Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Vascular Scientist (or Sonographer demonstrably experienced in Vascular Ultrasound) to join the small friendly team working in the Vascular Assessment Unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
The successful candidate will be expected to perform and report on a wide range of vascular ultrasound scans, as well as take part in teaching, audit and attend MDT meetings.
We fully support continuing professional development and encourage staff to attend regional and national meetings, particularly the Vascular Scieties' Annual Scientific Meeting. We aim to give all clinical staff two non-scanning sessions per week for carrying out audit, CPD, research or teaching activities.
The Vascular Assessment Unit consists of 2 spacious air-conditioned scanning rooms which are equipped with Philips Epiq 7G ultrasound scanners. Our inpatient work is mainly carried out on the wards using a Philips Affiniti. We also have dedicated office space away from the scanning rooms. In the near future, we are expanding our service to provide scans at the Community Diagnostic Centre which is nearing completion of construction in the centre of Plymouth.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
Independently performing and reporting vascular ultrasound scans
Supervising trainee vascular scientists
Assisting with administrative/operational running of the department
The Unit provides a comprehensive range of non-invasive vascular examinations, including carotid artery duplex, upper and lower limb arterial and venous Duplex, DVT scanning, aneurysm and bypass graft surveillance, EVAR follow-up and pre and post fistula assessment. We also support foam sclerotherapy lists and have close links to the Peninsular AAA screening programme. We provide imaging for one-stop ulcer clinics, in-clinic scans for the consultant-led outpatient clinics, Diabetic Foot Clinics, rapid access TIA clinics, as well as inpatients and outpatients.
Our team at UHP currently consists of 4 Vascular Scientists and two trainees, and our colleagues include 6 Vascular Consultants, a Consultant Vascular Nurse and administrative staff.
Ideally, you are a CSVS accredited Clinical Vascular Scientist (AVS) or graduate of the STP scheme in Clinical Vascular Science with some supplementary experience. However, applicants who are currently working towards AVS accreditation or have recently finished/nearly finished the STP training programme will be considered on a lower AfC pay band.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1.1. Clinically assess patient to determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests to perform, taking into account likely treatment options.
1.2. Perform wide range of colour duplex ultrasound examinations for peripheral vascular and venous diseases with a high level of expertise, with sole responsibility for producing a full clinical diagnostic report on scan findings.
1.3. Continually analyse the highly complex haemodynamic and imaging information obtained from the scan as it is performed, to form a diagnosis. Adapt or extend scan depending on observations and measurements made during the scan
1.4. Perform and report on other non-invasive diagnostic tests such as exercise tests and plethysmography.
1.5. Communicate the information obtained from the scans in clear concise reports to the referring clinician, clearly identifying any technical limitations and recommending when alternative imaging is required.
1.6. Communicate the scan procedures and results to the patient in an appropriate manner, particularly when dealing with emotional topics such as graft occlusion and aneurysm increase where patient may be facing major surgery/ amputation.
1.7. Reinforce information given by other health care professionals about risk factor management and disease processes to the patient/relatives.
1.8. Advise clinicians of limitations/ advisability of tests done within the unit to ensure that the most appropriate tests are provided for the patients management.
1.9. Recognise conditions that require urgent medical attention and liaise with medical staff to admit/ review patient urgently.
1.10. Attend weekly multidisciplinary clinical meetings to discuss patient management.
1.11. Ensure that a safe working environment is maintained, and that diagnostic equipment is performing correctly. Report any defects promptly to MEMS and inform Head of V.A.U.
1.12. Adhere to Trust and Unit policies on infection control and health and safety
For further details please see attached JD & PS
Job description
Job responsibilities
1.1. Clinically assess patient to determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests to perform, taking into account likely treatment options.
1.2. Perform wide range of colour duplex ultrasound examinations for peripheral vascular and venous diseases with a high level of expertise, with sole responsibility for producing a full clinical diagnostic report on scan findings.
1.3. Continually analyse the highly complex haemodynamic and imaging information obtained from the scan as it is performed, to form a diagnosis. Adapt or extend scan depending on observations and measurements made during the scan
1.4. Perform and report on other non-invasive diagnostic tests such as exercise tests and plethysmography.
1.5. Communicate the information obtained from the scans in clear concise reports to the referring clinician, clearly identifying any technical limitations and recommending when alternative imaging is required.
1.6. Communicate the scan procedures and results to the patient in an appropriate manner, particularly when dealing with emotional topics such as graft occlusion and aneurysm increase where patient may be facing major surgery/ amputation.
1.7. Reinforce information given by other health care professionals about risk factor management and disease processes to the patient/relatives.
1.8. Advise clinicians of limitations/ advisability of tests done within the unit to ensure that the most appropriate tests are provided for the patients management.
1.9. Recognise conditions that require urgent medical attention and liaise with medical staff to admit/ review patient urgently.
1.10. Attend weekly multidisciplinary clinical meetings to discuss patient management.
1.11. Ensure that a safe working environment is maintained, and that diagnostic equipment is performing correctly. Report any defects promptly to MEMS and inform Head of V.A.U.
1.12. Adhere to Trust and Unit policies on infection control and health and safety
For further details please see attached JD & PS
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in relevant science subject.
- CSVS accreditation (AVS) or STP in Vascular Science
Desirable
- For candidates with HCPC registration but without AVS qualification; a willingness to train and personal study towards AVS Accreditation
- MSc in ultrasound related subject.
Knowledge and Exerience
Essential
- Competence in Vascular Ultrasound : Carotid, peripheral arteries, peripheral venous, aorta (demonstrable experience of vascular scanning)
- General proven knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and a proven specialist knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the circulation including the pathology and aetiology of vascular disease.
Desirable
- Competence in advanced Vascular Ultrasound ie dialysis fistula
- Basic proven knowledge of wound dressing
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
- Ability to present scientific papers at local and national meetings.
Desirable
- Ability to travel between the sites
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in relevant science subject.
- CSVS accreditation (AVS) or STP in Vascular Science
Desirable
- For candidates with HCPC registration but without AVS qualification; a willingness to train and personal study towards AVS Accreditation
- MSc in ultrasound related subject.
Knowledge and Exerience
Essential
- Competence in Vascular Ultrasound : Carotid, peripheral arteries, peripheral venous, aorta (demonstrable experience of vascular scanning)
- General proven knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and a proven specialist knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the circulation including the pathology and aetiology of vascular disease.
Desirable
- Competence in advanced Vascular Ultrasound ie dialysis fistula
- Basic proven knowledge of wound dressing
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
- Ability to present scientific papers at local and national meetings.
Desirable
- Ability to travel between the sites
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
