The post-holder will join the Sleep Team within the Sleep and Non-Invasive Ventilation Unit at Bristol Royal Infirmary, a busy and evolving regional service providing diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services in line with NICE NG202.
The service covers a wide geographical area and delivers a comprehensive range of diagnostic investigations, including oximetry, respiratory polygraphy, polysomnography with or without MSLT/MWT, and actigraphy. We currently support more than 13,000 patients receiving auto-CPAP therapy and work closely with colleagues across UHBW, including Bristol Dental Hospital for mandibular advancement devices and the ENT department.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced healthcare scientist or physiologist to support the day-to-day operational running of the Sleep Service while maintaining a clinical caseload. The successful candidate will undertake outpatient sleep clinics, assessing new and follow-up patients, interpreting diagnostic investigations, and planning and reviewing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic pathways.
The role also includes supporting service development, quality improvement initiatives, staff supervision and the delivery of high-quality patient care within a multidisciplinary team. Participation in late-shift working, including the set-up of polysomnography studies, may be required.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Key responsibilities include:
- Independently assess and manage patients referred to the Sleep Service.
- Interpret and request appropriate diagnostic investigations to support clinical decision-making.
- Determine and initiate appropriate treatment for sleep-disordered breathing.
- Review and manage patients established on CPAP ensuring treatment remains clinically effective and aligned with patient needs.
- Plan, perform, analyse, interpret and report a range of sleep investigations, initiating subsequent management where appropriate.
Respiratory Polygraphy (including WatchPAT)
Polysomnography
Actigraphy
Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT)
Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWT)
Capillary and transcutaneous blood gas monitoring
- Deliver 1:1 CPAP set-up appointments for patients with additional or complex needs, providing tailored education and support.
- Provide specialist advice and support to multidisciplinary teams regarding CPAP equipment and therapy for both elective and acute admissions, within and outside the Trust.
- Triage new referrals to the Sleep Service, ensuring patients are directed to the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment pathway.
- Complete DVLA medical reports as required (HCPC registrants only).
- Support the Senior Physiologist team in the day-to-day operational management of the service.
- Contribute to the supervision, training and development of junior staff and students where appropriate.
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, employing more than 13,000 staff across 10 sites and delivering over 100 clinical services to a population of more than 500,000 people across the South West.
Rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), we are proud of the high-quality care we provide and the dedication of our staff. As a forward-thinking organisation, UHBW is recognised for innovation, research and digital transformation, with a strong focus on improving outcomes and experiences for patients.
Working at UHBW offers the opportunity to develop your career within a large and diverse organisation while enjoying everything the South West has to offer. From the vibrant city of Bristol to the coastline of Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding countryside, our locations provide an excellent work-life balance.
UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to designing services around the needs of our patients and their families. Anonymous information from applications is used to help us monitor and promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the Trust.
For further information about the role and a full list of responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date should a sufficient number of applications be received. Early application is therefore encouraged.
