REFERENCE NUMBER: CTR/0910/155

JOB TITLE: Chief Cardiac Physiologist

GRADE: Band 7

LOCATION: Cardiac Physiology / ECG, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

HOURS: 37.50

CONTRACT DURATION: Permanent

CLOSING DATE: 2nd July 2010

SALARY SCALE: £30,460 - £40,157 per annum

There are 3 ways to make your application, which are:

1) Apply on-line www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk

2) Download the application form, complete this, the attached working time form, save and e-mail to recruitment@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

3) Print the application form, the working time form, complete both and mail these to RECRUITMENT CENTRE, ST JOHN’S HOSPITAL, LIVINGSTON, EH54 6PP

NHS LOTHIANGENERAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

This information package has been compiled to provide prospective candidates with details of the post advertised.

The contents of this package are as follows:

Person Specification and Job Description Working Time Regulations Form (please complete and return with application form) Guidance on completion of Application Form Agenda for Change Terms & Conditions Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

Please note that any personal information obtained from you throughout the recruitment process will be collected, stored and used in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. Information will be available to the recruiting manager and to the Human Resource staff.

NHS Lothian is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end will use the information you have provided on your application form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It will also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. More detail on this responsibility is on NHS Lothian’s intranet (Counter-Fraud and Theft page) and further information is available at http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/work/nfi.php. Information can also be obtained by contacting Dave Proudfoot, Deputy Chief Internal Auditor on 0131 537 9267.

All jobs are only offered following receipt of two satisfactory written references. At least one reference must be from your current/most recent employer, or your course tutor if you are currently a student. If you have not been employed or have been out of employment for a considerable period of time, you may give the name of someone who knows you well enough to confirm information given and to comment on your ability to do the job.

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When returning your completed application and any associated enclosures by Royal Mail, please ensure that the correct postage is paid. Underpaid mail will be retained by the Post Office which will result in applications not being returned until after the closing date and not being included for shortlisting.

I would ask you to note that if you do not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, I regret to say that you will have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

As a Disability Symbol user we recognise the contribution that all individuals can make to the organisation regardless of their abilities. As part of our ongoing commitment to extending employment opportunities, all applicants who are disabled and who meet the minimum criteria expressed in the job description will be guaranteed an interview.

Please send your completed application to:-The Recruitment Centre

St. John’s Hospital at HowdenHowden Road West

LivingstonEH54 6PP

e-mail: recruitment@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Career opportunities in Cardiac Physiology

LOTHIAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS DIVISION

Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

Highly Specialist Cardiac PhysiologistsBand 7

37.50 hoursSalary £30,460 - £40,157

Cardiac Clinical PhysiologistBand 6

37.50 hoursSalary £25,472 - £34,189

Exciting opportunities to work in a major Tertiary centre.

We are looking for enthusiastic Cardiac Physiologists to join our busy team. We are recruiting to both the CRM and the Echo teams. Successful candidates will be expected to hold NASPE for the CRM post or BSE for the Echo post.The Royal Infirmary is a large Interventional centre and experience in all aspects of both invasive and non- invasive Cardiology is essential.

Trainee Cardiac Physiologist applicants should have academic qualifications allowing entrance to an Hons degree in Clinical Physiology. Pre registration applicants would also be considered.

For an informal visit or more information contact

Ann Colthart

Cardiac Physiology Service Manager on 0131 242 1814.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Highly Specialist Cardiac Clinical Physiologist (Cardiac Ultrasound).

(Physiological Measurement)

Responsible to: Cardiac Clinical Physiology Service Manager.

Department(s): Cardiac Clinical Physiology (NRIE)

Directorate: Cardiology.

Operating Division: Medical

No of Job Holders: 2 (1.37wte).

Last Update: October 2004

2. JOB PURPOSE

To support the Cardiac Clinical Physiology Manager in the delivery of Cardiac Physiology Services.

To manage the Cardiac Ultrasound Service by providing an efficient scanning and reporting service for patients, whilst undertaking the responsibility for the training and development of Specialist Cardiac Clinical Physiologists and Medical staff.

To regularly participate in National, International research and clinical trials.

To maintain clinical commitment in other areas of the service as required.

3. DIMENSIONS

The department carries out 6200 Cardiac Ultrasound scans annually. This includes routine, (Post Myocardial Infarction) complex (Valvular Heart Disease) highly complex (Regional Adult Congenital Heart Disease) and emergency Cardiac Ultrasound.

The post holder manages the operational challenges of the service by prioritising based on clinical need whilst providing a rapid and prompt access to Cardiac Ultrasound for A/E and Acute Medicine.

The post holder is responsible for the training and development plans and appraisal of 3 Specialist Cardiac Clinical Physiologists.

The post holder is responsible for training Cardiology SPR’s in scanning and reporting techniques.

The post holder is responsible for reporting scans of Specialist staff who are not British Society of Echocardiography (B.S.E.) Accredited. This includes Cardiology SPR’s in training. This role was formally that of a Consultant Cardiologist.

The post holder provides expert support and advice to other Departments and Specialities and Regional centres.

4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

Cardiac Clinical Physiology Service Manager

CRM Manager

Highly Specialist Cardiac Clinical Physiologist. (Cardiac Ultrasound)

Specialist Cardiac Clinical Physiologists.

Cardiac Clinical Physiologists

5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT

The Department of Cardiology is a nationally and internationally acclaimed unit, providing a supra-regional comprehensive service to a population of 1.7 million.

LUHD delivers services within the environment of a University Teaching Hospital setting. The Department of Cardiology is a centre for National and International Research and Clinical Trials.

The Cardiac Clinical Physiology Department NRIE site plays a pivotal role by providing a full range of Cardiac investigations to A/E and Acute Medicine all In-patients and Out patient Specialities including Neo Natal Services.

The role of the Cardiac Clinical Physiologist has expanded to encompass many duties which were formally that of a Consultant Cardiologist.

Non invasive: Routine ECGs 24hr ambulatory ECG monitoring and analysis. (Including event recorders.) Cardiac Clinical Physiology (C.C.P.) led Exercise Tolerance Tests; this includes Rapid Access

Chest Pain services. CCP led Cardiac Ultrasound service. CCP led Pacemaker follow-up clinics. CCP led Paediatric pacemaker follow-up service at Royal Hospital for Sick Children. CCP led follow up service for Implantable Cardiovertor Defibrillator (ICD) devices, and Bi-

Ventricular pacemakers for Cardiac Resynchronisation for Lothian and the Region. ECG training for Nursing staff and Clinical Support Workers.

Invasive: Intra cardiac pressure monitoring during Cardiac Catheterisation and Coronary Intervention. CCP support during Pacemaker implantation for Bradycardia. CCP support for implant and follow-up of Loop Recorders. CCP support for ICD and Bi-Ventricular implants. (Lothian and Regional Service) Assist Consultant Electrophysiologist during Electrophysiology studies and Radio Frequency

Ablation with highly complex intracardiac signal analysis. (Curative procedure for patients with arrhythmias) This is a Regional service.

6. KEY RESULT AREAS

Clinical Provision: Manage the Cardiac Ultrasound Service by:

Prioritising requests based on clinical need.

Providing rapid access for A/E and Emergency Medicine for Cardiac Ultrasound scans, by performing and providing immediate reports, which will directly influence patient management and care.

Providing One stop clinic provision for Outpatient services.

Undertaking Lead role in the South East Region Adult Congenital Heart Disease clinic. This requires highly specialist skills and expertise in scanning techniques specific to Congenital Heart Disease.

Delivering specific investigations in association with Consultant colleagues e.g. Dobutamine Stress Echo’s and Contrast studies.

Facilitating Dobutamine Stress Echo and Contrast studies the post holder is expected to perform IV cannulation.

Providing highly specialist support to Consultant Electrophysiologist using Cardiac Ultrasound to optimise Bi-Ventricular pacemaker devices for Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy. This is a Regional Service.

Providing specialist support and advice to other specialities.

Responsible for reporting Cardiac Ultrasound scans performed by Specialist staff in training that are not B.S.E. accredited. This includes Cardiology SPRs in training.

Developing operational protocols, identifying and implementing change.

The efficiency of the Cardiac Ultrasound Service depends solely on the post holder being an autonomous independent practitioner.

Maintaining clinical commitment in other areas of the service both invasive and non-invasive.

Participating in on-call rota for the Cardiac Catheter Lab when required.

Maintaining appropriate professional and personal development.

Education/Training Provision:

Responsible for delivering specialist training in Cardiac Ultrasound for Cardiac Clinical Physiologists, including other hospitals.

Responsible for Appraisal and Personal Development planning of 3 Specialist Cardiac Clinical Physiologists.

Responsible for specialist training of Cardiology SPRs and reporting progress to their Post Graduate tutor.

Introduction to Cardiac Ultrasound for Medical Students.

Research Development and audit:

Regularly participate in both National and International research and clinical trials. Expert advice resource for clinical trial co-ordinators. Quality assurance audits to ensure scanning and reporting standards are in line with the

department protocols, and provide monthly activity information.

7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

The post holder will ensure all equipment used is inspected regularly and is safe for use, and all faults reported appropriately.

NON INVASIVEGeneric: Bleep system, Fire Equipment, Oxygen Cylinders, Pat Slides, Wheelchairs/Trolleys/Beds12 Lead ECG machine, (£5000) 24 hr Ambulatory Monitors, (£1800) Event recorders, (£1000) Transtelephonic Signal Receiving Centre.

Specialist:Cardiac Monitor, Computerised Stress Testing System including Archiving (£24,000) Manual Defibrillator (£7000), Dynamap, Sphygmomanometer, Pulse Oximeter.

Highly Specialist:

Cardiac Ultrasound Scanner (£120,000) Transthoracic Multi frequency Ultrasound Probes (£20,000)

INVASIVE

Specialist:External Pacing Box. (£1500)

Highly Specialist:Transoesophageal Ultrasound Probes (£20,000) Intracardiac Pressure and ECG Monitoring and Recording Equipment in Cardiac Catheter Lab. (£40,000)Defibrillator Remote Use (£7000), Intra Aortic Balloon Pump, (£42,000), RADI pressure Wire Sensor (£10,000), Rotablator (£6000) and Blood Oximeter (£7500).

* The Intra Aortic Balloon Pump is an emergency life support system used to increase Coronary and

Peripheral blood flow.

*RADI analyser calculates fractional flow reserve identifying significant flow restricting lesions in the

Coronary Arteries.

*Rotablator burrs down calcified plaque deposits in the Coronary Arteries into fragments smaller than

Red blood cells in order to allow balloon angioplasty.

7b. SYSTEMS

Patient information data bases and report archiving for:

Exercise Tolerance Tests. (GE system)

Cardiac Catheterisation (Minerva and GE system)

Manual logbook for cross-referencing procedure data in the Catheter Lab.

Cardiac Ultrasound (Rickett system)

Internet and Intranet for personal and business.

Manual logbooks for Non invasive services.

Maintain patient records.

8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK

Post holder is a Lead Specialist Independent Advanced Practitioner, and works autonomously

within the broad parameters set by the Cardiac Clinical Physiology Service Manager. Workload is generated by the demands on the service by Cardiology, other Specialities, A/E and

Emergency Medicine and the Region. Performance Appraisal Reviews annually by Cardiac Clinical Physiology Service Manager.

9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

The post holder works independently and their decisions and judgements have a direct effect on Patient management.

The post holder is responsible for prioritising Cardiac Ultrasound referrals. The post holder makes decisions and gives advice to referring physicians regarding the most

appropriate type of Ultrasound scan. The post holder’s report will aid and influence Cardiac Surgeons in decisions about Valvular Heart

Surgery. The post holder makes decisions about findings that require immediate or further medical attention.

eg. Cardiac Tamponade where fluid from around the heart would require draining, or apical thrombus where the patient would be required to be assessed for anti coagulation therapy.

The post holder offers advice, support and training to other centres in the Region. E.g. offering personal/professional development opportunities.

The post holder decides when specialist trainees are competent to scan unsupervised, and on their suitability to sit the British Society of Echocardiography Accreditation exam.

The post holder makes decisions regarding stock control for Cardiac Ultrasound. The post holder makes decisions about ECG abnormalities, which would require either immediate or

further medical attention. Exercise Tolerance Tests are Specialist CCP led for Coronary Heart Disease, and the post holder is

responsible for ensuring the safety of the patient by:(a) Vetting the request for contraindications (b) The test is conducted in accordance with The British Cardiac Society

guidelines (c) Terminating the test when criteria are met e g ECG changes,

Hypo/hypertension, Ventricular arrhythmias.(d) Abnormalities are brought to the attention of the referring Physician.

10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

Routine Cardiac Ultrasound numbers for year 2004 were 6200 patients using predominantly 2 Ultrasound machines. This requires efficient time management skills balancing both scanning and reporting.

Cardiac Ultrasound for patients with highly complex Adult Congenital Heart Disease. The New Royal infirmary’s Accident and Emergency department and Acute Medical Admissions

Unit is one of the busiest in the country. To maintain rapid turnover of patients prompt access to cardiac investigations is necessary and the post holder provides a diagnostic service for Cardiac Ultrasound with a rapid turn round in the delivery of reports, a process that is facilitated by their independent and autonomous practice

Increase in the demand for Cardiac Ultrasound as a result of National guidelines and recommendations.

11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder communicates on a daily basis with a broad range of Health Care Professionals. The post holder has a persuasive and encouraging disposition in order to enable co-operation with confused or anxious patients.

The post holder communicates and advises routine and highly complex information regarding the results of Cardiac Ultrasound scans to Medical staff offering a detailed explanation when necessary.

INTERNAL (within the Division)

Patients and Relatives: - To explain procedures, to reassure and convey test results.Cardiac Clinical Physiologists: - Daily to convey information on aspects of the service, rotas, supervising etc.Cardiologists – For Professional and Clinical decision-making.Cardiac Surgeons. - To convey test results and recommendations based on Ultrasound findingsVascular Surgeons - As above.Medical staff from other Specialities - As above.Nursing staff – Overall patient management and communication on behalf of the Cardiologist.Clerical staff – For out -patient appointment scheduling and patient transport. Procurement – Regarding Echo supplies.Management – Line manager for staffing issues.Risk ManagementSupport ServicesRadiologyResearch and DevelopmentHealth and SafetyMedical Physics

EXTERNAL (out with the Division)

General Practitioners: - To both give and receive sensitive and complex information regarding patient management.Medical and Cardiac Physiology staff in South East Scotland Consortium: – To provide expert advice and support.

Cardiac Ultrasound Industry: - (a) Maintenance departments for routine servicing and fault finding. (b) Product specialist for new developments and training courses.

12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Physical Effort: Manoeuvring heavy equipment in the Catheter Laboratory. (Occasional) Pushing trolleys/wheelchairs. (Frequent) The majority of in patients require assistance to transfer from a wheelchair to the Cardiac

Ultrasound examination couch. (Frequent) Ultrasound equipment is very heavy and the post holder requires a moderate level of fitness to

position the machine for optimal scanning. Occasionally the post holder will be required to transfer the machine to emergency situations in another part of the hospital

There is a requirement to change an oxygen cylinder. (Occasional) Ultrasound scanning requires the operator to sit for prolonged periods of time in a restricted

position (approx 25 mins per patient) complex studies may take longer than this. (Frequent) Haemodynamic monitoring in the Catheter Lab requires the operator to sit or stand for prolonged

periods of time. (Occasional) Requirement to wear Lead apron for radiation protection. (Occasional) Using a desk top PC (frequent)

Physical skills: The post holder requires physical skills to operate the full range of diagnostic equipment used

within the non-invasive and invasive Cardiac Clinical Physiology speciality. The post holder must be able to demonstrate skilful handling of Cardiac Ultrasound probes and

have a high degree of manual dexterity to optimise cardiac images, Be able to work at speed when performing emergency scans.

Possess good keyboard skills for entry of data and report writing.Mental Effort:

Prolonged concentration is required during a Cardiac Ultrasound session (4hrs) and need to be fully conversant with all the modalities of imaging i.e. M mode, 2 Dimensional imaging, Spectral and Colour Flow Doppler mapping in order to obtain optimal cardiac images. (Frequent)

The post holder is expected to make measurements and use complex algorhythms and formulae to formulate conclusions on which to base their final report. (Frequent)

Prolonged concentration during a Cardiac Catherterisation session (4hrs). (Occasional) On-call sessions. Shorter periods of concentration are required for individual diagnostic tests. E.g. approximately

20mins during Exercise Tolerance Tests. (Occasional) Maintenance of precise and accurate records. Time management Communication difficulties with patients (multicultural, deaf, blind) Service changes.

Emotional Effort: Post holder communicates with distressed and anxious patients and relatives. (Frequent) Dealing with critically ill patients in the Catheter Lab. (occasional) Patients death (occasional)

Environmental: The post holder will be expected to work for prolonged periods of time in a darkened room.

(Frequent) The post holder is exposed to body odours and body fluids. (Frequent) There is a potential risk of verbal and physical abuse from patients who are confused or

disorientated. (Occasional) Temperature/air quality of working environment. Radioisotopes. (Thallium stress exercises) (Occasional) Radiation exposure in the Cardiac Catheterisation Lab. (occasional) Health and Safety guided. Prolonged periods using monitoring equipment. (VDU) frequent

13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

Essential: Professional qualifications: BSc.Hons Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) or equivalent. The Post holder must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) or a recognised

equivalent statutory body as a Cardiac Clinical Physiologist. Post Graduate/qualification experience in both non-invasive and invasive Cardiology. Post Graduate British Society of Echocardiography (B.S.E.) Accreditation Exam (Master’s

degree equivalent.) Post B.S.E. Accreditation experience.

Highly developed specialist knowledge and extensive experience in Cardiac Ultrasound. Highly Specialist study and extensive experience in Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Highly specialist study and extensive experience in Stress Echo. Specialist study and experience in optimising Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Devices (for

heart failure) using Cardiac Ultrasound. Evidence of continuing professional development. Extensive knowledge and experience in ECG interpretation. Evidence of excellent training and teaching skills. ALS/BLS with defibrillation skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The post holder will be required to demonstrate excellent team working skills with ability to work

using own initiative. Good IT skills. Good time management and organisational skills. Knowledge of Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults Act. Knowledge of Division Policies on:

(a) Health and Safety, Infection Control and Manual Handling (b) Local policies and National Guidelines in Specialist areas. (c) Knowledge of National guidelines SIGN, NICE, DVLA.

14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to whom the job description applies.

Job Holder’s Signature:

Head of Department Signature:

Date:

Date:

Guidance on how to complete the NHS Scotland application form

The purpose of an application form is to help evidence that the applicant has all the requirements applicable to carry out the job applied for.

Once in receipt of the application pack it is essential to read both the job description and person specification to gain a full understanding of what the job entails and the minimum criteria required.

Please note for equal opportunity purposes NHS Lothian do not accept CV’s as a form of application.

General guidance

There are currently three ways of applying for vacancies within NHS Lothian:

- On-Line – www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk- Telephone (hard copy) – 0845 60 33 444- Email – recruitment@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

If you are applying by ‘hard copy’ please use black ink and write clearly in block capitals.

The vacancy reference number, job title and location can be obtained from the job advert.

The candidate number will be populated by Recruitment Admin once the application has been returned. This is to ensure each application remains anonymous.

Only part C of the application form will be sent for short listing. The application form will be identified by the candidate number only to ensure that no applicant will be unfairly discriminated against.

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Please feel free to use additional paper if required. Please do not add your name to any additional information provided; secure it to the relevant section and Recruitment Admin will add a candidate number.

For general help and advise on how to complete an application form visit www.careersscotland.gov.uk (click on how to apply > how to complete an application form.

The application form

Personal Details

In this section you are required to provide your contact details including telephone number and email address if applicable. Please note it is essential that this section is completed as fully as possible to ensure you can be contacted if required.

Work Permit / Working in the UK

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Please state the number of occasions you were off work in the past year due to ill health.

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Declaring a conviction will not automatically disqualify you from being considered for the post. Careful consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it is found that you did not disclose a previous conviction your employment may be terminated.

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Role Purpose / Summary of Responsibilities

Tell us briefly about your duties (what you do or did in your job). You could tell us your role, the main tasks, and any responsibilities.

Employment History

Please state all the jobs you have done previously in this section writing your start date in month/year format MM/YYYY.

References

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Referees will be taken up after interview for the successful candidate only.

Disability

NHS Lothian is “Positive about Disabled People” and as part of our continued commitment to extend job opportunities for people with disabilities we operate a Job Interview Guarantee Scheme (JIG). This means that all candidates that indicate that they have a disability and meet the minimum criteria of the job description are guaranteed an interview.

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Statement in Support of your Application

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Please try to remember where you heard about this job, and tick the relevant box. The information you give will help us find out how effective our advertising is.

Equal Opportunities Monitoring

Please note that all details on this section (Part D) will remain totally anonymous. It will be detached from the rest of the form as soon as it is received and will remain anonymous.

As a major employer, NHS Lothian is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and the elimination of discrimination.

Please return completed application forms to:

The Recruitment CentreSt John’s HospitalHowden Road WestLivingstonEH54 6PP

Email: recruitment@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Please note that if you do not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, I regret to say that you will have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Terms & Conditions

General Overview

The NHS has recently undergone one of the most significant changes in relation to staff grading, pay and terms and conditions of service, known as Agenda for Change (AFC). Agenda for Change introduces harmonised NHS Terms and Conditions of Service based on the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, to ensure a fair system of pay for all NHS employees whilst supporting modernised working practices.For further information visit - www.paymodernisation.scot.nhs.uk

It is important to note that some contractual conditions of service remain under review and may change subject to final agreement.

Pay / Policies

Pay

Pay progression through AFC salary band is by annual increment subject to performance review.

Within each pay band there are 2 gateways: the foundation gateway and the second gateway. The foundation gateway is applicable to new or promoted staff and applies no later than twelve months after appointment to the pay band regardless of the pay point to which the person is appointed. The second gateway follows the foundation gateway and the point at which it applies will vary between pay bands.

Annual Leave & Public Holiday Entitlement

All NHS Lothian employees receive an entitlement to annual leave and public holidays, combined this gives a total leave entitlement. An employee’s leave is based on their length of service and hours worked per week.

Annual Leave + Public Holidays = Total Leave Entitlement

On Appointment – 27 days per annum plus 8 public holidays (pro rata)

After 5 Years Service – 29 days per annum plus 8 public holidays (pro rata)

After 10 Years Service – 33 days per annum plus 8 public holidays (pro rata)

NB: previous NHS service will count towards entitlement.

NHS Pension Scheme

The NHS provides an occupational pension scheme, membership of which is optional.

The Scheme is currently under review however key provisions include the Scheme being contributory by the employee and employer and in addition to retrial benefits the Scheme also provides for ill health retrial, death gratuity, and widow’s/widower’s benefits.

http://www.sppa.gov.uk/pension_reform/documents/NHSRulesandBenefitsComparison.pdf

Workforce Equality Monitoring

NHS Lothian is committed to supporting and promoting dignity at work by creating an inclusive working environment. We believe that all staff should be able to fulfil their potential in a workplace free from discrimination and harassment where diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds are valued.

In order to measure and monitor our performance as an equal opportunities employer, it is important that we collect, store and analyse data about staff. Personal, confidential information will be collected and used to help us to understand the make-up of our workforce which will enable us to make comparisons locally, regionally and nationally.

NHS Lothian

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

NHS Lothian considers that it has an important role to play as a major employer and provider of services in Lothian and accepts its obligations both legal and moral by stating commitment to the promotion of equal opportunities and elimination of discrimination.

The objectives of its policy are that no person or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, disability, marital status, age, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), creed, sexuality, responsibility for dependants, political party or trade union membership or activity, HIV/AIDS status or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Provision of Services

The organisational objective is to provide equality of access to provision of services through: consultation over services to ensure that groups concerned are consulted over existing services and

changes. epidemiological studies, patient satisfaction surveys and qualitative research to ensure that specific

reference is made to the needs of the groups covered by the policy.

Equal Opportunities in Employment

2.1 Recruitment and SelectionThe organisation aims to ensure that:

all sections of the community know about job opportunities within NHS Lothian where possible, under statutory rules, members of groups who are under-represented in the workforce

will be encouraged to apply for jobs through positive action programmes; everyone who applies or a job or promotion within the organisation will receive fair treatment and will be

considered solely on ability to do the job against justifiable selection criteria and unbiased personnel specification;

records are kept so that the organisation can monitor how the policy is working. To do this, applicants and employees will be asked to provide information for their records. All information will be confidential;

all procedures and practices used in recruitment and selection are reviewed, to ensure that there is no unintended bias.

2.2 TrainingThe organisation intends that:

all its employees, including part time staff, will be advised at induction and regular in-service training that they have equal access to training and are encouraged to take advantage of such training;

all managers and those responsible for appointing staff receive training in the organisational Equal Opportunity Policy;

in-service staff are trained as trainers and external expertise identified in sufficient quantity, quality and range to support induction, on-going and update training in Equal Opportunities for all staff;

the organisation will also work with medical schools and other training agencies to ensure that Equal Opportunities training is integrated into courses for health workers.

2.3 EmploymentThe organisation intends that:

all staff will be protected from discrimination or harassment because of their sex, disability, marital status, age, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), creed, sexuality, responsibility for dependants, political party or trade union membership or activity or HIV/AIDS status;

staff who discriminate or harass employees on the grounds of any of those factors will face disciplinary action;

staff who, in good faith, have raised or intend to raise a grievance against alleged discrimination or who give/intend to give evidence/information in connection with such grievance; must not be treated less favourably than other employees;

all grievances and complaints will be recorded, information on investigations and outcomes to supplement monitoring.

2.4 ContractorsThe organisation will require contractors to comply with its Equal Opportunities Policy and this will be a condition of contract.

2.5 GeneralIt should be noted that the organisation’s Equal Employment Opportunities Policy extends to groups which are not specifically covered by anti-discrimination legislation. The policy intends that the elimination of discrimination in the employment field be related to discriminatory actions or omissions which are unlawful, unfair or inappropriate.

Guidance on unlawful discrimination or unfair discrimination for appointment panels is available from HR Departments.

The organisational policy does not detract from individual rights.

This policy does not prevent an individual from pursuing contractual rights through the Grievance Procedure or from pursuing statutory rights through any body which deals with the enforcement of the particular legislation.