Vascular Scientist/Sonographer

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Sefton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

To perform comprehensive and high-quality vascular ultrasound scans, ensuring that BMUS/ Society of vascular technology guidelines are maintained, up to date and relevant to current clinical and technical practice.

Work as an independent practitioner, producing written clinical reports offering differential diagnosis to assist clinicians in patient management.

Work in other areas of clinical physiology as required, performing highly specialist complex investigations and to supervise, analyse and interpret a wide range of procedures autonomously.

Main duties of the job

1. Perform, interpret and report independently on diagnostic tests in response to clinicians.
2. Analyse requests from clinicians and select appropriate test and prioritise them according to clinical need and resources available.
3. Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients undergoing tests and assist in their preparations for tests. Communicate reasons for and results of tests to patients as necessary.
4. Conduct vascular diagnostic tests using ultrasound and other equipment to obtain images and measurements for successful conclusion of tests.

Job Description

KEY DUTIES

Clinical and Technical

1. Perform, interpret and report independently on diagnostic tests in response to clinicians.
2. Analyse requests from clinicians and select appropriate tests and prioritise them according to clinical need and resources available.
3. Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients undergoing tests and assist in their preparations for tests. Communicate reasons for and results of tests to patients as necessary.
4. Conduct vascular diagnostic tests using ultrasound and other equipment to obtain images and measurements for successful conclusion of tests.
5. Recognise when the test is sub-optimal and select and execute alternative tests where necessary.
6. Be able to interpret complex anatomy and pathology in order to provide clear diagnostic findings.
7. Make complex interpretive judgements based on interactively acquired ultrasound blood flow data and imaging.
8. Record test information clearly and accurately in appropriate media.
9. Communicate results and diagnostic information to referring clinicians with appropriate urgency including altering the clinician when urgent further investigation or treatment is indicated.
10. Ensure that all tests are conducted and reported to agreed protocols in accordance with protocols and with best practice.
11. Be responsible for patients safety and well-being during tests. Responsible for ensuring due care for patients who may present with a range of illnesses.
12. Ensure that all procedures are carried out within Trust guidelines for infection control.
13. Perform specialised ultrasound procedures during surgical interventions. (e.g. Laser ablation in endoscopy suite)
14. Take appropriate precaution against infection when performing in the surgical environment.
15. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of scientific and technical practices and keep abreast of technical change and development. Maintain standards of CPD as required by the Society of Vascular Technology or equivalent.
16. Participate in the development of standards and provision of advice appropriate to the status of a hub centre of LiVES network.
17. Represent the vascular staff at joint clinical review meetings including weekly vascular team meetings.
18. Comply with Clinical Governance requirements.
19. Carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, relevant Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Conduct and Local Rules.
20. Works hours as necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work. In practice, the appointee will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the department.
21. When working in other departments, the appointee will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, senior nursing staff, adhering to local policies and practices.
22. The post holder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by the vascular laboratory service.
23. Take necessary precautions when working in hazardous environments including ionising radiation and infectious materials.
24. Perform other appropriate duties that may be required from time to time by the Head of Service.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prioritise own work in accordance with Departmental and Trust priorities and external demands. Meet expected targets by using own initiative and following general principles and applicable regulations, standards and guidelines.
2. Manage specific aspects of vascular laboratory administration. Specific roles are:
3. IT development. Liaise with Trust IT Team and external providers to support IT developments as they apply to the vascular laboratory, its database, images and storage and communication with the hospital network.
4. Quality Assurance. Instigate activities to ensure quality assurance standards are maintained.
5. Assist with stock control including clinical and administration / stationery items.
6. Testing may be required, on rotation, at other hospitals with whom the department has agreements for service provision, to ensure effective use of resources and high service quality.
7. Keep relevant scientific and technical records for audit purposes. In particular ensure patient surveillance, follow up and vascular imaging records are kept in an accurate, methodical and up to date manner.
8. Responsible for care of clinical equipment including ultrasound scanners and transducers to ensure optimum performance. Note faults on vascular lab equipment and ensure process for rectification is initiated and completed.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support and demonstrate vascular scanning to other appropriate staff members, to include trainees / sonographers / radiographers / medical and nursing staff.
2. Participate in teaching activities of clinical vascular scientists, ultra-sonographers and nurses. This may include staff employed within the wider LiVES network.
3. Undertake clinical audit as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• BSc Hon. Science Degree or equivalent and suitable equivalent experience
• Accredited Vascular Scientist qualification or equivalent vascular qualification

Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Competency - highly specialised knowledge and advanced practitioner level skills with post graduate experience in vascular ultrasound
• Informal teaching of complex physiological concepts on a one-to-one basis
• Both effective independent and team worker
• Ability to manage own workload as well as that of others
• Ability to train staff in post holder's specialist field.
• Contribute to innovative practice developments and advances in the field of vascular ultrasound
• Understanding of clinical governance

Skills Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent verbal and written presentation skills
• Good analytical and judgement skills
• Ability to cope with the pressures and stresses of the daily demands of a front-line clinical - technical service

Desirable

• Demonstrate ability / willingness to study at higher level