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Job summary

Main area
Research
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 4
Contract
3 years (Fixed term due to fixed funding)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
410-COR-7506323
Employer
Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Liverpool Heart and Chest
Town
Liverpool
Salary
£27,485 - £30,162 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
07/10/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust logo

Clinical Research Assistant

NHS AfC: Band 4

As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision 'to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation'.

We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine including adult cystic fibrosis and diagnostic imaging, both in the hospital and out in the community.

We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.

Heart and lung disease continue to be amongst the biggest killers in the UK and the communities we serve are marked by increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, higher levels of heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease and an ageing population.

Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and facilitated by technology. New and upgraded clinical areas are designed with patients and families fully involved to deliver their needs.

As part of our long term plan, we aim to form strong clinical and organisational relationships where possible. There is clear evidence that partnerships improve patient care and enhance quality and we aim to collaborate with a range of other providers and professionals with the aim to extending access and improve quality.  

Our vision is underpinned by five strategic goals:

  • Quality: to deliver the highest quality, safest and best experience for patients and their families by providing reliable care 
  • Service and Innovation: to develop our service portfolio for patients by developing innovative models of care
  • Value: to maintain financial viability, enhance service delivery and develop new models of care to improve the health of our patients and safely reduce costs
  • Workforce: to be the best NHS Employer by 2019 by attracting and retaining the best staff to deliver excellent patient care
  • Stakeholders: to develop productive relationships with key stakeholders in order to enhance our profile and reputation.

Our Mission

“Excellent, Compassionate and Safe care for every patient, every day”

Job overview

The primary role of the Clinical Research Assistant is to support the portfolio of clinical research studies based at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

You will be responsible for facilitating the research pathways of patients participating in research studies. 

You will be directly involved in recruitment, education and the monitoring of research patients and the collection and documentation of accurate data.

You will provide support for a specific research study but may be required to support the wider research portfolio when necessary. There will be a requirement for travelling across the Merseyside and Cheshire region to support the recruitment to this research study and transport will be provided. The base is considered as Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

You will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary teams across the Trust and community.

Main duties of the job

 

  • Operate independently without supervision within the defines of your pay Band
  • Manage own time and workload with an overview from senior staff
  • Plan, deliver and evaluate patient-centred care in relation to the study protocol
  • Manage patient clinics within a studies requirement
  • Inform study patients GPs of their participation in a clinical trial, 
  • Collect, collate, and report information, maintaining accurate patients records in line with Trust policy including Information Governance, Study Protocols and ICH_GCP.
  • Participate in maintaining a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment for all patients and carers.
  • Work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure needs are met in relation to care input and support for ongoing care needs.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication with patients and carers/family members consistent with their level of understanding and their culture.
  • Respect confidential information obtained in the course of professional practice and uphold the principles of Caldicott and the Data Protection Act.
  • Complete documentation via the electronic patient record system in line with Trust Policy, and Information Governance and ICH-GCP guidelines.
  • Undertake venepuncture and sample collection following training and assessment.
  • Stock taking and ordering consumables.
  • Sample kit coordination and dispatch.
  • Consent to research studies following training and delegation of task.

Working for our organisation

As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision 'to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation'.

We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine both in the hospital and out in the community.

We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.

Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and our encouragement of flexible working in a variety of forms.

Please visit our website - https://www.lhch.nhs.uk/

Please follow this link for a tour of our site - https://bit.ly/36ylsoq

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

CLINICAL

  • Operate independently without supervision within the defines of your pay Band
  • Manage own time and workload with an overview from senior staff
  • Plan, deliver and evaluate patient-centred care in relation to the study protocol
  • Manage patient clinics within a studies requirement
  • Inform study patients GPs of their participation in a clinical trial, liaising with the GP as required
  • Collect, collate, and report information, maintaining accurate patients records in line with Trust policy including Information Governance, Study Protocols and ICH_GCP.
  • Participate in maintaining a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment for all patients and carers.
  • Work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure needs are met in relation to care input and support for ongoing care needs.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication with patients and carers/family members consistent with their level of understanding and their culture.
  • Assess the potential risks involved within the scope of work activities, identifying how best to manage the risks.
  • Respect confidential information obtained in the course of professional practice and uphold the principles of Caldicott and the Data Protection Act.
  • Complete documentation via the electronic patient record system in line with Trust Policy, and Information Governance and ICH-GCP guidelines.
  • Undertake venepuncture and sample collection following training and assessment.
  • Stock taking and ordering consumables.
  • Sample kit coordination and dispatch.
  • Consent to research studies following training and delegation of task.

          STUDY REQUIREMENTS

  • Assembling, completing, and maintaining the required regulatory documentation in a clear and organised way
  • Ensure that the study is conducted adhering to the International Conference for Harmonisation (ICH) and Good Clinical Practise (GCP) guidelines, UK Clinical Trials Regulations and in accordance with its protocol
  • Attend Investigator meetings and set up meetings.
  • Liaise with the Principal Investigator to ensure study delivery
  • Identify and screen for potential research participants
  • Be able to advise and support patients and their families when considering participation in a study
  • Ensure availability of clear and easy to follow study guidelines, so that staff workload is kept to a minimum
  • Obtain informed consent from study participants in line with GCP Guidelines and study protocol.
  • To prioritise research activity as necessary thus ensuring recruitment targets are met.
  • To ensure that all data is collected and managed effectively and accurately.

Person specification

Qualifications and Education

Essential criteria
  • Skill level equivalent to or working towards achievement of HND, Degree, NVQ4 or basic professional qualification or equivalent in a health-related discipline and/or equivalent experience
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office/EDCL
Desirable criteria
  • Skills in handling and management of computerised data (data entry, report generation and data validation)
  • Knowledge of clinical research
  • Higher degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related discipline
  • Venepuncture training
  • GCP training in last 2 years
  • Care Certificate or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working within an NHS/Clinical Health Care/Clinical Trials setting and use of associated systems
  • Able to demonstrate: Problem solving and Working to tight deadlines
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working within/supporting research delivery
  • Experience of obtaining clinical samples

Skills & Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Maintains own Continuing Education
  • Able to demonstrate accurate and relevant documentation to a high standard
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge and understanding of research governance regulations and guidance and associated good clinical practice

Values & Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Has a flexible approach with commitment to ensure the needs of the service are met and high standards maintained at all times
  • Enthusiasm and positive outlook to ensure a motivated and high performing team
  • Takes responsibility for actions and adopts a reflective practice approach on continuous improvement
  • Able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with professional groups and managers
  • Treating everybody fairly and affording individuals respect, dignity and courtesy, regardless of their role, background, personal circumstances or appearance
  • Treating patients as individuals, taking into account their preferences and needs
  • Being accountable for your own work and behaviour and lead by example
  • Being open and positive about change
  • Continually looking for the most efficient and effective way to do things
Desirable criteria
  • Actively engage with your own team and support other teams across the Trust in a positive manner

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Care quality commission - OutstandingSVMQ Distinction

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Zalina Rashid Gardner
Job title
Research Matron
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0151 600-1493