Clinical Scientist – Gastrointestinal Physiology

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Job Overview
Gastrointestinal Physiology (GI) at Southmead Hospital Bristol is an autonomous diagnostic service within North Bristol NHS Trust, providing a comprehensive range of investigative techniques for functional disorders of the upper GI tract and lower bowel. The services it provides are integral to clinical decision-making and help ensure best possible patient care.

The post holder will be part of the GI Physiology and Urodynamics Teams, and will work in collaboration with clinical scientists, nurses, consultants, and multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs). They will be required to build strong working relationships with all extended teams and promote across-discipline working. The candidate should be able to reliably interpret physiological findings and clearly articulate their clinical relevance. Primarily, the post holder will be responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive Upper GI Physiology Service within the department. They will be expected to perform a wide range of investigations and reliably analyse results, articulate the clinical relevance of these results, and understand how they impact clinical management.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of both the GI Physiology and Urodynamics department.

Main duties of the job

• Clinical Scientist in GI and Urodynamics. Be a specialist in the field of Urology and GI, providing advice on practice, training, and educational issues relating to the specialty.
• Perform all above investigations to a high professional standard, as defined by ICS and AGIP, and in keeping with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• To analyse, interpret and report on urodynamic, anorectal, hydrogen breath test, and upper GI investigations ensuring results are recorded accurately on the medical data index and hospital records.
• Assist with any new or complex procedures until able to practice independently.
• Provide clinical leadership to the team to provide the highest quality care for patients undergoing physiological investigations in line with trust policies and procedures.
• Maintain patient comfort and safety, providing reassurance during invasive procedures.
• Instigate new ideas, undertake new techniques, and incorporate agreed changes in work practice.
• Be involved in the organisation of new clinics within the department.
• To promote and maintain good rapport and communication with patients and relatives ensuring that appropriate information is always available.

Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
This may include the support, performance, and analysis of urodynamic studies; therefore, the ideal candidate should also have a comprehensive knowledge and appropriate training of these investigations.

Additional to the clinical role, they are expected to undertake and be responsible for specific roles and duties in the day-to-day running of the department to include teaching and training activities within the service. They will also be actively encouraged to undertake research, with an emphasis on improving patient outcomes.

Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria

• Registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) OR Registered Physiologist with the RCCP
• Completed the NHS Scientific Training Program (STP)
• MSc Clinical Science (GI Physiology) with relevant first degree
  Desirable criteria
• Member of the Association of Gastrointestinal Physiologists

Work Experience
Essential criteria

• Previous clinical experience in a GI Physiology unit, performing a full range of diagnostics.
  Desirable criteria
• Previous research experience outside of MSc studies

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria

• Practical and theoretical knowledge of GI Physiology diagnostics, with the ability to perform, analyse, and report diagnostics procedures.
• Ability to contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings
  Desirable criteria
• Knowledge of clinical governance and research methodology
• Special interest in Upper GI Physiology

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential criteria

• This role involves conducting invasive procedures; therefore, all applicants should be confident in explaining procedures, obtaining written and verbal consent, and demonstrating empathy and compassion during testing.
  Desirable criteria
• Knowledge of other pelvic floor disorders and examinations (e.g. urodynamics)

If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.

North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.