Senior Clinical Perfusionist

University-Hospitals-of-North-Midlands-Nhs-Trust; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is inviting applications for a Senior Clinical Perfusionist in its Cardiothoracic Surgery team. The role requires expert perfusion skills, leadership in education, and the ability to mentor staff while delivering high-quality perfusion services.

The post includes involvement in on-call rotas, development of new perfusion techniques, and contributing to departmental governance and patient safety at UHNM.

Qualifications

• Full UK CCPS registration.
• Three years post-qualification experience or equivalent exposure.

Responsibilities

• Choose the most appropriate equipment and disposable items for the procedure to be undertaken.
• Prepare equipment and disposable items to undertake cardiopulmonary bypass for routine and emergency cardiac surgery.
• Operate the heart lung machine and auxiliary equipment to maintain the patient’s clinical condition within physiological parameters, taking corrective action to compensate for changing conditions during cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Independently perform complex perfusion techniques including: aortic procedures; autologous blood salvage; intra-aortic balloon pump preparation, insertion and management; advanced blood gas analysis; thromboelastography; vacuum-assisted venous drainage; modified ultrafiltration.
• Lead on evaluating, implementing, and teaching new technologies and innovations in perfusion practice.

Skills

Clinical perfusion experience

CCPS registration

Job description

Main area Clinical Perfusion Grade Band 8a Contract Permanent: To include participation in the on call rota Hours

• Full time
• Part time

37.5 hours per week (To include participation in the on call rota) Job ref 205-7900583-G

Employer University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Stoke University Hospital Town Stoke-on-Trent Salary £57,528 - £64,750 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 27/10/2026 23:59

Senior Clinical Perfusionist

Band 8a

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Clinical Perfusionist position within the Clinical Perfusion Department at UHNM.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Clinical Perfusion Scientist to join our dedicated Cardiothoracic Surgery team. This is a pivotal role that supports excellence in clinical perfusion services, education, and innovation. You will bring clinical expertise and mentorship to a team that values compassion, safety, and continual improvement. The department is committed to delivering outstanding patient care and fostering a supportive environment for staff development.

The successful applicant will have full UK registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists and have at least three years experience post qualification or is able to demonstrate suitable exposure.

Main duties of the job

To clinically manage and control the temporary replacement of a patient’s cardiopulmonary function to enable cardiac surgery and to support that function during other interventions.To operate auxiliary equipment for the benefit of patient safety and the effectiveness of clinical outcome. To assist in the development and management of the Department of Clinical Perfusion. They will be expected to perform these duties to a high level of clinical skill and knowledge. Participate in the “on‑call” and late duty rotas.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.

All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.

UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co‑created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.

At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1 Key Responsibilities and Clinical Duties

1.1 Choose the most appropriate equipment and disposable items for the procedure to be undertaken.

1.2 Prepare equipment and disposable items to undertake cardiopulmonary bypass for routine and emergency cardiac surgery.

1.3 Operate the heart lung machine and auxiliary equipment to maintain the patient’s clinical condition within physiological parameters, taking corrective action to compensate for changing conditions during cardiopulmonary bypass.

1.4 Independently perform complex perfusion techniques including:

• Aortic procedures.
• Autologous blood salvage (intra- and post-operatively).
• Intra-aortic balloon pump preparation, insertion and management, including troubleshooting.
• Advanced blood gas analysis and interpretation.
• Thromboelastography (TEG) including Platelet Mapping and Fibrinogen Analysis.
• Vacuum-assisted venous drainage and carbon dioxide field flooding.
• Modified ultrafiltration and haemoconcentration.

1.5 Apply rigorous aseptic technique, equipment cleaning, calibration, and safe disposal of consumables in accordance with Trust policy.

1.6 Lead on evaluating, implementing, and teaching new technologies and innovations in perfusion practice.

1.7 Complete accurate clinical documentation, ensuring all perfusion activity is recorded for audit, quality assurance, and service development.

1.8 Contribute to departmental planning, service delivery, and research initiatives, ensuring perfusion services evolve in line with best practice.

1.9 Participate fully in the departmental on‑call rota, acting independently in emergency and high‑pressure situations.

2 Quality of Care and Clinical Governance

2.1 Lead departmental quality improvement, audit, and benchmarking activities, ensuring evidence-based best practice in all perfusion procedures.

2.2 Develop and review clinical policies, protocols, and risk management strategies to support patient safety.

2.3 Act as a clinical expert and advisor within the multidisciplinary team, liaising with surgeons, anaesthetists, and nursing colleagues to optimise patient outcomes.

2.4 Support the Clinical Perfusion Manager and Deputise for the Deputy Clinical Manager when required.

3 Education, Training and Professional Development

3.1 Provide formal and informal teaching to trainee perfusionists, nursing and medical staff, both within the Trust and externally at national/international level.

3.2 Act as mentor and assessor for trainee perfusionists, ensuring their personal logbooks and MSc programme requirements are met.

3.3 Maintain own professional knowledge and competence through continuing professional development, national/international conferences, and specialist courses.

3.4 Possess registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland and maintain professional re‑accreditation through clinical and educational activity.

3.5 Must abide by the Code of Ethical Conduct of the Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.

4 Advanced Clinical Skills and Expertise

4.1 Anticipate, assess, and respond rapidly to complex physiological and technical changes during cardiopulmonary bypass.

4.2 Apply expert clinical judgement in critical and emergency scenarios, ensuring patient safety and effective decision‑making under pressure.

4.3 Contribute to the development of novel perfusion strategies and research into rare or complex patient pathologies.

4.4 Utilise advanced communication skills to explain highly technical or sensitive information clearly to colleagues, patients, and external stakeholders.

5 Operational Excellence and Service Delivery

5.1 Manage independent caseloads and coordinate perfusion service delivery across multiple theatres and Trust sites.

5.2 Take responsibility for equipment maintenance, stock control, and procurement, delegating tasks appropriately to ensure smooth service delivery.

5.3 Support departmental leadership in workforce planning, service innovation, and strategic development.

5.4 Maintain resilience and sustained concentration during prolonged, complex procedures and high‑pressure environments.

6 Professional Standards and Ethical Practice

6.1 Demonstrate professionalism at all times, safeguarding patient dignity, confidentiality, and wellbeing.

6.2 Contribute to and lead on developing evidence-based practice within perfusion, ensuring national and local guidelines are applied consistently.

6.3 Provide leadership in supporting team wellbeing, debriefing, and resilience after critical or traumatic cases.

6.4 Maintain effective and collaborative relationships within the multidisciplinary team, promoting an open and supportive culture.

Person specification

Full UK Registration CCPS

• Have full UK CCPS registration

Seniority

• Three years post qualification or relevant experience

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from everyone regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender, age, faith or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Flexible working will be considered in line with Trust policies

New recruits are required to pay for their Disclosure and Barring Service check (and admin fee) prior to starting if the role requires a DBS check.

We actively encourage applications from the Armed Forces community. University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been awarded the Gold Award for proudly supporting those who serve.

If you obtained your qualifications overseas, you will be required to provide an official government translation through ECCTIS (formerly known as NARIC). Please note, this is in addition to any professional registration requirements and not a replacement for your qualifications.

If you are currently in the UK on a visa, you must have at least six months remaining on your visa at the time of your start date to ensure sufficient time for the operational and training process associated with the role. The requirement of at least six months remaining on your visa does not apply to a Skilled Worker Visa, as a new Skilled Worker Visa would be required for a new role.

In line with the change of Immigration rules on 8th January 2026 if you require Sponsorship through the Skilled Worker Visa you must be able to provide B2 English evidence before a Certificate of Sponsorship can be issued.

Visa eligibility notice: The UK Home Office has imposed an emergency brake on specific visa routes.

• Skilled Worker visas cannot currently be issued to Afghan nationals.
• Study visas cannot currently be issued to nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar or Sudan. As a result, we are unable to progress applications requiring sponsorship under these routes.

UHNM supports the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist in preparing your supporting statement. However, we reserve the right to reject applications where AI has been used in a misleading manner, for example, by implying experience or understanding that the applicant does not possess or where its use is excessive or unfair. If AI has been used to support your application, you must declare this within your submission.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.