Job summary Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust seeks applications from knowledgeable, dynamic, enthusiastic, forward thinking applicants wishing to train as a Clinical Perfusionist. As part of your training you will help support a team of seven Clinical Perfusionists in delivering the provision of a comprehensive perfusion resource to an expanding regional cardiac surgical programme. There are 1000 adult cardiac surgical procedures per year currently being undertaken in three cardiac theatres at the Southwest Cardiothoracic Centre. Successful applicants are required to attend several one-week blocks at Bristol University throughout the academic year to obtain an MSc in Clinical Perfusion Science. You will need to have a minimum of a 2(i) in a relevant biomedical or life science Honours Degree to be eligible to undertake the Clinical Perfusion Science training programme. Successful applicants who are overseas qualified Perfusionists with a minimum of one-year clinical post qualification employment will be required to complete the Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Perfusion Science at Bristol University. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their interest and commitment to this training post. As part of your training, you will be expected to participate in the 24 hour on-call commitment. The successful applicant will be expected to commence employment as soon as possible, pending reference and DBS checks. The post is a fixed-term training contract until Autumn 2027. Main duties of the job Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification. To train as a Clinical Perfusionist acquiring all the necessary skills and attributes to work as a registered autonomous practitioner. Complete all the necessary and relevant exams - MSc degree in Clinical Perfusion Science and professional exams to attain accreditation certification and registration. Design, plan and carry out research as part of MSc degree. Maintain stock and stock control. Administer prescription only drugs and blood products to patients during their care under direct supervision. Participate in on call rota to gain experience of emergency and out of hours working. Set up and run autologous blood cell salvage and intra-aortic balloon pumps. Maintain accurate records and patient databases. Maintain cleaning and disinfection of heater-cooler units as directed. About us We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted. Date posted 07 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year £37,338 - £44,962 per annum Contract Training Duration 30 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 216-EG-S7092207 Job locations Derriford Hospital Derriford Road Plymouth PL6 8DH Job description Job responsibilities PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY CLINICAL PRACTICE Assist in the delivery of the perfusion service acting as an integral member of the department in a supernumerary capacity. Under direct supervision by a qualified Clinical Perfusionist undertake a range of perfusion techniques during routine and emergency Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Develop skills and build on knowledge base to assess the patients relevant medical history, pathology and diagnosis to enable appropriate decisions concerning conduct of the procedure. Inspect, prepare, assemble, prime and calibrate the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and extracorporeal circuit to maintain life support for the period of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) and related equipment. Undertake, analyse and interpret arterial/venous blood gases and patient coagulation status. Interpret oxygen delivery status to make informed decisions to optimise patient care. Monitor and make corrections to blood gases, electrolytes, metabolites, acid-base balance, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output and anticoagulation status of the patient. Administer drugs including colloid/crystalloid fluids, vasoactive drugs, cardioplegia solution, potassium, anticoagulants, haemostatic drugs under the direct supervision of a Clinical Perfusionist. Manipulate on a second-to-second basis the patients cardiovascular system whilst on CPB. Undertake haemofiltration and blood transfusion as required under direct supervision. Perform and understand myocardial preservation and cardiac venting techniques to protect the myocardium from damage due to ischaemia, over distension and minimise cerebral injury. Assist in the quality control, calibration and maintenance of expensive, complex medical equipment in Clinical Perfusion and their safe use in compliance with near patient testing policies. Acquire an understanding and assist in the running of intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation and learn trouble-shooting skills. Ensure that all data acquisition and other patient related records are complete, and appropriately filed/stored in line with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and professional body guidelines. Participate in specialised, skilled and reliable out of hours service by participation in the on-call rota to gain experience of emergency work and situations. Some flexible working is required to complete bypass cases in full when operating lists over run in order to be eligible to count towards accreditation numbers. Clean and maintain heater cooler units, carry out water sampling for microbiology following national guidance. MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain accurate records of personal caseload required for training records. Ensure the potassium stock check is complete and up to date. Ensure that all perfusion cases are recorded on the SCTS database. Collate any necessary perfusion information for monthly M&M meetings. EDUCATION & TRAINING Complete the MSc in Clinical Perfusion Sciences4, organising work around clinical activity and on-call responsibility. Ensure that all practical training opportunities are undertaken to develop the skills required as a Clinical Perfusionist and keep an accurate training log. Present audit and perfusion topics to the Perfusion Department and other MDT when required. Promote reflective practice within the team and record the learning outcomes. Develop problem solving skills to critically evaluate and rectify difficult clinical situations. Regularly trawl through monthly scientific journals to keep abreast of the latest research and current thinking. Participate in student exchanges and placements to learn perfusion techniques and other disciplines such as paediatric perfusion in other cardiac centres. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Critically review current literature to reflect current literature to reflect current thinking of principles and practices in CPB. Ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with policies, practices and procedures of UHP NHS Trust. FREEDOM TO ACT Under direct supervision of a qualified Clinical Perfusionist work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct; administer selective cardiovascular and controlled drugs as clinically indicated and determined. KNOWLEDGE & TRAINING EXPERIENCE 2(i) or aboveBSc (Hons) Degree in a relevant biomedical or life science or equivalent5. Apply current principals of clinical governance to professional practice and conduct. Develop and maintain a current knowledge base of condition and disease processes relevant to the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass. Identify, assess, discuss and mitigate risks, effecting change in practice accordingly. ANALYTICAL & JUDGEMENTAL SKILLS Monitor a wide range of highly complex clinical information and act within own limitations. Discuss and evaluate options for best practice with colleagues and supervising Clinical Perfusionist to optimise patient management. Develop skills to adapt to meet individual patient needs often in highly charged difficult critical clinical circumstances. Develop reflection on practice. INFORMATION RESOURCES Create own clinical reports by employing clinical perfusion data acquisition software and manage own data acquisition. Maintain SCTS database. Ensure that all information is handled according to UHP NHS Trust Policy. FINANCIAL & PHYSICAL RESOURCES Responsible for careful use of all aspects of perfusion equipment. Ensure that equipment is in safe working order prior to use. All faults should be reported. Ensure that red trolleys are stocked correctly, and expired goods are removed. PLANNING & ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS Must be able to balance the practical requirements with those of academia to achieve the Accreditation of The Society of Clinical Perfusionists of Great Britain and Ireland. Plan and organise ahead for several eventualities whilst maintaining flexibility should the course of work change. PHYSICAL SKILLS Develop auditory, visual and perceptive skills to include precise hand eye co-ordination to ensure safe management of CPB. Advanced keyboard skills for data administration and report writing. Manual dexterity essential for manipulation and construction of CPB circuit. PHYSICAL EFFORT Have due regard for personal safety and that of others with respect to relevant health and safety legislation and moving and handling policies. Dismantling and removal of cumbersome, potentially infected, clinical waste from treatment areas. Move very heavy (>250kg), cumbersome equipment between clinical areas, including the transfer of patients on specialist devices between treatment, diagnostic imaging and critical care areas. Unload, unpack and rearrange heavy perfusion equipment on a regular basis. Attend your cardiopulmonary bypass procedure for its duration, this may involve having to maintain a particular sitting or standing position for what may be several hours. Control several distal parts of the extracorporeal circulation at the same time often in physically challenging circumstances. MENTAL EFFORT Maintain intense levels of concentration for protracted periods, occasionally for several hours, during the direct delivery of routine and specialist perfusion techniques. In particular, the monitoring of multiple strands of complex data from various sources during Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Flexible to the demands of the clinical environment, including but not limited to unpredictability of workload, emergency procedures, deadlines and catastrophic clinical situations. EMOTIONAL EFFORT Maintain calm during emergency and high-pressure situations whilst continuing to communicate clearly and effectively with other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Maintain respect for and the dignity of all patients under-going treatment whether as an emergency or otherwise and in the event of a patient fatality during the procedure. Develop appropriate strategies for dealing with stress and stressful situations that occur on a regular basis. Develop appropriate strategies for dealing with peri-operative and post-operative death. WORKING CONDITIONS Work within infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to prevent cross infection of patients, contamination of clinical areas and prevent contaminated sharps injuries etc. Daily exposure to patient body fluids and other potentially infectious/hazardous material whilst managing highly invasive, specialist devices during the direct delivery of patient care. Take effective precautions to prevent the cross contamination of patients and colleagues and reduce the general spread of infection within the workplace. Daily management of arterial and venous blood samples in close proximity to highly invasive circulatory support devices. Work in a safe manner to mitigate risk to patients and colleagues. Identifying and reporting those risks when appropriate. Frequent exposure to noxious chemicals during heater-cooler maintenance requiring wearing of full PPE including Type FFP3 Mask for several hours at a time. Keep up-to-date with mandatory statutory training. 4 or a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Perfusion Science if the applicant is a trained Clinical Perfusionist with an overseas qualification. 5 equivalent overseas qualification in Perfusion Science and a minimum of one years clinical experience Job description Job responsibilities PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY CLINICAL PRACTICE Assist in the delivery of the perfusion service acting as an integral member of the department in a supernumerary capacity. Under direct supervision by a qualified Clinical Perfusionist undertake a range of perfusion techniques during routine and emergency Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Develop skills and build on knowledge base to assess the patients relevant medical history, pathology and diagnosis to enable appropriate decisions concerning conduct of the procedure. Inspect, prepare, assemble, prime and calibrate the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and extracorporeal circuit to maintain life support for the period of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) and related equipment. Undertake, analyse and interpret arterial/venous blood gases and patient coagulation status. Interpret oxygen delivery status to make informed decisions to optimise patient care. Monitor and make corrections to blood gases, electrolytes, metabolites, acid-base balance, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output and anticoagulation status of the patient. Administer drugs including colloid/crystalloid fluids, vasoactive drugs, cardioplegia solution, potassium, anticoagulants, haemostatic drugs under the direct supervision of a Clinical Perfusionist. Manipulate on a second-to-second basis the patients cardiovascular system whilst on CPB. Undertake haemofiltration and blood transfusion as required under direct supervision. Perform and understand myocardial preservation and cardiac venting techniques to protect the myocardium from damage due to ischaemia, over distension and minimise cerebral injury. Assist in the quality control, calibration and maintenance of expensive, complex medical equipment in Clinical Perfusion and their safe use in compliance with near patient testing policies. Acquire an understanding and assist in the running of intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation and learn trouble-shooting skills. Ensure that all data acquisition and other patient related records are complete, and appropriately filed/stored in line with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and professional body guidelines. Participate in specialised, skilled and reliable out of hours service by participation in the on-call rota to gain experience of emergency work and situations. Some flexible working is required to complete bypass cases in full when operating lists over run in order to be eligible to count towards accreditation numbers. Clean and maintain heater cooler units, carry out water sampling for microbiology following national guidance. MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain accurate records of personal caseload required for training records. Ensure the potassium stock check is complete and up to date. Ensure that all perfusion cases are recorded on the SCTS database. Collate any necessary perfusion information for monthly M&M meetings. EDUCATION & TRAINING Complete the MSc in Clinical Perfusion Sciences4, organising work around clinical activity and on-call responsibility. Ensure that all practical training opportunities are undertaken to develop the skills required as a Clinical Perfusionist and keep an accurate training log. Present audit and perfusion topics to the Perfusion Department and other MDT when required. Promote reflective practice within the team and record the learning outcomes. Develop problem solving skills to critically evaluate and rectify difficult clinical situations. Regularly trawl through monthly scientific journals to keep abreast of the latest research and current thinking. Participate in student exchanges and placements to learn perfusion techniques and other disciplines such as paediatric perfusion in other cardiac centres. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Critically review current literature to reflect current literature to reflect current thinking of principles and practices in CPB. Ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with policies, practices and procedures of UHP NHS Trust. FREEDOM TO ACT Under direct supervision of a qualified Clinical Perfusionist work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct; administer selective cardiovascular and controlled drugs as clinically indicated and determined. KNOWLEDGE & TRAINING EXPERIENCE 2(i) or aboveBSc (Hons) Degree in a relevant biomedical or life science or equivalent5. Apply current principals of clinical governance to professional practice and conduct. Develop and maintain a current knowledge base of condition and disease processes relevant to the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass. Identify, assess, discuss and mitigate risks, effecting change in practice accordingly. ANALYTICAL & JUDGEMENTAL SKILLS Monitor a wide range of highly complex clinical information and act within own limitations. Discuss and evaluate options for best practice with colleagues and supervising Clinical Perfusionist to optimise patient management. Develop skills to adapt to meet individual patient needs often in highly charged difficult critical clinical circumstances. Develop reflection on practice. INFORMATION RESOURCES Create own clinical reports by employing clinical perfusion data acquisition software and manage own data acquisition. Maintain SCTS database. Ensure that all information is handled according to UHP NHS Trust Policy. FINANCIAL & PHYSICAL RESOURCES Responsible for careful use of all aspects of perfusion equipment. Ensure that equipment is in safe working order prior to use. All faults should be reported. Ensure that red trolleys are stocked correctly, and expired goods are removed. PLANNING & ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS Must be able to balance the practical requirements with those of academia to achieve the Accreditation of The Society of Clinical Perfusionists of Great Britain and Ireland. Plan and organise ahead for several eventualities whilst maintaining flexibility should the course of work change. PHYSICAL SKILLS Develop auditory, visual and perceptive skills to include precise hand eye co-ordination to ensure safe management of CPB. Advanced keyboard skills for data administration and report writing. Manual dexterity essential for manipulation and construction of CPB circuit. PHYSICAL EFFORT Have due regard for personal safety and that of others with respect to relevant health and safety legislation and moving and handling policies. Dismantling and removal of cumbersome, potentially infected, clinical waste from treatment areas. Move very heavy (>250kg), cumbersome equipment between clinical areas, including the transfer of patients on specialist devices between treatment, diagnostic imaging and critical care areas. Unload, unpack and rearrange heavy perfusion equipment on a regular basis. Attend your cardiopulmonary bypass procedure for its duration, this may involve having to maintain a particular sitting or standing position for what may be several hours. Control several distal parts of the extracorporeal circulation at the same time often in physically challenging circumstances. MENTAL EFFORT Maintain intense levels of concentration for protracted periods, occasionally for several hours, during the direct delivery of routine and specialist perfusion techniques. In particular, the monitoring of multiple strands of complex data from various sources during Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Flexible to the demands of the clinical environment, including but not limited to unpredictability of workload, emergency procedures, deadlines and catastrophic clinical situations. EMOTIONAL EFFORT Maintain calm during emergency and high-pressure situations whilst continuing to communicate clearly and effectively with other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Maintain respect for and the dignity of all patients under-going treatment whether as an emergency or otherwise and in the event of a patient fatality during the procedure. Develop appropriate strategies for dealing with stress and stressful situations that occur on a regular basis. Develop appropriate strategies for dealing with peri-operative and post-operative death. WORKING CONDITIONS Work within infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to prevent cross infection of patients, contamination of clinical areas and prevent contaminated sharps injuries etc. Daily exposure to patient body fluids and other potentially infectious/hazardous material whilst managing highly invasive, specialist devices during the direct delivery of patient care. Take effective precautions to prevent the cross contamination of patients and colleagues and reduce the general spread of infection within the workplace. Daily management of arterial and venous blood samples in close proximity to highly invasive circulatory support devices. Work in a safe manner to mitigate risk to patients and colleagues. Identifying and reporting those risks when appropriate. Frequent exposure to noxious chemicals during heater-cooler maintenance requiring wearing of full PPE including Type FFP3 Mask for several hours at a time. Keep up-to-date with mandatory statutory training. 4 or a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Perfusion Science if the applicant is a trained Clinical Perfusionist with an overseas qualification. 5 equivalent overseas qualification in Perfusion Science and a minimum of one years clinical experience Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc (Hons) in a relevant biomedical or life science 2(i) or equivalent Desirable MSc in a relevant subject Relevant employment experience within the cardiac care pathway Knowledge and Experience Essential Demonstrate scientific reasoning to problem solve in various settings Familiar with the role of the clinical perfusionist Aptitude and Abilities Essential Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team High level of organisational skills Desirable Leadership skills Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc (Hons) in a relevant biomedical or life science 2(i) or equivalent Desirable MSc in a relevant subject Relevant employment experience within the cardiac care pathway Knowledge and Experience Essential Demonstrate scientific reasoning to problem solve in various settings Familiar with the role of the clinical perfusionist Aptitude and Abilities Essential Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team High level of organisational skills Desirable Leadership skills Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Address Derriford Hospital Derriford Road Plymouth PL6 8DH Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)