Job summary

As a Healthcare science assistant the post holder will make a difference to patients' lives by supporting the assessment and diagnosis of illnesses. The post holder will primarily assist in the efficient running of consultant-led electromyography (EMG)/nerve conduction studies (NCS) clinics and provide occasional assistance in clinical physiologist led NCS/electroencephalography (EEG) clinics. There is the expectation that the member of staff participates as part of the team within the Neurophysiology department to provide an excellent service to patients. To provide help and support where required within the service which may include inputting data, working directly with patients under supervision, following procedures and maintaining stock control.

Main duties of the job

Clinical and Technical responsibilities

Preparing patients for consultant electromyography (EMG)/nerve conduction studies (NCS)/Botox clinics.

Assisting consultant in clinic by helping operate medical equipment (under supervision).

Assist in electroencephalography (EEG) clinics by applying scalp electrodes in preparation for EEG test.

This role involves preparing adult inpatients and outpatients of all ages, in a both a clinic setting and on the ward. This will include confirming the patient demographics and communicating instructions and information about the diagnostic test effectively to patients and relatives to ensure cooperation and compliance. This may include patients with communication difficulties (e.g. language barriers, hearing and/or visual impairment, impaired mental state).

Preparing the patient in an EMG/NCS clinic will involve warming extremities where necessary, ensuring appropriate exposure of limbs being tested by the consultant.

Assist consultant, where appropriate, with operation of EMG/NCS machines during diagnostic procedure.

*Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with issues within own area of competence

*Knowledge of accountability, understand importance of maintaining documentation and following Trust and departmental policies.

*A reasonable knowledge of health and safety principles applicable in a healthcare environment

*Must understand the nature of patient confidentiality

*Knowledge of IT systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook etc

About us

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.