Senior Cardiac Physiologist

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust; Southall; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A health care provider in Southall seeks a skilled professional for cardiac investigations, responsible for performing TTE and other tests while ensuring patient safety and documentation. The role includes supervising junior staff, maintaining equipment, and supporting service improvements. Ideal candidates possess a relevant degree and experience in cardiac imaging, with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Commitment to equality, diversity, and flexible working arrangements is essential.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience with transthoracic echocardiograms and other cardiac investigations.
• Knowledge of BSE standards and best practices.
• Strong understanding of patient monitoring during investigations.

Responsibilities

• Perform and report cardiac investigations and tests.
• Ensure patient safety and accurate documentation.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and trainees.

Skills

Cardiac investigations

Communication skills

Basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Problem-solving under pressure

Education

Relevant degree or certification in cardiology

Tools

Ultrasound systems

ECG machines

Job description

Responsibilities

• Perform and provisionally report transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) in accordance with British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) standards.
• Independently perform other cardiac investigations including ECGs, ambulatory monitoring, Holter analysis, HUTT, AFT and exercise tolerance tests as required.
• Under supervision, participate in stress echo, contrast echo and transoesophageal echo sessions as appropriate.
• Ensure patients are monitored appropriately during investigations and procedures, recognise adverse clinical events and act swiftly to minimise life‑threatening or significant medical events.
• Perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation and recognise life‑threatening arrhythmias, initiating prompt and appropriate action.
• Ensure accurate documentation, measurement and archiving of all echocardiographic studies.
• Communicate results clearly to medical and nursing staff, escalating urgent findings in a timely manner.
• Clean ultrasound systems, probes, accessories and associated items in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and departmental/Trust policy.
• Identify stock needs and aid in maintaining stock levels.
• Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of service quality through audit, CPD and participation in training activities.
• Flexibly rotate across multiple Trust sites and support a 7‑day working model.
• Accommodate the occasional need for overtime to ensure that any ongoing procedure is completed safely, with additional working hours compensated by time off in lieu.
• Ensure all Trust mandatory training is up to date.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when indicated as per Trust policy.
• Assist with triaging requests using an in‑house database for appropriateness and relevancy, prioritising caseload depending on clinical urgency.
• Familiarise with current developments in the field of cardiology.
• Undertake any additional duties that may arise due to advancements in technology, changes in clinical practices or the evolving nature of service provision within the Cardiology Directorate, consistent with the grade of this post.

Operational Duties

• Contribute to the organisation of daily workloads to meet clinical demands and waiting‑time targets.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained, calibrated and faults reported promptly.
• Provide supervision, mentorship and support for junior staff and trainees.
• Adhere to all Trust policies, including infection prevention and control, health and safety and confidentiality.

Service Development and Improvement

• Support the delivery of clinical technical services that underpin patient care.
• Stay updated on developments in cardiology and professional practice in collaboration with departmental leads.
• Support the provision and development of specialist services to meet patient and departmental needs.
• Maintain and ensure the correct functioning of all equipment used.
• Assist with the development and implementation of departmental protocols and policies.

Responsibility for Dealing with Difficult Situations

• Remain vigilant in high‑risk areas and respond promptly to emergency situations such as life‑threatening arrhythmias.
• Implement immediate life‑support interventions, including cardiac defibrillation when indicated.
• Work effectively in high‑pressure environments, prioritising tasks dynamically to meet urgent clinical needs.
• Manage aggressive or distressed patients with professionalism and empathy.
• Regularly perform investigations on critically ill and end‑of‑life patients with sensitivity and care.

Physical Working Conditions and Environment

Frequent repetitive scanning movements may increase the risk of strain injuries to wrists, shoulders and back. Regular manual handling of patients is required when assisting with positioning and mobility for procedures. Sustained visual concentration for scanning and VDU work increases the risk of eye strain. Work is frequently conducted in dimly lit environments to optimise image quality and is subject to frequent interruptions due to clinical queries or result requests. Concentration must be maintained when analysing complex arrhythmias and other cardiac data.

Clinical and Technical Expertise

• Possess specialised knowledge across a broad range of cardiac investigations supported by strong theoretical understanding.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained, calibrated and faults reported promptly to management and EMBE.
• Stay up to date with advancements in cardiology and echocardiography technology.
• Contribute to departmental meetings, audits and the continuous improvement of services.

Safeguarding and Safety

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We promote the wellbeing and safety of all patients and carers by acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately, according to the standards determined by our policy and procedures.

Equality, Diversity and Flexibility

As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, we are encouraging applications from BME (Black, Minority Ethnic) candidates to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we serve. LNWUH is a flexible working friendly organisation; we welcome requests to accommodate a flexible working arrangement such as job share, part‑time or other flexible patterns, provided it is compatible with service delivery.