiologist will : Clinical / Professional Operate within the scope of practice of the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science (IICMS) and in accordance with relevant legislation and local guidelines. Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to confidentiality and ethics. Engage in modernisation and implement change according to best international practice. Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in their assigned area. Carry out daily duties of the Respiratory Lab including making appointments, dealing with queries, filling reports and record keeping, patient education, history taking and interpretation of request forms. Participate in patient care i.e. participating in procedures, encouraging and reassuring the patient. Conduct a full range of standard non-invasive respiratory diagnostic tests including : oSpirometry. oReversibility studies. oLung volumes by Gas Dilution Methods. oLung Volume by Body Plethysmography. oDiffusing Capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO). oTests of respiratory muscle function including Maximum Inspiratory (MIP) and Expiratory Pressures (MEP), and Sniff Nasal Inspiratory Pressure (SNIP) testing. oFractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNo) Conduct invasive respiratory diagnostic tests including : oBronchoprovocation challenges. oSkin Allergy Tests. oHypoxic Challenge. Sleep Service oSet up of full Polysomnography and Limited Polygraphy studies. oAnalysis / scoring of studies and report preparation. oSupport provision of physiologist led CPAP review clinics Perform required procedures, reporting and highlighting abnormal or inconsistent results. Participate in quality control programs to ensure accurate and reproducible results. Keep up to date with department quality assurance protocols. Participate in regular audits as part of the multidisciplinary team in the Sleep / Pulmonary Department. Carry out daily maintenance, calibration and cleaning of equipment, sterilising and disinfecting all equipment according to manufacturers recommendations. Ensure the correct handling of hazardous materials e.g. special gas mixtures, chemicals, etc. Follow the program of infection control. Every effort must be made to prevent the spread of infection, and ensure that the equipment does not become contaminated. Participate in clinical research activity. Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate. Education and Training Participate in mandatory training programmes. Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, contributing to research etc. Update knowledge and training accordingly as medical procedures change and developments are introduced. Engage in support with peer Respiratory Physiologists and participate in performance review. Ensure newly qualified staff have adequate induction and clinical supervision. Manage, participate and play a role in the practice education of students. Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate. Quality, Risk Management, Health & Safety Implement policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards. Promote a safe working environment in accordance with health and safety legislation. Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty. Actively participate in risk management issues, adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility. Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s). Report any adverse incidents in accordance with organisational guidelines. Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role. Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service. Management In collaboration with the Chief Respiratory Physiologist, develop and implement service / business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes. Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service; review and allocate resources in collaboration with relevant others. Ensure that staff in the department arrange and carry out duties in a timely manner, and in line with local policy guidelines. Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services, in collaboration with the Chief Respiratory Physiologist and relevant others. Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice. Promote good team working, and a culture that values diversity. Supervise staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale and team working in conjunction with the Chief Respiratory Physiologist. Liaise with the Chief Respiratory Physiologist regarding the needs, interests and views of staff. Participate in the management of stock and equipment in conjunction with the Chief Respiratory Physiologist. Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate. Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements, GDPR and the Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other information / statistics as required. Engage in IT developments as they apply to service users and service administration Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service. Other requirements specific to the post Desirable Competence in Microsoft office and management of databases Flexibility as required to support the service Principal Duties & Responsibilities The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him / her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. Campaign Specific Selection Post A ranking and or short-listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your CV. The criteria for ranking and or short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and / or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview depending on the service needs of the organisation. The reform programme outlined for the Health Service may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed. The job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive or restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned. Terms & Conditions of Employment Peamount Healthcare, Newcastle, Co. Dublin. Tenure The current vacancy available is a Permanent post on a full-time basis. The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at expression of interest stage. Appointment as an employee of Peamount Healthcare is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004. Remuneration Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health : Respiratory Physiologist Senior - Current salary scale with effect from 1 March 2025 : €54,028 (point 1) to €70,746 (point 8). Working Week The hours allocated to this post are 35 hours per week. The allocation of these hours will be at the discretion of the Department Head and in accordance with the needs of the service. HSE Circular 003-2009 Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016 applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016 Annual Leave As per Health Service Executive (HSE) Probation All employees will be subject to a probationary period as per the probation policy. This policy applies to all employees irrespective of the type of contract under which they have been employed. A period of 6 months probation will be served : On commencement of employment. Fixed term to permanent contract. Permanent employees commencing in promotional posts will also undertake a probationary period relating to their new post. Pension Employees of Peamount Healthcare are required to be members of the Hospitals Superannuation Scheme. Deductions at the appropriate rate will be made from your salary payment. If you are being rehired after drawing down a public service pension your attention is drawn to Section 52 of the Public Services Pension (Single and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The 2012 Act extends the principle of abatement to retired public servants in receipt of a public service pension who secure another public service appointment in any public service body. Maternity Maternity leave is granted in accordance with the terms of the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2001. Sick Leave Peamount Healthcare operates a Sickness Absence Management policy in line with the new Public Service Sick Leave Scheme as introduced in 31st March 2014. Pre-Employment Health Assessment Prior to commencing in this role a person will be required to complete a form declaring their health status which is reviewed by the hospitals Occupational Health Service and if required undergo a medical assessment with this department. Any person employed by Peamount Healthcare must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Validation of Qualifications & Experience Any credit given to a candidate at interview, in respect of claims to qualifications, training and experience is provisional and is subject to verification. The recommendation of the interview board is liable to revision if the claimed qualification, training or experience is not proven. References Peamount Healthcare will seek up to two written references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. The hospital also reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees. Garda Vetting Peamount Healthcare will carry out Garda vetting on all new employees. An employee will not take up employment with the hospital until the Garda Vetting process has been completed and the hospital is satisfied that such an appointment does not pose a risk to clients, service users and employees. Character Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character. Health & Safety These duties must be performed in accordance with the hospital health and safety policy. In carrying out these duties the employee must ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act. Staff must carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner in line with the Hospital Policy as set out in the appropriate departments safety statement, which must be read and understood. Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines, and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards. Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to Peamount. Protection and Care and comply with associated Peamount protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role. To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service. Quality, Risk & Safety Responsibilities It is the responsibility of all staff to : Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to Quality, Risk and Safety. Participate and cooperate with external agencies on safety initiatives as required. Participate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of hospital structures, services and processes as required, including but not limited to : National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare. National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections. HSE Standards and Recommended Practices for Healthcare Records Management Safety audits and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authorities. To initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with the hospitals continuous quality improvement programme. It is the responsibility of all managers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for Quality, Safety and Risk within their area / department Education and Training Participate in mandatory training programmes. Pursue continuous professional development in order to develop professional knowledge and keep updated with current and legislation. Specific Responsibility for Best Practice in Hygiene Hygiene in healthcare is defined as the practice that serves to keep people and the environment clean and prevent infection. It involves preserving ones health, preventing the spread of disease and recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards. It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure compliance with hospital hygiene standards, guidelines and practices. Department heads / managers have overall responsibility for best practice in hygiene in their area. It is mandatory to complete hand hygiene training every 2-years and sharps awareness workshops yearly. Skills : Experienced Qualified Communication & Organisational Skills