Senior Clinical Perfusionist

Senior Clinical Perfusionist

Band 8a

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Clinical Perfusionist position within the Clinical Perfusion Department at UHNM. We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Clinical Perfusion Scientist to join our dedicated Cardiothoracic Surgery team. This pivotal role supports excellence in clinical perfusion services, education, and innovation.

Main duties of the job

To clinically manage and control the temporary replacement of a patient’s cardiopulmonary function to enable cardiac surgery and to support that function during other interventions; to operate auxiliary equipment for the benefit of patient safety and the effectiveness of clinical outcomes; to assist in the development and management of the Department of Clinical Perfusion; to participate in the on‑call and late duty rotas.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Key Responsibilities and Clinical Duties
   1. Choose the most appropriate equipment and disposable items for each procedure.
   2. Prepare equipment and disposable items to undertake cardiopulmonary bypass for routine and emergency cardiac surgery.
   3. Operate the heart‑lung machine and auxiliary equipment to maintain the patient’s clinical condition within physiological parameters, taking corrective action to compensate for changing conditions during cardiopulmonary bypass.
   4. Independently perform complex perfusion techniques, including:
      • Aortic procedures.
      • Autologous blood salvage (intra‑ and post‑operatively).
      • Intra‑aortic balloon pump preparation, insertion and management, including troubleshooting.
      • Advanced blood gas analysis and interpretation.
      • Thromboelastography (TEG) including platelet mapping and fibrinogen analysis.
      • Vacuum‑assisted venous drainage and CO₂ field flooding.
      • Modified ultrafiltration and haemoconcentration.
   5. Apply rigorous aseptic technique, equipment cleaning, calibration, and safe disposal of consumables in accordance with Trust policy.
   6. Lead on evaluating, implementing, and teaching new technologies and innovations in perfusion practice.
   7. Complete accurate clinical documentation, ensuring all perfusion activity is recorded for audit, quality assurance, and service development.
   8. Contribute to departmental planning, service delivery, and research initiatives, ensuring perfusion services evolve in line with best practice.
   9. Participate fully in the departmental on‑call rota, acting independently in emergency and high‑pressure situations.
2. Quality of Care and Clinical Governance
   1. Lead departmental quality improvement, audit, and benchmarking activities, ensuring evidence‑based best practice in all perfusion procedures.
   2. Develop and review clinical policies, protocols, and risk management strategies to support patient safety.
   3. Act as a clinical expert and advisor within the multidisciplinary team, liaising with surgeons, anaesthetists, and nursing colleagues to optimise patient outcomes.
   4. Support the Clinical Perfusion Manager and deputise for the Deputy Clinical Manager when required.
3. Education, Training and Professional Development
   1. Provide formal and informal teaching to trainee perfusionists, nursing and medical staff, both within the Trust and externally at national/international level.
   2. Act as mentor and assessor for trainee perfusionists, ensuring their personal logbooks and MSc programme requirements are met.
   3. Maintain own professional knowledge and competence through continuing professional development, national/international conferences, and specialist courses.
   4. Possess registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland and maintain professional re‑accreditation through clinical and educational activity.
   5. Abide by the Code of Ethical Conduct of the Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.
4. Advanced Clinical Skills and Expertise
   1. Anticipate, assess, and respond rapidly to complex physiological and technical changes during cardiopulmonary bypass.
   2. Apply expert clinical judgement in critical and emergency scenarios, ensuring patient safety and effective decision‑making under pressure.
   3. Contribute to the development of novel perfusion strategies and research into rare or complex patient pathologies.
   4. Utilise advanced communication skills to explain highly technical or sensitive information clearly to colleagues, patients, and external stakeholders.
5. Operational Excellence and Service Delivery
   1. Manage independent caseloads and coordinate perfusion service delivery across multiple theatres and Trust sites.
   2. Take responsibility for equipment maintenance, stock control, and procurement, delegating tasks appropriately to ensure smooth service delivery.
   3. Support departmental leadership in workforce planning, service innovation, and strategic development.
   4. Maintain resilience and sustained concentration during prolonged, complex procedures and high‑pressure environments.
6. Professional Standards and Ethical Practice
   1. Demonstrate professionalism at all times, safeguarding patient dignity, confidentiality, and wellbeing.
   2. Contribute to and lead on developing evidence‑based practice within perfusion, ensuring national and local guidelines are applied consistently.
   3. Provide leadership in supporting team wellbeing, debriefing, and resilience after critical or traumatic cases.
   4. Maintain effective and collaborative relationships within the multidisciplinary team, promoting an open and supportive culture.

Person specification

• Full UK CCPS registration.
• At least three years post‑qualification or relevant experience.

Equality and diversity statement

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from everyone regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender, age, faith or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.