Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic , self-motivated Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) to join our busy department. This post will be split between the The Princess Royal Hospital/The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site and the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) which will be based at Hollinswood House.  The Cardio-respiratory floor of the CDC was opened in June 2024 and is an extension of services currently  provided at PRH/RSH sites. 

The CDC is a national initiative to improve diagnostic service provision.  The aim is to increase diagnostic capacity and reduce health inequality by providing a single point of access to a range of services.  Your role will be part of the Cardio-respiratory Department. 

The successful applicant will need experience in dealing with the general public, ideally in a healthcare setting. Excellent IT and communication skills are essential. As is the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, in the sometimes challenging role. 

When trained, you will be performing some of our basic diagnostic tests to include performing 12 lead ECGs, fitting longer term ECG monitors, blood pressure and sleep monitoring.  You will also be trained in performing basic respiratory tests (Spirometry/FeNO) and assisting with Exercise ECGs. You will be expected to cover all hospital environments when on the PRH/RSH site, and work independently when at the CDC. 

Main duties of the job

To assist in the provision of a high quality Cardio-respiratory Service.

To perform  and/or assist with  a range of routine cardiological and respiratory investigations to National Standard as determined by professional guidelines.

Senior Assistant Technical Officers (SATO) are health care workers who perform or assist with a range of routine physiological measurement investigations. The results provided are used to determine patient treatment strategies. This is done in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.

The role requires excellent communication skills to help reassure patients which are often anxious.

A basic knowledge of ECG interpretation will be required to enable the SATO  to alert the Medics to any acute ECG changes which require immediate medical attention. There is also a requirement for the post holder to be able to assess potential contraindications and to be able to understand and obtain accurate spirometry results. Full training will be given.

Working for our organisation

The Cardio-respiratory Department has a base at 3  sites with Cardiac Diagnostics currently based predominantly at The Princess Royal Hospital.  We are a large, friendly team and you will be working closely with both admin and Physiologists/Healthcare Scientists to providing a comprehensive, dynamic, essential diagnostic service. 

Our Poppy’s Promise Commitment

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team —  clinical or non-clinical — plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising  individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a  meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values — ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.