Clinical Scientist – Gastrointestinal Physiology

Job overview

Gastrointestinal Physiology (GI) at Southmead Hospital Bristol is an autonomous diagnostic services within North Bristol NHS Trust, providing a comprehensive range of investigative techniques for functional disorders of the upper GI tract and lower bowel. The services it provides are integral to clinical decision-making and help ensure best possible patient care.

The post holder will be part of the GI Physiology and Urodynamics Teams, and will work in collaboration with clinical scientists, nurses, consultants and multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs). They will be required to build strong working relationships with all extended teams and promote across discipline working. The candidate should be able to reliable interpret physiological findings and clearly articulate their clinical relevance. Primarily the post holder will be responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive Upper GI Physiology Service within the department. They will be expected to perform a wide range of investigations and reliably analyse results, articulate the clinical relevance of these results and understand how they impact clinical management.

The job description and person specification may be review on an ongoing basis in according with the changing needs of both the GI Physiology and Urodynamics department.

Main duties of the job

• Act as a Clinical Scientist in GI and Urodynamics. Be a specialist in the field of Urology and GI, providing advice on practice, training and educational issues relating to the specialty.
• Perform all above investigations to a high professional standard, as defined by ICS and AGIP, and in keeping with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• To analyse, interpret and report on urodynamic, anorectal and upper GI investigations ensuring results are recorded accurately on the medical data index and hospital records.
• Assist with any new or complex procedures until able to practice independently.
• Provide clinical leadership to the team to provide the highest quality care for patients undergoing physiological investigations in line with trust policies and procedures.
• Maintain patient comfort and safety, providing reassurance during invasive procedures.
• Instigate new ideas, undertake new techniques and incorporate agreed changes in work practise.
• Be involved in the organisation of new clinics within the department
• To promote and maintain good rapport and communication with patients and relatives ensuring that appropriate information is always available.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This may include the support, performance and analysis of urodynamic studies, therefore the ideal candidate should also have a comprehensive knowledge and appropriate training of these investigations.

Additional to the clinical role, they are expected to undertake and be responsible for specific roles and duties in the day-to-day running of the department to include teaching and training activities within the service. They will also be actively encouraged to undertake research, with an emphasis on improvement patient outcomes.