Vascular Scientist Trainee

Job summary

The Vascular Department have an exciting opportunity available for a qualified sonographer (with a recognised Bachelor of Science Honours Degree) to specialise in vascular science.

The position will be a band 7 position, 4 day a week post (although hours can be negotiable), with training supplied 3 days a week by the vascular scientists onsite in the Vascular Department at Musgrove Park Hospital and one study day a week either independently or at UWE, Bristol.

The fees for the course and study/travel will be funded by the Vascular Department.

We would expect commitment from the sonographer to complete the MSc Medical Ultrasound Course, which will focus initially on carotids and lower limb venous for the first year, and lower limb arterial in the second year.

The course is likely to take 18 months-2 years.

Course Programme Link

Medical Ultrasound - MSc - UWE Bristol: Courses

On top of this, there would be the expectation once qualified, to work towards obtaining accreditation with the Vascular Society. However, this can be achieved by building a portfolio of scans while working independently in the Department.

**We would expect to set up a training agreement with the successful sonographer to agree to a minimum of 2 years independent scanning in the Vascular Department post qualification.**

Main duties of the job

To work as part of the Vascular Ultrasound team and train to undertake specialist vascular ultrasound examinations. Once trained the post holder will be expected to work independently and produce diagnostic reports which will provide advice on future patient management to vascular surgeons and the stroke team.

To manage a defined caseload and prioritise procedures as necessary. To provide vascular ultrasound services in the main hospital and at outlying hospitals and clinics thus providing highly skilled patient focused care.

The training provided will ensure you can perform a wide range of vascular investigations, including:

• Upper and lower limb arterial and venous duplex scanning
• Carotid duplex scanning
• Aneurysm surveillance
• EVAR surveillance
• Graft surveillance
• Testing for vasospastic conditions

Ability and willingness to travel to undertake clinics across the Network.

The training will involve one study day a week either independently or at UWE, Bristol alongside training onsite with the vascular sonography team. It is expected that the training will take place over 18 months-2 years.

About us

The Somerset and North Devon Vascular Network is a successful, progressive and ambitious Vascular Network with an excellent reputation for providing a comprehensive range of vascular specialist services. Vascular services for all patients in Somerset and North Devon are provided through the hub site in Taunton with spoke services at North Devon District Hospital, Yeovil District Hospital and community hospitals around Somerset and North Devon.

The Taunton site is the site of centralised elective and emergency vascular surgery and host provider of NAAASP screening for Somerset and North Devon. The South West of England has an increasingly elderly population with the highest proportion of over 65 year olds in the UK. The increasingly elderly population and high life expectancy of the local population has led to a significant vascular workload with the Network performing in excess of 300 index arterial surgical reconstructions and 300 angioplasties per annum.

The vascular unit has a well-developed endovascular programme performing in excess of 45 EVARs per annum and supported by 5 interventional radiologists. An on-site 24/7 interventional radiology rota is in place.

The Vascular Unit is also supported by Clinical Nurse Practitioners/Specialists who work closely with the surgical team to provide care for vascular patients and a stand-alone vascular duplex service.