Chief Echocardiographer

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in London is seeking a highly specialist echocardiographer to join their renowned echocardiography services. The successful candidate will perform advanced echocardiography, manage workloads, and provide training within a multi-disciplinary team. This role offers the chance to work in a cutting-edge echo lab and contribute to innovative practices in patient care.

Benefits

Up to 15% Recruitment and Retention Premium

Professional development opportunities

Participation in research projects

Qualifications

• Possess Adult TTE BSE/equivalent accreditation.
• HCPC registration is desirable.
• Experience in clinical assessment and advanced life support is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic echocardiography using advanced techniques.
• Manage workload effectively and ensure timely completion of reports.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior staff.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Leadership skills

Skills in teaching/training

Education

BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) or equivalent

Intermediate Life Support (ILS)

Adult TTE BSE/equivalent accreditation

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly specialist echocardiographer to join our internationally recognised echocardiography services at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, London. Staff may be required to work cross site. This post attracts up to 15% Recruitment and Retention Premium.

The Echo department features the latest cardiac ultrasound equipment in an all-encompassing digital echo lab. It provides transthoracic, TOE, 3D, DSE, stress exercise echo and contrast studies for all specialties in the Trust. King’s College Hospital is a renowned research institution and encourages participation in new and on-going projects.

We currently offer a range of physiologist-led services and are developing new services for the future.

Main duties

Act as a specialist Echocardiographer within a multidisciplinary team, liaising with principal physiologists, clinical lead echo consultants, administrative teams, procurement, ward staff, porters, support staff, and junior members to ensure high-quality patient care.

Perform diagnostic echocardiography, utilising advanced techniques like 4D and GLS to create clinically comprehensive reports following BSE guidelines and local protocols. Stay updated with current guidelines to maintain technical proficiency in echo and related skills.

Manage workload effectively, ensuring timely completion of reports, coordinating inpatient lists, and triaging referrals based on clinical priority per BSE guidelines and local standards.

Engage in professional development through performance reviews and actively contribute to the smooth running of services, taking on managerial responsibilities as assigned. Monitor technical equipment stock levels and address shortfalls appropriately.

Promote a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary care approach within the Trust and encourage innovative practices such as advanced clinical methods within the department.

Clinical responsibilities

Practice as a specialist autonomous professional in adult echocardiography and exercise clinical judgement when required.

Interpret and act upon results of tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Perform diagnostic echocardiography using advanced techniques (4D and GLS) to produce comprehensive reports in line with BSE guidelines and local standards/protocols.

Perform echocardiography in a range of settings, including portable scans at bedside, ITU and cardiac catheter labs. Administer appropriate medications and contrast agents as part of advanced clinical practice.

Contribute to setting and updating local standards in Echocardiography, ensuring alignment with current professional recommendations and evidence-based practice. Disseminate new information to staff effectively.

Maintain and adhere to national and international guidelines (BSE, ASE, NICE, ESC, SCST) and local clinical guidelines. Facilitate professional communication with external centres and stakeholders, minimising disruption to services.

Participate in regular audits to ensure compliance with local and national standards. Apply evidence-based practice and maintain a high level of professional competence in all tests and measurements. Advise on proposals and protocols for service improvements. Adhere to infection control guidelines, including PPE and uniform policy.

Education and Training

Provide training, mentorship and support to junior staff, SpRs and Echo Fellows to improve echo knowledge and skills. Assist in echocardiography education across the Trust, including medical students, PTP and STP trainees. Maintain personal proficiency by staying up to date with current guidelines and maintaining mandatory training certificates. Participate in performance reviews and professional development. Maintain BSE and/or other transthoracic echocardiography accreditation and work towards additional professional accreditation as appropriate. The post holder will be encouraged to maintain and/or obtain HCPC registration, pursue further educational qualifications and memberships with professional bodies. Administer appropriate medications and contrast agents as part of advanced clinical practice. Write up interesting case studies/clinical abstracts for submission to journals and participate in educational sessions and journal club.

Person specification

Qualifications

• BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) or equivalent
• Intermediate Life Support (ILS)
• Possess Adult TTE BSE/equivalent accreditation
• Highly developed IT skills

Desirable

• HCPC registered
• Clinical assessment Level 7 Module
• Advanced Life Support (ALS)

Skills/experience

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Skills in teaching/training

Desirable

• Understanding of financial and budgetary information
• Awareness of current NHS challenges and Long-Term Plans/Strategy affecting Echocardiography
• Awareness of DM01 waiting lists

Other information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service may be required. Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered. UK registration with current professional requirements is required.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check and sponsorship information: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires Disclosure to the DBS. Guidance on overseas criminal record checks is available. For further information see the UK Visas and Immigration guidance.

Employer details

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS

Employer website: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (www.kch.nhs.uk)