Clinical Vascular Scientist

Job overview

The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a motivated and collaborative Clinical Vascular Scientist (CVS) to join the Vascular Assessment  Unit (VAU). The successful candidate would be part of a team of eight qualified vascular scientists, two trainee vascular scientists and a wonderful administration team.

The role assumes a high degree of autonomy and independence to undertake and report on a full range of specialist vascular science diagnostics in a range of settings: VAU, one stop clinics, the ward, theatre/recovery. The team also regularly provides on table assistance during ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy sessions, for which  the opportunity for training is available if you are not already confident.

The team enjoy a close and friendly working relationship with the wider surgical,  medical and nursing teams and CPD is actively supported with protected non-clinical time, opportunities to attend study days and conferences and opportunities to take part in the CSVS, for example the Lead CVS is the current Chair for Education and  another team member is the Study Day Organiser for the CSVS.

The post involves cross-site working covering the acute hub for Sussex which is based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton (where you can be on the beach within a 5-10min walk of leaving work!), as well as hospitals in Worthing, Shoreham, Haywards Heath and Eastbourne.

Main duties of the job

The role assumes a high degree of autonomy and independence to undertake and report on a full range of specialist vascular science diagnostics in a range of settings alongside various other duties as detailed in the full job description and person specification.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria

Clinical and Scientific:

• Independently (unsupervised) perform, interpret and accurately report specialist diagnostic vascular ultrasound investigations in a range of environments (this may require concentration during busy environments with many distractions) to enable appropriate and timely clinical decision-making

• Ensure reports are saved onto the appropriate information storage systems, such as PACS, adhering to appropriate information governance

• Recognise when the test is sub-optimal, using alternative methods to obtain accurate results, and modify examinations depending on findings using skills and knowledge obtained through experience

• Seek a second opinion from colleagues when necessary and provide a second opinion for other members of the team

• Report urgently or routinely to the referring clinician depending on the findings

• Analyse requests from clinicians, select appropriate tests and prioritise them according to clinical need and resources available

• Assist in management of VAU on a daily basis by prioritising and allocating the site’s daily workload (including trainee requirements) according to daily pressures

• Raise and report concerns and limitations which may affect patient management

• Ensure that clinical work areas and diagnostic equipment are kept in a safe, clean and tidy condition

• Communicate reasons for tests and results of tests, including their clinical significance, to patients as necessary in an empathetic and compassionate manner

• Ensure patient confidentiality and dignity at all times, providing an appropriate environment to perform the diagnostic tests and discuss the results

• Be responsible for all patients’ safety and well-being during tests and while in attendance in the department, respectfully assisting and supporting patients’ needs

• Provide specialist expert advice on vascular pathology, ultrasound and diagnostic methods to patients, nurses, clinicians etc.

• Attend MDT meetings to explain and discuss findings with surgeons, physicians, radiologists and nurses