Apprentice Associate Practitioner Respiratory and Sleep, B4 (Annex 21)

The Apprentice Associate Practitioner post is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to start or develop their career in healthcare science. You will be joining a busy respiratory physiology team, where you will be able to work in the department alongside completing your scientific training at the CSR group.

The post is a 2 year fixed term including on the job clinical training to become competent in pulmonary function testing and in the issuing of diagnostic sleep equipment and management of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea using CPAP. Fixed term for the duration of the training period (2 years) plus 6 months for academic completion 30 months.

After successful completion of your apprenticeship, you will gain a Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science. Course material will be delivered weekly, in the form of online lectures lasting approximately 2-3 hours.

You will then be expected to undertake independent testing, where you will need to implement and progress treatment protocols/plans within agreed protocols.

Your time in the department will be split between Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Gloucestershire's Community Diagnostic Hub, located at Quayside House, Gloucester.

Main duties of the job

The apprenticeship will lead to your competence in the ability to perform the role of an associate practitioner which are noted below.

Clinical

Perform, input results and sign off basic pulmonary function test assessments in accordance with ARTP national guidelines and departmental protocols. To participate in quality control/assurance including equipment calibration, biological control, record findings.

Administer medications (e.g. salbutamol) in accordance with patient specific direction and departmental policy for the purpose of diagnostic assessments.

Use medical gases (including cylinders), observing health and safety measures. Arrange collection/posting of CPAP consumable parts to patients.

Troubleshoot CPAP errors, Facilitate telephone clinics for CPAP patients in their annual reviews

Set up and issue overnight pulse oximetry & semi-polysomnography studies

Undertake physiology led follow up outpatient clinics for CPAP patients to check compliance and reduction in symptoms

Maintain accurate patient database and health record entries Unload, organise and store consumables appropriately.

Attend twice monthly MDT meetings to discuss CPAP / NIV patients

Administration / Clerical role

Booking/Re-scheduling/Cancelling appointments, managing patient queries and messages and to accurately log all activity undertaken.

Gloucestershire Hospitals is one of the largest hospital trusts in England serving a diverse population of almost 620,000 people. We provide acute hospital services from two large district general hospitals, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our workforce is almost 9,000 strong and our caring and dedicated staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care across a range of clinical areas.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our vision of providing Best Care for Everyone and our success depends on the commitment and dedication of our staff.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for everyone, valuing and celebrating differences and encouraging a workplace and culture where all can thrive. We endeavour to ensure each and every person working in our organisation feel respected and valued.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work at a trust that is on a truly exciting Journey to Outstanding and to make a real difference to the lives of our patients, their families and the wider community. We are also committed to training and developing you to be the best you can be and offer you a rewarding career, whatever your role.