Clinical Vascular Scientist

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Plymouth is seeking a Clinical Vascular Scientist to join the team in the Vascular Assessment Unit. The role involves performing and reporting ultrasound scans, supervising trainees, and contributing to various clinical meetings. Candidates must be either CSVS accredited or nearing completion of the STP training program, with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment. The position offers a chance to work with advanced ultrasound technology in a modern healthcare setting.

Benefits

Support for continuing professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Must be a CSVS accredited Clinical Vascular Scientist or STP graduate.
• Experience in vascular ultrasound with demonstrable expertise.
• Ability to train and supervise trainee vascular scientists.

Responsibilities

• Perform and report on vascular ultrasound scans independently.
• Supervise and support trainee vascular scientists.
• Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary clinical meetings.

Skills

Clinical Vascular Science

Vascular Ultrasound

Patient assessment

Supervising trainees

Communication skills

Health and safety compliance

Education

CSVS accreditation or equivalent

Graduate of STP scheme in Clinical Vascular Science

Tools

Philips Epiq 7G ultrasound scanner

Philips Affiniti

Job description

Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Detailed Responsibilities

1. 1.1. Clinically assess patient to determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests to perform, taking into account likely treatment options.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 1.4. Perform and report on other non-invasive diagnostic tests such as exercise tests and plethysmography.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 1.7. Reinforce information given by other health care professionals about risk factor management and disease processes to the patient/relatives.
8. 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.
9. 1.9. Recognise conditions that require urgent medical attention and liaise with medical staff to admit/ review patient urgently.
10. 1.10. Attend weekly multidisciplinary clinical meetings to discuss patient management.
11. 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.
12. 1.12. Adhere to Trust and Unit policies on infection control and health and safety.

For further details please see attached JD & PS.