Cardiac Physiologist (Staff Grade)

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title and Grade / Cardiac Physiologist (Staff Grade)
(Grade Code: 3867)
Campaign Reference / NRS04972 &
NRS04972A
Closing Date / 12.00 Noon Thursday 22nd June 2017.
Proposed Interview Date (s) / Week Beginning 24th July 2017
Taking up Appointment / A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Organisational Area / RCSI Hospital Group and Dublin Midlands Hospital Group
Location of Post / NRS04972 Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15
There is currently one permanent whole-time post available in the Cardiology Department.
A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15 from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.
NRS04972A Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Co Offaly
There is currently one permanent whole-time post available in the Short Stay Unit.
A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.
Informal Enquiries / Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15
Name: Ms Roisin O’Mahony
Email:
Tel: 01 6466296
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Co Offaly
Name: Ms Ann Cunningham
Email:
Tel: 057 9359106
Details of Service / Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15
Cardiac Diagnostics is a busy non invasive cardiology department providing a 5 day a week service to Out Patients Department, In patient and GP patients. There are 4 Consultant Cardiologists – two specializing in electrophysiology, one in heart failure and one in imaging. There is one Chief Physiologist, 2 seniors and one basic. As we have very specialised Cardiologists we take referrels from all around the country. This department provides ongoing education, with frequent journal clubs and weekly teaching sessions from our Consultants. There is also opportunity for further education, presentations and publications. Although we have no catheterisation laboratory, our patients are transferred to the Mater for invasive studies and are then followed up by ourselves. We have a very comprehensive pacing/Implantable Cardiovertor Defibrillator laboratory where most of our patients are now followed up through home monitoring with a dedicated physiologist assigned to this on a daily basis.
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Co Offaly
The Cardiac Diagnostic Department provides services to inpatients and outpatient areas of the hospital.
Midlands Regional Hospital at Tullamore (MRHT) is currently a 246 bed hospital (183 inpatient, 23 Day Hospital, 14 Oncology/Haematology Day Ward, 6 Cardiac Angio Day Ward and 20 Renal Dialysis Unit). MRHT is an Acute Level III Hospital providing an Emergency Department, General Medicine (inclusive of cardiology, gastroenterology, gerontology), General Surgery, Regional Orthopaedic surgery, Regional ENT surgery, Regional Oncology, Regional Haematology, Regional Nephrology, Regional Vascular and Regional Rheumatology services.
Reporting Relationship / Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15
The post holder will report to the Chief 1 Physiologist or person acting in their absence.
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Co Offaly
The post holder will report to the Chief 2 Cardiac Physiologist.
Purpose of the Post / Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15
Performance of non-invasive procedures as designated by the department head and to contribute to the Department/Unit as a member of a busy and dynamic team.
To work as a member of a team and to actively pursue the training and development of the Department/Unit and its members. Performance of all non-invasive and invasive cardiac investigations and assistance with invasive cardiac investigations or other duties deemed appropriate to your position.
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Co Offaly
To be part of a team providing quality care in cardiac diagnostics.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities / These busy Cardiac Department/Short Stay Unit carries out a comprehensive range of invasive and non-invasive Cardiological investigations included below. The successful candidate will be expected to perform many or all of these duties when requested by the Department head and to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and competence.
The physiologist should be familiar with the techniques and range of equipment used in current medical practice for the diagnosis, treatment and care of cardiac patients. The major portion of the work commitment of the Technician is with the Cardiology Department/Short Stay Unit and in addition the holder of this post will be required to carry out and participate in a wide range of medical procedures. A complete understanding of all such procedures and ability to make accurate measurements is essential.
Professional/ Clinical
The Cardiac Physiologist (Staff Grade) will:
·  Resting E.C.G: Performance, interpretation and analysis
·  Stress E.C.G: Performance, interpretation and analysis
·  Pharmacological stress Tests: performance, interpretation and analysis
·  Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: Hook up and analysis
·  Echocardiography – transthoracic and transeoesophageal: Performance and reporting.
·  Pharmacological stress and exercise stress echocardiography: performance and interpretation
·  Pacemaker and ICD interrogation and follow-up: temporary and permanent.
·  Cardiac Catheterisation: diagnostic and interventional. Including the use of all equipment associated with this area.
·  Electrophysiology studies and Cardiac ablation
·  AICD implantation and follow-up
·  Tilt Table testing
·  Carry out his/her duties to the appropriate level and under the appropriate supervision of the Chief II Cardiac Physiologist and in cooperation with the Consultant Cardiologist or other persons designated by the Health Service Executive.
·  Calibrate and maintain all equipment which includes sterilisation where necessary.
·  History taking and interpretation of request forms
·  Perform the procedure, report and highlight abnormal recordings.
·  Carry out portable testing in some cases.
·  Participate in in-patient care, preparation and reassurance of patient.
·  Initiate and participate in dealing with medical emergencies including cardiac resuscitation.
·  Keep such records appropriate to his/her office as he/she may be required by the Health Service Executive.
·  Be involved in the development of new procedures which may be introduced.
·  Participate in the development of operational policy and best practice.
·  Provide first line maintenance, electrical safety checking and calibration of equipment.
·  Support nursing, medical and technical staff in the implementation of patient care involving technology.
·  Have a clear appreciation of electrical safety requirements, and a clear understanding of potential sources of Macroshock and Microshock.
·  Follow instruction and directions given by Chief or Senior Physicist in relation to radiation protection.
·  Take responsibility for the care and cleanliness of all equipment and accessories used.
·  Act for other staff in their absence as required.
·  Adhere to departmental patient policies at all times.
·  Be available outside normal working hours for emergency situations.
·  Carry out any other responsibilities within the department as deemed necessary by the Chief II Physiologist which fall within the remit of the department.
Education and Training
The Cardiac Physiologist (Staff Grade) will:
·  Participate in the in-service training program and when required, to assist the chief physiologist in the development of existing and new codes of practice.
·  As medical procedures change and new developments are introduced to update knowledge and training accordingly.
·  Contribute as required to the development of training program for established staff and external groups.
·  Participate in the development of the continuous professional education program including the performance of national and /or international accreditation examinations provided by British Society of echocardiography, NASPE, BPEG, or other programs as per departmental requirements.
·  Maintain a personal record of professional development.
·  Be willing to mentor junior staff as and when required.
Health and Safety
The Cardiac Catheterisation Physiologist (Staff Grade) will:
·  Carry out the duties of the office in the Hospital and at such other locations as may be required by the Health Service Executive (H.S.E.) South. Attend at such times and such places as may be fixed by the Health Service Executive (H.S.E.) South or head of department and to remain in attendance there as long as his/her services are required.
·  Provide a high standard of safe practice for patient care.
·  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.
·  To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
The above Job Description 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience / Candidates must have at the latest date of application:
1.  Professional Qualifications, Experience etc.
a)  Possess the BSc in Clinical Measurement from Dublin Institute of Technology or equivalent as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science (IICMS)
or
b)  Possess the Certificate in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurement (MPPM) from Dublin Institute of Technology or equivalent as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science (IICMS)
or
c)  Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification (Level 8) as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science (IICMS)
2.  Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.
3.  Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office 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.
4.  Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post Specific Requirements / N/A
Other requirements specific to the post / The post holder must be available outside normal working hours for emergency situations.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge / Candidates must:
·  Demonstrate an understanding of other invasive and non-invasive Cardiac procedures
·  Demonstrate the necessary experience and knowledge to carry out the post in a competent and safe manner
·  Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of importance of value for money
·  Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
·  Demonstrate commitment to providing a quality service
·  Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the service user including evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect
·  Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills.
·  Demonstrate leadership potential and team skills including the ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members.
·  Demonstrate problem solving and decision making skills
·  Demonstrate evidence of computer skills relevant to the role
·  Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview / A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting 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 in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Code of Practice / The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates”.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates” or on www.cpsa.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Cardiac Physiologist (Staff Grade)

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure / The current vacancy available at Connoly Hospital is permanent and whole-time.
The current vacancy available at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore is permanent and whole-time.
Both posts are 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 the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.