Chief Echocardiographer

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic highly specialist echocardiographic to join and complement our internationally recognised echocardiography services at King's College Hospital. 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 and 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 ongoing projects.

Clinical Physiology BSc degree combined with appropriate technical training and Echocardiography accreditation (BSE, EACVI or equivalent) are mandatory for this position. Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate competence and expertise in the full range of advanced echocardiography techniques (TOE, Stress echo, 3D and contrast echo).

We currently offer some physiologist-led services such as valve clinic, contrast and bubble, exercise echo, cardio-oncology, inherited Cardiac Conditions and valve stress echocardiography. We are also developing new services for the future.

Main Duties of the Job

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, utilizing 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.

About Us

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Date Posted

17 April 2025

Pay Scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£54,320 to £60,981 a year per annum pro rata, including HCA + 15% RRP on Basic Salary

Contract

Fixed term

Working Pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference Number

213-CAX-7154308

Job Locations

King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Job Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Practice as a specialist autonomous professional in Adult Echocardiography and show proficiency in exercising clinical judgement when required.

Practice safely and effectively, interpret and act upon results of the tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Perform diagnostic echocardiography using advanced techniques such as 4D and GLS to produce a clinically comprehensive report in accordance with BSE guidelines and local standards/protocols.

Perform echocardiography in a range of settings, including portable scans at bedside, ITU, and cath labs.

Administer appropriate medications and contrast agents as part of advanced clinical practice.

Participate in setting excellent local standards in Echocardiography, and to continually develop and update these to ensure they incorporate current professional recommendations and evidence-based practice.

Keep abreast of developments in Echocardiography and disseminate new information to other members of staff effectively.

Comply with national and international guidelines such as BSE, ASE, NICE, ESC, and SCST as well as local clinical guidelines; and ensure that these guidelines are adhered to.

Ensure that Kings Echo service communicates with other centres and external stakeholders in a professional and productive manner, facilitating the exchange of patient records and minimising disruption to services.

Perform regular audits to ensure compliance with local and national standards.

Apply and promote evidence-based practice and use of relevant clinical protocols and procedures at the complex and advanced level; as well as acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations, and measurements.

Comment and advise on new proposals and protocols, especially for service improvements.

Adhere to infection control guidelines including correct use of PPE and uniform policy.

Education and Training

Provide training, mentorship, and support to junior staff, SpRs, and Echo Fellows, with a view to improve their echo knowledge and skills.

Assist in echocardiography education throughout the Trust, including medical students, PTP, and STP trainees.

Maintain own proficiency in echo and other technical skills by keeping up to date with current guidelines.

Ensure that own mandatory training certificates are current.

Actively participate in his/her own performance review and own professional development.

Maintain BSE and/or other transthoracic echocardiography accreditation.

Maintain/work towards additional professional accreditation as appropriate.

Complete relevant training and competencies to provide advanced clinical practice.

The post holder will be encouraged to maintain and/or obtain HCPC registration, further educational qualifications, and memberships with professional bodies.

Write up interesting case studies/clinical abstracts and submit to appropriate journals.

Actively participate in the education sessions and journal club.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• 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 module

Skills/Experience Essential

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

Desirable

• Ability to understand financial and budgetary information
• Awareness of current NHS challenges and Long-Term Plans/Strategy which may affect the Future direction of Echocardiography
• Awareness of DM01 waiting lists

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

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.

Employer Details

Employer Name: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address: King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Employer's Website: https://www.kch.nhs.uk/