Job summary
Paediatric Echocardiographer / Congenital Development Post
An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join our highly specialised Paediatric Cardiac Physiology team as a Paediatric Echocardiographer within a structured Congenital Development Post.
This role offers the chance to work within a nationally recognised congenital cardiac service, delivering high-quality diagnostic care to infants, children and young people with congenital and acquired heart disease. The post provides a supported pathway to develop advanced expertise in paediatric echocardiography and complex congenital heart disease.
We welcome applications from experienced paediatric echocardiographers as well as motivated cardiac physiologists with demonstrable commitment to developing specialist knowledge in congenital cardiology. A comprehensive and structured training programme will be provided to support progression.
This is a rare opportunity to combine advanced clinical practice, service innovation and regional collaboration within a forward-thinking department committed to excellence in patient care, education and quality improvement.
Main duties of the job
This post is specifically designed to provide the successful candidate with a structured opportunity to develop advanced clinical, managerial and professional skills within a highly specialised tertiary paediatric echocardiography service.
The post-holder will take an active role in supporting the day-to-day management of the Paediatric Echocardiography section, contributing to the delivery of an effective, efficient and high-quality congenital cardiac service.
About us
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a workforce of over 13,000 staff and more than 100 clinical services across 10 sites. We serve a core population of over 500,000 people across South West England.
UHBW has been rated 'Good' overall by the CQC, and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward-thinking, multi-award-winning Trust and recognised digital exemplar, we are committed to innovation, research and service transformation. Our world-leading research and clinical innovation programmes are making a positive impact locally, nationally and globally.
Our hospitals are located across Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, offering the very best of both worlds -- vibrant city living within easy reach of beautiful countryside and coastline.
UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce, we aim to recruit and retain staff who reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. Anonymous information from applications is used to ensure we meet this pledge. We are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those who care for them.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Practice
-
Perform and report echocardiographic examinations appropriate to level of competence.
-
Band 7: Independently perform and report the full range of paediatric and adult congenital echocardiography procedures to national standards.
-
Band 6 Development: Undertake supervised paediatric and congenital studies, working towards independent reporting through a structured competency framework.
-
Contribute to inpatient, outpatient and specialist congenital clinics.
-
Participate in the 24-hour, 7-day on-call rota (Band 6 participation subject to competency sign-off).
-
Provide clinical and professional advice to patients, parents/carers and multidisciplinary colleagues appropriate to scope of practice.
Service Management and Leadership
-
Take an active role in supporting the day-to-day operational management of Paediatric Echocardiography, ensuring delivery of an effective and efficient tertiary service.
-
Band 7: Deputise for sectional managers where required and contribute to service planning.
-
Band 6 Development: Develop understanding of service management processes and progressively assume delegated responsibilities.
-
Contribute to monitoring budgetary awareness and cost-effective service delivery.
-
Be responsible for receipting medical products and equipment and maintaining stock control within the section.
-
Liaise with medical representatives regarding equipment development, maintenance and service improvement initiatives.
Education and Workforce Development
-
Provide clinical teaching and peer support within the department.
-
Band 7: Undertake formal supervision, mentorship and competency assessment of junior staff and students.
-
Band 6 Development: Develop supervisory skills with appropriate support and guidance.
Governance, Quality and Research
-
Implement, manage, evaluate and update clinical protocols and standard operating procedures.
-
Actively participate in and develop quality assurance and quality control systems.
-
Engage in audit, service evaluation and research activity.
-
Contribute to regional congenital service development and innovation.
Progression from Band 6 to Band 7 will be subject to successful completion of the agreed competency framework, demonstration of independent reporting capability in paediatric and congenital echocardiography, and evidence of leadership and governance contribution.
About the Service
The Bristol Royal Hospital for Children is a dedicated paediatric centre of excellence, caring for patients from fetal life through to young adulthood.
The service provides a comprehensive range of congenital cardiac investigations, interventions and cardiac surgery to the South West of England and South Wales. Investigations performed include (but are not limited to):
-
Physiologist-led Exercise Tolerance Testing (ETT)
-
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) & Standard Exercise Testing
-
Head-Up Tilt Testing (HUTT)
-
Ambulatory monitoring
-
Device implants and follow-up
-
Interventional congenital procedures
Our echocardiography service includes:
-
Transthoracic Echocardiography (with a strong National recognition)
-
Stress Echocardiography
-
Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE)
-
Fetal Echocardiography (with a strong regional reputation)
We have strong links with an active and internationally respected research department, supporting drug trials and sports exercise programmes in congenital heart disease. The service provides diagnostic support for multiple active clinical trials.
For a more detailed job description and full list of responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description document.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Practice
-
Perform and report echocardiographic examinations appropriate to level of competence.
-
Band 7: Independently perform and report the full range of paediatric and adult congenital echocardiography procedures to national standards.
-
Band 6 Development: Undertake supervised paediatric and congenital studies, working towards independent reporting through a structured competency framework.
-
Contribute to inpatient, outpatient and specialist congenital clinics.
-
Participate in the 24-hour, 7-day on-call rota (Band 6 participation subject to competency sign-off).
-
Provide clinical and professional advice to patients, parents/carers and multidisciplinary colleagues appropriate to scope of practice.
Service Management and Leadership
-
Take an active role in supporting the day-to-day operational management of Paediatric Echocardiography, ensuring delivery of an effective and efficient tertiary service.
-
Band 7: Deputise for sectional managers where required and contribute to service planning.
-
Band 6 Development: Develop understanding of service management processes and progressively assume delegated responsibilities.
-
Contribute to monitoring budgetary awareness and cost-effective service delivery.
-
Be responsible for receipting medical products and equipment and maintaining stock control within the section.
-
Liaise with medical representatives regarding equipment development, maintenance and service improvement initiatives.
Education and Workforce Development
-
Provide clinical teaching and peer support within the department.
-
Band 7: Undertake formal supervision, mentorship and competency assessment of junior staff and students.
-
Band 6 Development: Develop supervisory skills with appropriate support and guidance.
Governance, Quality and Research
-
Implement, manage, evaluate and update clinical protocols and standard operating procedures.
-
Actively participate in and develop quality assurance and quality control systems.
-
Engage in audit, service evaluation and research activity.
-
Contribute to regional congenital service development and innovation.
Progression from Band 6 to Band 7 will be subject to successful completion of the agreed competency framework, demonstration of independent reporting capability in paediatric and congenital echocardiography, and evidence of leadership and governance contribution.
About the Service
The Bristol Royal Hospital for Children is a dedicated paediatric centre of excellence, caring for patients from fetal life through to young adulthood.
The service provides a comprehensive range of congenital cardiac investigations, interventions and cardiac surgery to the South West of England and South Wales. Investigations performed include (but are not limited to):
-
Physiologist-led Exercise Tolerance Testing (ETT)
-
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) & Standard Exercise Testing
-
Head-Up Tilt Testing (HUTT)
-
Ambulatory monitoring
-
Device implants and follow-up
-
Interventional congenital procedures
Our echocardiography service includes:
-
Transthoracic Echocardiography (with a strong National recognition)
-
Stress Echocardiography
-
Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE)
-
Fetal Echocardiography (with a strong regional reputation)
We have strong links with an active and internationally respected research department, supporting drug trials and sports exercise programmes in congenital heart disease. The service provides diagnostic support for multiple active clinical trials.
For a more detailed job description and full list of responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description document.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience of a full range of invasive and non-invasive cardiology procedures
- Interest, willingness and initiative to develop Echocardiography in terms of research and innovation
- Knowledge of access to training courses in own section
- Teaching / mentoring experience
Desirable
- Experience of management and understanding budgetary and stock management
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Communicative skills in teaching, mentoring and encouragement
- Sympathetic, empathetic and encouraging manner
- Ability to independently manage time effectively
- Ability to prioritise workload in both clinical responsibilities and teaching
- Adaptability to high pressure, challenging, distressing conditions
Aptitudes
Essential
- Respecting Everyone
- Embracing Change
- Recognising Success
- Working Together
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- BSc /MSc Cardiology, PTP / STP or equivalent (D for b6)
- State registration (RCCP, HCPC etc), or intention thereof
- BSE / Euroecho (or actively working towards) (D for b6)
Desirable
- HRUK / BHRS / IBHRE pacing (or actively working towards)
Public Sector Language Competency
Essential
- Be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience of a full range of invasive and non-invasive cardiology procedures
- Interest, willingness and initiative to develop Echocardiography in terms of research and innovation
- Knowledge of access to training courses in own section
- Teaching / mentoring experience
Desirable
- Experience of management and understanding budgetary and stock management
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Communicative skills in teaching, mentoring and encouragement
- Sympathetic, empathetic and encouraging manner
- Ability to independently manage time effectively
- Ability to prioritise workload in both clinical responsibilities and teaching
- Adaptability to high pressure, challenging, distressing conditions
Aptitudes
Essential
- Respecting Everyone
- Embracing Change
- Recognising Success
- Working Together
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- BSc /MSc Cardiology, PTP / STP or equivalent (D for b6)
- State registration (RCCP, HCPC etc), or intention thereof
- BSE / Euroecho (or actively working towards) (D for b6)
Desirable
- HRUK / BHRS / IBHRE pacing (or actively working towards)
Public Sector Language Competency
Essential
- Be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard
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).
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)
Address
Bristol Children's Hospital
Upper Maudlin Street
Bristol
BS2 8BJ
Employer's website
https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
