Activity specialist cardiac rehabilitation

Job overview

Provide specialist exercise and physical activity support within the Community Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Conduct holistic assessments, develop and deliver evidence-based, patient-centred exercise programmes, and support patients to improve their health, independence and quality of life. Use advanced clinical reasoning to manage complex cases, communicate effectively with patients, carers and multidisciplinary colleagues, and make appropriate referrals to other services where required. Support the coordination, delivery and evaluation of the cardiac rehabilitation service, working closely with the Lead Nurse, Physiotherapists and wider MDT to ensure safe, effective care. Contribute to service development, quality improvement, clinical governance and the promotion of cardiac rehabilitation services in line with national best practice guidelines. Maintain professional accountability, accurate clinical records and compliance with Trust policies, information governance, consent and confidentiality standards. Undertake CPD to maintain specialist knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation, heart disease and exercise prescription. Contribute to the education and supervision of students, healthcare professionals and multidisciplinary team members through training, advice and clinical support. Assist with data collection, audit, research and service evaluation to support ongoing improvement of patient outcomes and service quality.

Main duties of the job

Provide autonomous, evidence-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions, using advanced clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose, manage risk, and deliver personalised treatment plans. Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to support safe, effective, patient-centred care, promote independence, facilitate referrals, and contribute to service development, clinical governance, and quality improvement. Maintain professional competence through CPD, adhere to clinical and legal standards, provide education and supervision to colleagues and students, and support audit, research, and accurate clinical documentation in line with organisational policies and information governance requirements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Provide specialist exercise assessment, prescription and rehabilitation for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the Community Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Undertake comprehensive, evidence-based assessments of patients with complex cardiac conditions and co-morbidities, using advanced clinical reasoning to identify risks, establish diagnoses, set patient-centred goals and develop safe, effective individualised exercise and physical activity programmes.

Deliver and monitor treatment interventions, educate patients, carers and families on cardiac health, exercise, anatomy, physiology and lifestyle management, and support behaviour change to maximise independence, safety and long-term wellbeing. Recognise clinical risks, make appropriate referrals, prescribe equipment where necessary, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, community services and voluntary agencies to ensure coordinated and seamless patient care. Support the planning, organisation, delivery and ongoing development of the cardiac rehabilitation service, managing caseloads, prioritising referrals, contributing to service promotion, quality improvement, clinical governance initiatives and implementation of national best practice guidelines. Maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to operational activities that ensure effective service delivery. Maintain professional accountability and compliance with clinical, legal and ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, accurate record keeping, information governance and Trust policies. Engage in continuing professional development, supervision and training to maintain specialist knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation, cardiovascular disease and exercise therapy. Contribute to the education, supervision and assessment of students and healthcare professionals through formal and informal teaching, clinical supervision and competency development. Support audit, research, service evaluation and data collection activities to monitor outcomes, inform service improvements and promote evidence-based practice.

Applicant requirements

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.