Job Description

A vacancy has become available for a R enal T echnician for U niversity H ospitals Sussex NHS Trust .



The Sussex Kidney Unit provides care for patients across Sussex on a hub and spoke model. The main dialysis unit is based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and there are satellite units that the Renal Technician service cover at Worthing and Bexhill.



Maintenance and repair of dialysis machines and related equipment is essential for the health and safety of dialysis patients. The post holder needs to hold a minimum of higher national certificate in a relevant science or engineering field is required and ideally experience in renal technology or other clinical engineering background.



The post holder is required to travel across Sussex, visiting satellite units and patients in their own homes and so a full UK driving license is also essential.



To provide autonomous 37.5 hour/week (24/7 on call) comprehensive technical / scientific support with service / advice to patients and staff in all renal related areas across Sussex, incorporating main centre, satellites and within patient's homes. To service and monitor dialysis related equipment and maintain it to safe standards in line with manufacturers specifications including on call commitments.



The Renal Technical department of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust currently maintains 126 Haemodialysis machines and associated equipment, including 5 central RO plants, across 3 main sites in Sussex. Currently 87 at RSCH (main unit), 21 at Bexhill and 18 at Worthing satellite units. The unit also maintains a fleet of home patient machines (currently 20) at homes throughout Sussex.



Whether working in the renal unit or in the community, the job provides a variety of challenges and working environments for the post holder to gain suitable experience.



At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.



We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.



As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.



We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack:

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/



Main duties of the job will include the ability and experience to handle any of the complex day to day technical problems and work tasks related to the maintenance, repair, calibration, clinical support and giving of advice relevant to a broad range of medical equipment. The post holder will be expected to deal directly with patients and will have to communicate complex equipment related issues to relevant stakeholders, for example clinical colleagues, patients, carers. The post holder will operate with a high degree of individual responsibility and may act as the lead technician for a particular type of equipment or for providing services to a particular clinical area. The post holder will have the skill, ability and breadth of experience and knowledge to be able to deal with the complex and unexpected situations that arise. In addition, the post holder will be required to participate in an emergency out of hours on call system, providing cover to all Hospital areas and particularly support to home patients, requiring a higher level of initiative and responsibility.