Critical Care Technologist

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Undertake advanced fault-finding utilising precision tools and metering equipment. Apply suitable fault-finding techniques to diagnose problems, including those beyond the scope of manufacturer supplied information. Report novel fault conditions to manufacturers. Exercise judgement to determine the causes of faults in devices with multiple complex and inter-related systems (e.g. electronic, computer and mechanical systems), which may be due to user error, equipment failure or environmental issues.
• Train staff in the safe and effective use of medical devices
• Troubleshoot at bedside to help patient-staff-medical device interaction be as good as possible
• Rectify complex equipment faults. Where necessary involve the Electro-medical Servicing Section.
• Check that equipment performs to manufacturer's specification.
• Carry out daily, weekly and monthly maintenance and calibration procedures.
• Manage the quality control for various Point of Care equipment used within Critical Care Units liaising with Pathology Department as necessary.
• Carry out electrical, mechanical and functional safety checks.
• Using technical and clinical experience, and through regular communication with the nursing and medical staff, identify potentially hazardous symptoms and faults on the critical care units.
• Liaise with clinical staff to plan planned preventative maintenance. Adjust schedules in response to short-term clinical needs.
• Advise on equipment specification, evaluation and selection.
• Be involved in equipment procurement procedure by advising on specification and organising demonstrations to aid evaluation and selection.
• In conjunction with nursing, medical and technical/scientific staff, identify and implement improvements to equipment/equipment usage/procedures and practices including designing and writing equipment competencies.
• Be familiar with the roles of the Specialist Medical Physics Technicians on other Critical Care Units in order to provide cover and support.
• Work carried out will comply with set procedures and conform to the appropriate quality standards.
• Keep relevant scientific and technical records of work performed. In particular ensure that computerised equipment management systems are kept up to date.
• Liaise with manufacturers to obtain information and provide feedback on equipment performance.
• Monitor stocks of appropriate consumables, components and spares, reordering where necessary to keep an adequate stock. Liaise closely with Critical care senior staff to ensure ITU stock levels are maintained.
• Take responsibility for all tools and equipment within the Postholder's care. Ensure workshop facilities are kept clear and tidy and that all equipment is maintained to acceptable standards.
• Provide technical advice to medical and other staff groups as appropriate.
• Provide technical expertise and assistance to other functions within the Department as appropriate.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with external partners eg off site sterilising department,

• Respond to field safety notices as necessary keeping all staff informed of health and safety MDA field safety notices
• Liaise with manufacturers and external companies to ensure equipment is fit for purpose.
• Draw up and ensure continued provision of external contracts for servicing equipment. Liaising with finance department as required and keeping accurate records

• Clean and decontaminate contaminated equipment. Information must be sought as to the nature of contamination and the associated risks before carrying this action out.
• Manage own day-to-day workload and the workload of others with only minimal direction by line manager. Maintain high quality customer services in the absence of senior staff.

Person specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Minimum HNC electronic/mechanical/clinical engineering or equivalent, OR knowledge at equivalent standard gained through relevant experience/training.

Desirable criteria

• Member of Voluntary Register of Clinical Technologists
• Technical Registration with an engineering institute.
• Degree in electronic/mechanical/clinical engineering or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria

• A good knowledge and experience of servicing, repairing and calibration of medical equipment

Desirable criteria

• Significant experience of servicing, repairing and calibration of medical equipment
• Significant experience in the use and operation of a quality management system such as ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 13485:2016
• Specialist training on the maintenance and repair of a range of medical devices. Information Technology experience

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria

• Must be able to communicate articulately both verbally and written with colleagues, external agencies and possess good customer care skills.
• Be able to maintain effective relationships with colleagues and with associates in other disciplines. Able to teach others and communicate effectively.

Aptitude

Essential criteria

• Calm approach, adaptability, positive attitude, a good listener, diligen

Desirable criteria

• Excellent memory, balanced approach to risk

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential criteria

• Able to exercise own initiative/Judgement when dealing with issues within own specialist area of competence.
• Have the ability to logically solve technical problems,
• Able to deal with occasional distressing circumstances when working in clinical areas (e.g., when visiting wards and theatre's fault finding on patient connected equipment). Excellent interpersonal skills
• IT literate
• Manage time accordingly to ensure tasks are completed to specified timescales

Desirable criteria

• Use of fine tools for equipment adjustment and calibration.
• Able to recognise when a situation exceeds one's competence and act accordingly

Skills

Essential criteria

• Be able to physically lift heavy equipment.
• Carry out repetitive equipment testing
• Work in awkward positions.
• Walk long distances.

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria

• Able to prioritise and manage own work.
• Must be able to deal with constantly changing workload and priorities.
• Good understanding of the principles of inventory management including Record keeping and database maintenance.
• Capable of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the service.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential criteria

• Be willing to learn/attend specialist training courses and have a positive attitude.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

Desirable criteria

• Full valid driving licence

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

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