Closing date: 14 July 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Respiratory Physiology Services at Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust.
We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Respiratory Physiologist to join our busy expanding and evolving service. The department offers full lung function investigations and muscle weakness testing. The sleep service offers respiratory polygraphy, CPAP set‑up, and reviews. The ideal candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of lung function testing and diagnostic sleep testing, including set‑up of oximetry and polygraphy, and a basic understanding of reporting of sleep studies. Experience in CPAP therapy troubleshooting, maintenance and advice is necessary.
The successful applicant should be a friendly, motivated individual who wants to excel professionally and is committed to providing a high‑quality service. You must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates must hold a Clinical Physiology BSc or equivalent and should be looking to work toward ARTP examinations. The appointee should also be working toward AHCS registration.
Should we be unable to appoint, we would like to take on a trainee and would encourage applications from people with an appropriate 1st class honours degree in physiology who would be interested in undertaking a 12‑month post‑graduate training programme in respiratory science at UWE. Salary for a trainee would then be subject to agenda for change Annex 21.
Main duties of the job
We are committed to support learning and development so a successful candidate should be confident that they will be supported to consolidate their knowledge and develop expertise.
Duties of the role include the following:
- Complete full pulmonary function tests including static and dynamic lung volumes, gas transfer, reversibility assessments and mannitol challenge, respiratory muscle assessments, snip and supine spirometry.
- Perform CPAP follow‑up appointments, issue and return and analysis of sleep assessments (oximetry and respiratory polygraphy), and support patients on CPAP treatment.
- Responsibility for own learning and development, willingness to train in a sub‑speciality area.
- Participate in audit and research activities.
- Support training and education across the immediate team and wider staff network.
Job responsibilities
Clinical, Scientific and Technical
- Assist the Lead for Respiratory Physiology in setting local technical standards.
- Perform a wide range of respiratory function tests: spirometry/flow volume loops; gas transfer measurements; bronchodilator tests; ear‑lobe capillary blood gas analysis; bronchial challenge testing using mannitol (with supervision and support); respiratory muscle testing (MIP, MEP and SNIP) and supine/sitting spirometry; overnight oximetry; home polygraphy sleep studies (not including analysis); and any other tests deemed necessary by the head of the department.
- CPAP follow‑up and reviews; train in CPAP initiation, sleep analysis and NIV clinics.
- Carry out all techniques and work independently as an unsupervised practitioner.
- Take responsibility for the functioning, calibration and quality assurance of measurements on specialised instruments, maintain calibration records and audits of work activity.
- Provide specialist professional expertise to other staff members within and outside of the department as required.
- Communicate test procedures clearly and sympathetically to obtain cooperation and best effort from patients, giving reassurance as appropriate.
- Deliver appropriate and individualised patient care at all times.
- Provide cross‑cover within areas of the technical services as required.
- Analyse complex information to interpret data and make autonomous decisions on best actions.
- Ensure correct disinfection of equipment, adhering to local and Trust infection control procedures, quality standards, guidelines and risk assessments.
- Responsible for stock control and ordering to maintain adequate stock levels.
Management
- Responsibly manage daily clinics, including competent use of electronic booking systems; arrange appointments for outpatients and inpatients; liaise closely with clerical team and give timely advice on diary changes; triage urgent requests to manage workload efficiently.
- Liaise closely with clinicians, wards, and outpatients; respond to queries regarding the lung function service; advise medical staff about test values, availability and interpretation of results.
- Assist in updating and writing local policies and procedures.
- Use IT packages to keep careful records of all work activity; carry out audits where appropriate.
- Observe the rules, policies and procedures of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and promote them within the department.
Communication
- Maintain accurate legible patient records.
- Provide presentations and training to staff groups, including physiologists, nurses, and medical staff.
- Communicate relevant Trust‑wide changes with the team as required.
Teaching, training, professional and research
- Maintain current knowledge of training curricula and Modernising Scientific Careers program.
- Participate in CPD scheme by attending professional meetings, relevant courses and further training as part of personal development; further the work of the department.
- Actively participate in maintaining professional development.
- Keep up to date with current lung function measurement techniques, procedures and technical developments.
- Carry out research and audits to support clinical research and development; advise on protocols and maintain quality assurance records; further the work of the department.
- Ensure mandatory training certificates are current.
Working Conditions
- Frequent contact with emotionally challenging situations involving critically ill patients and potential patient fatality during investigation and treatment.
- Understanding of hazards posed by blood products and bodily fluids.
- Potential needlestick and sharps related injuries.
- Infectious patients and risk of cross‑contamination.
- Contact with aggressive patients, visitors or staff (verbal and physical).
- Transportation of equipment around the hospital for ward‑based studies; transportation of patients before/after procedures; moving patients between chairs and beds for various tests and procedures.
Confidentiality
In the course of your employment, you may have access to confidential information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and/or staff. Unless acting on the instruction of an authorised officer, you must not divulge or discuss such information except in performance of normal duties. Breaches of confidence may result in disciplinary action and could lead to dismissal. Confidential information must be handled according to the Trust’s confidentiality policy.
Job Share
The Trust is open to Job Share for all posts unless exempted, as part of its commitment to Equal Opportunities in employment.
Person Specification
This job description is not intended to form part of the contract of employment or to be a complete list of duties and responsibilities, but is a good guide for information to the job. It will be periodically reviewed in light of developing work requirements in the department.
Experience
- Experience in pulmonary function testing.
- Experience in applying theoretical knowledge into patient care.
- Ability to work independently within established policies and procedures.
- Experience of CPAP treatment and management of patients.
- Experience of undertaking and reporting sleep diagnostics.
Qualifications
- BSc Clinical Physiology.
- AHCS registration or working towards it.
- Experience of working in a Lung Function and sleep service.
- Other ARTP certifications.
- Ability to demonstrate clinical and technical competence through portfolio of evidence.
Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in a range of IT packages.
- Ability to plan and manage own workload.
- Ability to support service development projects.
- Knowledge of Home mechanical ventilation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
£32,073 to £39,043 a year (pay, pro rata if part‑time)
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