Clinical Vascular Scientist

University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution is looking for a Clinical Vascular Scientist to join their friendly team at the Vascular Assessment Unit in Plymouth. The role involves performing vascular ultrasound scans, supervising trainees, and actively participating in clinical activities. Applicants should ideally have CSVS accreditation or relevant experience from an STP programme. The position offers opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Support for continuing professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Dedicated office space

Qualifications

• Experience performing and reporting on vascular ultrasound scans.
• Ability to supervise trainee vascular scientists.
• Strong communication skills for patient interactions.

Responsibilities

• Perform and report on vascular ultrasound scans independently.
• Clinically assess patients and determine appropriate tests.
• Attend weekly clinical meetings to discuss patient management.

Skills

Vascular ultrasound experience

Patient assessment

Communication

Education

CSVS accredited or STP scheme graduate

Tools

Philips Epiq 7G ultrasound scanner

Philips Affiniti

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Vascular Scientist (or Sonographer demonstrably experienced in Vascular Ultrasound) 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.

Responsibilities

• Independently performing and reporting vascular ultrasound scans
• Supervising trainee vascular scientists
• Assisting with administrative/operational running of the department

Key duties

1. Clinically assess patient to determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests to perform, taking into account likely treatment options.
2. Perform a 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. 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. Perform and report on other non‑invasive diagnostic tests such as exercise tests and plethysmography.
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. 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 the patient may be facing major surgery or amputation.
7. Reinforce information given by other health‑care professionals about risk‑factor management and disease processes to the patient/relatives.
8. Advise clinicians of limitations/advisability of tests done within the unit to ensure that the most appropriate tests are provided for the patient’s management.
9. Recognise conditions that require urgent medical attention and liaise with medical staff to admit / review patient urgently.
10. Attend weekly multidisciplinary clinical meetings to discuss patient management.
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. Adhere to Trust and Unit policies on infection control and health and safety.

Qualifications and experience

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.

Unit information

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.

Team

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.

Additional information

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.