Cardiology Healthcare Scientist Assistant

Job overview

University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) NHS Trust is delighted to announce a new opportunity for enthusiastic and motivated Senior Cardiac HCS assistant to join our wonderful team.

This is a very exciting time for our Cardiology Department. We have secured a full departmental rebuild including the addition of a 4th Cardiac Catheter Lab and complete refurbishment of our existing labs. This has enabled installation of the latest technology for EPS/Ablation as well as a full range of other cardiac interventional procedures.  The Cardiology refurbishment is just part of a multi-million-pound investment in redevelopment across the whole hospital site, to establish us as the largest and most modern NHS Hospital in the Southwest.  The building work is well underway and is due for completion towards the end of the year.

We are also part of the Plymouth Community Diagnostics Centre (PCDC) due to go live in the summer of 2026. We are currently looking to expand our services with a focus on patient pathway improvement and are open to all forward thinking and innovative ideas/solutions.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

To support patients attending for Cardiology diagnostic procedures and assist the Cardiac Healthcare Scientists performing the procedures to ensure the patients receive a high standard of care, this includes:

• To assist in the preparation of Cardiology diagnostic rooms prior to procedures and to in the cleaning of designated areas as directed in line with local guidance and infection control.
• To assist those patients who require help with mobility and undressing and dressing for the procedures, to attend to these patient’s basic personal care and needs under direct supervision as necessary.
• To help position the patient for the procedure in accordance with local guidelines.
• Assist in maintain stocks of consumables within the department, i.e., gowns, ultrasound gel, tissues, couch roll, electrodes etc.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To assist in the preparation of Cardiology diagnostic rooms prior to procedures and to in the cleaning of designated areas as directed in line with local guidance and infection control.
• To maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
• To be able to recognise and meet the specific needs of patients undergoing cardiology procedures.
• Transport and assist in-patients to and from the department and wards.
• To instruct and reassure patients on the intended cardiology diagnostics and procedures.
• To facilitate communication regarding patient care needs between wards, patients and senior clinical staff within the department.
• Act as patient chaperone as/if required.
• To assist those patients who require help with mobility and undressing and dressing for the procedures, to attend to these patient’s basic personal care and needs under direct supervision as necessary.
• To help position the patient for the procedure in accordance with local guidelines.
• Liaise with doctors, nurses, ward clerks and other members of staff regarding patients attending the department.
• To determine the mobility of ward patients through liaison with ward staff.
• Liaise with MEMS regarding general maintenance and reporting faults under the direction of senior staff. To be responsible for the delivery and collection of faulty machinery for service or repair.
• To be able to assist the clinical scientists and the departments admin teams with administrative responsibilities under direction and as required.
• To manoeuvre the equipment (including ultrasound equipment weighing 200kg) within the department as required/requested by senior staff.
• Assist in maintain stocks of consumables within the department, i.e., gowns, ultrasound gel, tissues, couch roll, electrodes etc.
• Always maintain a high standard of hygiene. The postholder will be expected to be familiar with, and contribute to, the control of infection within areas of work.
• To continually evaluate personal performance and development, maintaining and updating professional and clinical skills and knowledge.
• To undertake training for new equipment or service developments as required.
• To actively participate in departmental based continuing education, assisting in mentoring and facilitating junior support workers/HCA’s and providing support for students, visitors, and new members of the team.
• To make decisions in own area, e.g. identifying correct application of procedures, knowing when to report a problem and how to report concerns.
• Safe use and maintenance of equipment by self and others, assisting with ordering and stocking of supplies, ensuring safe storage of equipment.
• May be required to demonstrate own duties to other healthcare professionals, new employees, or trainees.
• To ensure that patient’s privacy and dignity is maintained.