Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the University Hospitals Dorset's Clinical Neurophysiology Team as a Healthcare Science Assistant.



We are looking for a reliable and detail-oriented team member who is passionate about supporting high-quality patient care through scientific and technical services. The successful candidate will play a vital role in assisting qualified healthcare scientists and professionals in delivering accurate and timely diagnostic and monitoring services for patients. This includes supporting the smooth running of clinics, preparing equipment, managing samples or data, and ensuring that all processes are carried out safely and effectively.



You will be working as part of a dedicated and supportive team that is committed to delivering excellent patient outcomes through scientific expertise. This role is also an ideal entry point for individuals looking to develop a career in healthcare science.



We are committed to ongoing professional development and offer a range of in-service training opportunities. This includes structured supervision, access to learning resources, and the potential to progress through further training and development.

Interview Date:

29th January 2026



The Healthcare Science Assistant will support the delivery of diagnostic, monitoring, or therapeutic services by performing delegated tasks under the supervision of registered healthcare science professionals. Duties may include preparing equipment, collecting and processing patient samples or data, performing basic tests or measurements, and maintaining accurate records in line with departmental protocols.



The post holder will be expected to work with attention to detail, follow standard operating procedures, and contribute to the safe and efficient running of the service. Good communication skills, organisation, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care are essential.



This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a healthcare science environment and develop core skills as part of a multidisciplinary team.



To understand the role in more detail, please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.



UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.



If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.



UHD has active networks including Women's, DEN, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.



AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process



The Healthcare Science Assistant plays a crucial role within a complex and specialist Clinical Neurophysiology service, supporting patients across all age groups and a broad spectrum of medical conditions. These conditions often span neurological and psychiatric domains, requiring a high level of sensitivity, technical skill, and adaptability. The role involves close collaboration with Consultant Neurophysiologists, senior technical staff, and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure smooth operation and delivery of high-quality diagnostic services.



This position carries responsibility for the organisation and preparation of electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) clinics for both outpatient and inpatient settings. The post holder must be meticulous in preparing equipment and patients, facilitating the test procedures, and ensuring strict adherence to safety, infection control, and departmental protocols.



Daily tasks include coordinating patient appointments, liaising with clinical and support teams, and providing compassionate reassurance to patients and carers during potentially stressful procedures. The role also demands ongoing communication and teamwork to meet the evolving needs of the service and maintain its high standards.



Below are the core duties and responsibilities associated with this role:



Provides assistance in a complex, specialist Clinical Neurophysiology service to patients of all ages from a range of specialities, suffering from a wide variety of medical conditions, including those that may be neurological and/or psychiatric in nature. Work collaboratively on a day-to-day basis with others to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the service. Follows policies and procedures appropriate to the tasks under the auspices of registered practitioners. Maintain high standards of assistance with Neurophysiological services to patients. Responsibility for the organisation of electromyography/nerve conduction clinics, both outpatient and inpatient, assisting the Consultant Neurophysiologist to perform the test procedures, either within the department, or ward/ITU situations. Preparation of the equipment for EMG/NCS clinics - recording and reporting any faults to a registered practitioner. Preparation of ancillary equipment/supplies. Preparation of the patients for EMG/NCS clinics, ensuring any special arrangements are made for any potent special needs (inclusive of infection control) and analysis of patient suitability. Taking appropriate action as necessary to amend conditions before the consultant commences the test (e.g. skin temperature). Appropriate removal of clothing and positioning on examination couch. Reassurance of patient/carer to facilitate calm co-operation with the test procedure. Input patient data file into test equipment. Alter software appropriately during the test procedure whilst the consultant is controlling stimulators/needles. Make annotations/take notes of the test procedure, make calculations, interactive recording of information during the test procedure. Transcription of test data to specialist equipment and to the patient database. Assist patients following the test procedure with clothing, personal care etc. before leaving the department. Organisation of additional urgent patients into booked clinics, in liaison with consultants and registered practitioners, ensuring that booked patients are seen promptly. Liaison with porter team and ambulance transport for timely transfer of inpatients. Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure services meet changing healthcare needs. Undertake responsibility for the efficient and effective use of financial resources in own area, e.g. preparation of orders, stocks and supplies Undertake responsibility for efficient and effective use of equipment in own area. Day-to-day cleanliness, maintenance of ancillary equipment Participation in the implementation of policies To give assistance to secretarial staff with reports etc. during times of short staffing. To ensure/monitor appropriate stocks of linen and disposable equipment. Initiate orders as appropriate. Undertakes responsibility for the cleaning, packaging, sterilisation and maintenance of specialist equipment e.g. electrodes. Limited participation in simple audit and/or research development programmes. Participate in effective team working. Continue to develop assistant skills as appropriate to the range of neurophysiological service provided to patients. Responsible for making outpatient appointments for EMG and CP led CTS clinics. Contribute to the effective and efficient use of information resources, administration and data storage. Uses judgement in the performance of duties appropriate to grade and in accordance with agreed policies/guidelines/procedures. Follows health and safety and quality assurance policies with respect to patients, staff and visitors. Promote and ensure equality, diversity and rights for all. Ensure personal compliance with regards to mandatory training and personal development according to service needs. Ensure personal compliance with departmental and trust codes of conduct. Under the auspices of registered practitioners and consultants, participate in simple audit to ensure compliance with and development of national and local procedures and clinical standards/guidelines. Work within agreed Trust and local policies/procedures.

FREEDOM TO ACT



Able to carry out the role under their own initiative with little or no supervision. Unique post in the department - fulfilment of this role otherwise falls to registered practitioners. In unusual/exceptional circumstances extra guidance sought from registered practitioners and consultants e.g. organisation of special patient needs

Physical



Preparation of patients for tests (up to 10 per shift), often involving, soaking/washing/drying feet requiring kneeling on the floor. These can often be patients who have difficulty with self-hygiene, with leg/foot ulcers and skin conditions related to their medical conditions. Also exposure of body odours, urine, faeces, vomit etc. Being actively aware of infection control for either infective or immuno-compromised patients, taking appropriate action. Lifting and manoeuvring equipment for those tests performed outside the dedicated environment, either at PHT ward/ITU or via transport to RBH. Pushing/pulling patient trolleys/beds and wheelchairs, altering the position of the examination couch. During EMG/NCS tests (approx 45mins duration) sitting with limited scope for movement, awkward access to equipment and mouse controls, as consultant also needs to view the screen. Sustained use of keyboard/VDU. Working in a warm environment.

Mental



Able to carry out accurate and timely calculations on test data, whilst continuing to take new figures and altering equipment settings, relaying results of calculations back to the consultants during progression of the test e.g. several muscles tested for quantitative EMG (up to 45mins). Anticipation and action to interactively alter machine settings for consultants during the test procedure appropriate to the specific examination/needle sampled muscles, after suitable training from senior technical staff. Accurate transcription of test data, audio typing clinical reports with interruptions from other staff/patients - with need to complete within short deadlines.

Emotional



Need to support patients who are given distressing, life changing diagnoses, present with the consultants and then alone with the patient to help dress etc before leaving the department (carer/family members may also be present). Caring for terminally ill patients attending for tests/research or seen on ITU. Caring for upset, distressed or disturbed patients and carers/relatives for long periods of time whilst awaiting ambulance transport from the department. Dealing with challenging behaviour - tests can be uncomfortable, patients may have cognitive impairment, anxieties, e.g. patients who are delayed waiting transport, testing small children with protective parents. Transcription of test reports and data with distressing, life changing diagnoses. Washing/caring for patients with painful conditions/open sores etc.

Unpleasant Working Conditions/Hazards



Frequent exposure to and direct contact with unpleasant smells - feet, BO, drips/drains, body fluids, faeces, vomit, open wounds, ulcers, skin conditions etc. Infectious patients, linens, dressings. * Awareness of MRSA, Hep B, immuno-compromised.