Chief Respiratory Physiologist

The Princess Alexandra Hospital Nhs Trust; Harlow; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Wellbeing focus

Development opportunities

Job summary

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is seeking a Chief Respiratory Physiologist to lead a range of respiratory and sleep diagnostic tests. The role is based at Harlow, with work across PAHT sites, and involves independent testing of outpatients and producing reports.

You will manage lung function investigations, interpretation, and teaching, contribute to service development, and work 40 hours per week in a permanent post.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of data systems and back-up for lung function testing.
• Implement local and national policies, codes of practice and guidelines for best practice in Sleep Diagnostics and related fields.
• Develop and implement new ways of working to improve efficiency and productivity of the services.
• Propose changes to and implement new policies within the lung function service (Adults).
• Plan day-to-day activities for staff and service provision within the Lung Function Services (Adults).
• Liaise with reception staff to ensure smooth running of the lung function clinics in adults.
• Ensure correct and up-to-date information is entered onto Trust and departmental databases for audit/research.
• Take part in research and audit studies within the department as requested by senior staff.

Job description

Title: Chief Respiratory Physiologist
Advert location: Harlow
Postcode: CM20 1QX
Country: GB
Advertised salary: Band 7 - £49,387 - £56,515
Contract: Permanent
Native advert metadata: Job reference: 001122 Salary (will be pro rated for less than full time): Band 7 - £49,387 - £56,515 Closing date: 11/09/2026 Location: The Princess Alexandra Hospital Employment type: Permanent Hours Per Week: 40 Division: Integrated Emergency and Medical Pathways Additional salary information: Not specified
Job overview
The Chief Respiratory Physiologist will be undertaking a range of respiratory and sleep diagnostic tests.
The Respiratory Physiology department operates from both the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow. and the Community diagnostic centre based at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping.
The purpose of this role is to undertake Respiratory investigations on patients, to inform clinical diagnosis, and provide factual reports. The post holder should be able to independently test outpatients, prioritise the competing demands placed upon this service, and be able to work flexibly to adapt to service needs. The post holder will work across 5 days with an opportunity to work across our two sites.
You would be undertaking a wide range of both simple and highly complex procedures in lung function testing, Interpreting, reporting and teaching.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be required to undertake and interpret a full range of investigations safely, obtain relevant patient history and consider contraindications for testing. Make decisions regarding patient suitability for testing. Very good communication skills to obtain good quality - well performed and repeatable results. Interpret results correctly and produce a well written report in line with national guidelines and local SOPs.
The investigations currently include:

• 6-minute walk
• Sleep studies (multichannel) - Set-up, give out and upload data and analyse from sleep diagnostic devices. Attend sleep MDTs.
• Capillary blood gas (earlobe)
• Bronchial Challenge (Mannitol)
• Hypoxic challenge
• Respiratory muscle strength testing (MIPS/MEPS)

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of data systems and their back-up for lung function testing within the Information Governance Framework.
• To implement local and national policies, codes of practice and guidelines in clinical areas for best practice of measurement, assessment and application of therapeutic regimens and where appropriate, new developments within the field of Sleep Diagnostics as directed by the Healthcare Scientist Professional Manager and Consultant Clinical Scientist.
• To develop and implement, in conjunction with the Healthcare Scientist Professional Manager and Consultant Clinical Scientist, new and innovative ways of working to improve efficiency and productivity of the services.
• Propose changes to and the implementation of new policies and procedures within the lung function service in adults, which may impact across the Trust.
• Plans day-to-day activities for staff and service provision within the Lung Function Services (Adults).
• Liaise with reception staff to ensure smooth running of the lung function clinics in adults.
• Ensure correct and up to date information is entered onto Trust and departmental databases for the purposes of audit and research.
• Take part in research and audit studies within the department as requested by the Service Manager, Nurse Lead and Consultant Physician

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.