Assistant Respiratory Physiologist | Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT)

The Respiratory Physiology Department at Southmead Hospital is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Respiratory Physiologist to join our friendly and supportive team. We provide a wide range of respiratory diagnostic investigations for patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in healthcare, as well as for Healthcare Assistants and other patient-facing professionals wishing to develop new clinical and technical skills in a specialist field. Working alongside experienced Respiratory Physiologists, you will receive full training to support patients through their diagnostic journey, perform a range of respiratory investigations and contribute to the delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service.

We welcome applicants with a interest in healthcare, whether experienced in the NHS or seeking their first clinical role. Full support will be provided to help you gain the skills and confidence required. There may also be opportunities to undertake further training and qualifications, including an apprenticeship, providing a strong foundation for progression within Respiratory Physiology and the wider Healthcare Science profession.

We are looking for a positive, compassionate and motivated individual who enjoys working in a patient-focused environment, communicates effectively, works well within a team and takes pride in delivering excellent patient care.

As an Assistant Respiratory Physiologist at Southmead Hospital you will work with other members of the Respiratory Physiology team to deliver high quality diagnostic investigations to a wide range of patients.

• You will assist in routine equipment quality control, cleaning and maintenance and stock control to help ensure that all equipment is in full working order and ready for use.
• You will perform spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide measurements, six-minute walk tests and overnight oximetry independently following a period of training and certification.
• You will provide support to the Respiratory Physiologists in planning and preparing patients for other more complex investigations.

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.

Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our

Four Ps

• Better outcomes for our Patients
• More opportunities for ourPeople
• Fairer more consistent care for our Population
• Best Value forPublic Purse

Our vision for five years from now

• Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.
• We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.
• More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.
• Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.
• Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.
• We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.
• Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.
• We will contribute to system financial balance

Interpersonal and communication skills

• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, carers, relatives and multidisciplinary team members, both face-to-face and via telephone or electronic communication.
• Explain respiratory physiology tests in a clear, reassuring and understandable manner, adapting communication to meet the needs of individual patients.
• Obtain patient consent for diagnostic investigations.
• Provide patients with clear instructions during respiratory investigations to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity when supporting patients who may be anxious, distressed, breathless, frail, or have communication difficulties.
• Overcome barriers to communication, including hearing impairment, language differences, cognitive impairment, learning disabilities, speech difficulties, or severe respiratory symptoms, by adapting communication methods and seeking support when required.
• Escalate concerns regarding patient wellbeing, understanding or compliance.

Professional knowledge and expertise

• GCSE (or equivalent) Maths, English & Science Grade C/4 or above.
• Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science
• Experience of working in a healthcare environment in a patient facing role.
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to prioritise and act on own initiative
• Self-motivated and effective when working under pressure
• Creating and recording accurate records of daily workload
• Flexible and reliable
• Team player
• Organised
• Confident and able to deal with challenging situations.
• Willing to learn hospital administration systems and departmental computer systems

Problem-solving and decision-making

• Identify routine issues encountered during patient testing and take appropriate action within departmental guidelines.
• Recognise when test results appear inconsistent or when patients are unable to complete investigations and escalate appropriately.
• Use judgement to prioritise patient comfort and safety during investigations, seeking support when necessary.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment and software issues and report faults promptly.
• Identify clinical situations where immediate support is required.

Planning and coordination

• Prepare equipment, consumables and clinical areas for diagnostic testing.
• Assist in managing clinic lists and ensuring investigations are completed within agreed timescales.
• Adapt daily activities in response to changes in service demand, urgent requests or unexpected operational issues.

Practical and technical skills

• Perform routine respiratory diagnostic procedures, including spirometry and 6 minute walk tests following training, competency assessment and departmental protocols.
• Prepare, calibrate and perform daily quality control checks on respiratory diagnostic equipment.
• Demonstrate accurate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination when attaching monitoring devices, fitting mouthpieces, filters, clips and other diagnostic equipment.
• Accurately enter patient information and test data into electronic systems.
• Maintain concentration and precision when conducting measurements to ensure high-quality diagnostic data.
• Use keyboard and computer systems routinely for data entry, appointment management and report processing.

Patient care and support

• Assist in the delivery of safe, high-quality respiratory diagnostic services under the supervision of registered Respiratory Physiologists.
• Support patients throughout respiratory investigations, ensuring dignity, comfort, privacy and safety are maintained.
• Monitor patients during testing and identify signs of distress, discomfort or deterioration, escalating concerns immediately.
• Provide reassurance and encouragement to support patient participation and obtain optimal test performance.
• Ensure accurate recording of patient information, investigations undertaken and any relevant observations.
• Adhere to safeguarding procedures and raise concerns where appropriate.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational policies.

Service development and improvement

• Follow departmental, organisational and national policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to respiratory physiology services.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance patient experience, efficiency and quality.
• Participate in audits, quality assurance programmes and accreditation activities as directed.
• Provide feedback to senior staff regarding service delivery issues and potential improvements.
• Support implementation of agreed departmental changes and new working practices.

Finance and resource management

• Use equipment, consumables and departmental resources responsibly.
• Assist with stock monitoring and replenishment of consumables.
• Ensure equipment is cleaned, stored securely and maintained in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Report equipment faults, damage or shortages promptly.
• Contribute to the prevention of waste through appropriate management of clinical supplies and resources.

Leadership and team management

• Work as an effective member of the respiratory physiology team, supporting colleagues and contributing positively to team objectives.
• Assist in the induction and support of new staff, students and trainees as delegated.
• Share knowledge and best practice with colleagues within own area of competence.
• Participate in regular supervision, appraisal and development discussions.
• Take responsibility for maintaining personal competency and undertaking continuing professional development activities.

Information and data management

• Accurately enter, update and retrieve patient information using electronic patient record systems and departmental databases.
• Maintain accurate records of investigations, equipment checks and quality assurance activities.
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation, confidentiality requirements and information governance standards.
• Generate and process routine clinical and administrative documentation as required.
• Report and document incidents, near misses and equipment faults using approved systems.

Innovation and continuous improvement

• Participate in departmental audit, quality monitoring and service evaluation activities.
• Support collection and recording of data for audit and service improvement projects.
• Contribute suggestions for improving clinical processes, patient pathways and departmental efficiency.
• Participate in testing and evaluation of new equipment, systems or procedures under supervision.
• Engage in learning opportunities that support continual improvement of practice.

Autonomy and decision authority

• Work independently within clearly defined protocols, competencies and delegated responsibilities.
• Exercise initiative in managing routine duties and prioritising workload within the scope of the role.
• Recognise own limitations and seek advice from registered Respiratory Physiologists or senior staff when situations fall outside competence or established procedures.
• Be accountable for maintaining professional standards, accurate documentation and compliance with departmental procedures.
• Escalate clinical, operational or patient safety concerns appropriately and without delay.

Physical demands

• Frequently move between clinical areas, outpatient departments and testing rooms throughout the working day.
• Assist patients with positioning and application of diagnostic equipment where required.
• Lift, carry and move respiratory diagnostic equipment, consumables and clinical supplies in accordance with manual handling guidance.
• Undertake prolonged periods of standing, walking and sitting during clinics and diagnostic investigations.
• Use computer workstations and keyboards regularly for data entry and administrative tasks.
• Perform repetitive tasks requiring accuracy and fine motor skills throughout the working day.

Cognitive demands

• Maintain concentration during respiratory investigations to ensure accurate data collection and patient safety.
• Monitor equipment performance, test quality and patient responses during procedures.
• Work within a busy clinical environment where interruptions and competing priorities are common.
• Follow detailed procedures and protocols requiring sustained attention to accuracy.
• Respond appropriately to changing clinical situations and service demands.
• Manage predictable and occasionally unpredictable workloads while maintaining quality standards.

Emotional resilience

• Provide support to patients who may be anxious, distressed, breathless or concerned about their health or diagnostic results.
• Remain calm and professional when dealing with patients experiencing physical discomfort or emotional distress during investigations.
• Occasionally encounter challenging situations involving deteriorating patients, safeguarding concerns or difficult clinical circumstances.
• Manage emotional demands associated with caring for patients with chronic, progressive or life-limiting respiratory conditions.
• Seek support appropriately and participate in wellbeing and supervision processes

Work environment

• Work in clinical environments where exposure to patients with infectious respiratory conditions may occur, using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Frequently use cleaning and disinfecting agents in accordance with infection control procedures.
• Comply with health and safety requirements.
• Occasionally manage challenging behaviour, anxiety or distress whilst maintaining a professional approach.

This advert closes on Sunday 2 Aug 2026