Clinical Vascular Scientist

Job overview

Are you an experienced, SVT-accredited Clinical Vascular Scientist looking for your next challenge in a nationally recognised vascular service?

Join the Jackie Walton Vascular Studies Unit (JW VSU) at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and become part of a highly skilled, supportive team delivering specialist vascular diagnostics across the Thames Valley Vascular Network.

As a Band 7 Clinical Vascular Scientist, you will work autonomously to perform and interpret a wide range of complex vascular investigations, using advanced duplex ultrasound and other diagnostic modalities to support the diagnosis and management of vascular disease. You will provide expert clinical advice, contribute to MDT discussions, and play a key role in shaping patient care pathways.

Why Join Us?

The Jackie Walton Vascular Studies Unit is a well-established and respected vascular laboratory within one of the UK's leading teaching hospitals. Working alongside vascular surgeons, radiologists and multidisciplinary colleagues, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Perform highly specialised vascular assessments across arterial and venous disease.
• Work within a collaborative, patient-centred service delivering care across the Thames Valley region.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement and audit activities.
• Support and mentor trainee Clinical Vascular Scientists and other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in research projects and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Develop your leadership skills, including opportunities to deputise for the Chief Vascular Scientis

About you

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Clinical Vascular Scientist who:

• Holds SVT accreditation and has substantial experience in vascular ultrasound.
• Can work independently and confidently communicate complex findings to clinicians and patients.
• Demonstrates excellent clinical judgement and a commitment to high-quality patient care.
• Has a passion for education, professional development and supporting the next generation of vascular scientists.
• Is keen to contribute to research, innovation and service improvement

Main duties of the job

As a Clinical Vascular Scientist (Band 7), you will play a key role in delivering a specialist vascular diagnostic service, working autonomously to assess, diagnose and support the management of patients with vascular disease.

Key responsibilities include:

• Performing and independently reporting a wide range of highly specialised vascular investigations, primarily using duplex ultrasound.
• Assessing and monitoring patients with arterial and venous disease affecting the lower limbs, upper limbs, abdomen and neck.
• Communicating findings to referring clinicians and ensuring urgent cases are escalated appropriately.
• Discussing scan results with patients in a sensitive and compassionate manner, including when findings may have significant implications for patient care.
• Participating in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and contributing expert vascular diagnostic advice.
• Supporting the day-to-day management of the Vascular Studies Unit, including prioritisation of referrals and workload planning.
• Providing leadership and deputising for the Chief Vascular Scientist when required.
• Training, supervising and mentoring trainee Clinical Vascular Scientists, STP trainees and other healthcare professionals.
• Contributing to research, audit and service development activities to enhance patient care and improve service delivery.
• Supporting outreach clinics across the Thames Valley Vascular Network, requiring travel to other sites within the region.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the job description for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL

• At a highly specialised level, perform accurate and detailed assessments to diagnose and monitor peripheral arterial and venous disease of the lower limbs, upper limbs, abdomen and neck. These mainly involve the use of colour Duplex ultrasound according to departmental protocols but may also include other relevant test modalities
• Take history and examine patients to ensure appropriate examinations are carried out
• To produce clear and concise reports in a timely fashion immediately after the investigations have been completed
• To report directly to the referring Consultant/clinician within an appropriate timeframe and arrange urgent assessment by the vascular team if patients condition warrants
• To communicate and expertly advise on results of all scans to clinicians and offer evidence based second opinions in cases of conflicting results between hospitals, junior staff or diagnostic modalities
• Take a lead prioritising incoming referrals and plan appropriate investigations. Discuss any workload planning issues with the Chief Vascular Scientist
• Provide advice in respect to on-going patient management where required
• Communicate the scan results and implications to the patient in an appropriate manner. Sensitivity and empathy are required when dealing with emotional topics that may result in major surgery or limb loss
• Reinforce information given by other healthcare professionals to the patients and relatives about risk factor management and disease processes
• Represent the JW Vascular Studies Unit at joint clinical review meetings including weekly MDT meetings
• Provide health education for patients with vascular disorders
• Adhere to local and departmental infection control policy and procedures

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

• Accept delegated responsibility for agreed aspects of the day-to-day running of the VSU to both ensure effective service provision and broaden personal development
• Deputise for the Chief Vascular Scientist when necessary
• Continual assessment and prioritising of incoming referrals and planning of appropriate investigations
• To assist in the development of initiatives in response to National and Local objectives
• Have input in devising, evaluating and updating scanning protocols set by the Chief Vascular Scientist
• Working with the Chief Vascular Scientist, ensure Trust policies, procedures and standards within the division (including occupational health and safety, infection control, fire, major incident, environmental and organisational issues) are adhered to
• Consult with the Chief Vascular Scientist regarding any complaints
• Set a positive and professional example to junior team members and trainees
• As part of a team responsibility, ensure stock levels are maintained to an adequate level
• To be aware of emergency procedures and health and safety requirements of the JW Vascular Studies Unit and Ward

TEACHING

• Undertake day-to-day supervision of trainees (Clinical Vascular Scientists) within the unit. This includes training in both practical imaging skills and use of complex equipment and instrumentation in all aspects of vascular imaging
• Be responsible for the accuracy of reports generated by trainees under your supervision, making sure they correspond to the protocol of the JW Vascular Studies Unit
• Be involved in training Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons and Scientific Training Programme (STP) trainees
• Participate regularly in demonstrating or teaching other relevant members of staff including Vascular Scientists, Radiologists, Vascular Surgeons, Nurses, Physiotherapists, visiting Medical Students and Clinical Vascular Scientists both inside and outside the Oxfordshire area
• Participate in local training events as appropriate

RESEARCH AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

• Assist in production and development of research funding applications and protocols
• Perform patient investigations as integral elements of research projects
• Present research results at scientific meetings
• Help develop the repertoire, knowledge and understanding within the JW Vascular Studies Unit by presenting research results/information
• Undertake vascular lab related audits
• Assist in developing clinical practices for improved service delivery

PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• To take responsibility for maintaining own professional growth, identifying training needs and maintaining a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development
• Maintain CSVS accreditation
• Review peer literature and other sources to maintain up to date knowledge of current practices and technological advances
• To complete mandatory training as required by the Trust and adhere to all Local and Trust Policies
• To behave in a professional manner at all times and act as an ambassador for the Trust and Division and when attending external functions
• Agree personal development goals at annual appraisals and work towards ensuring these are met
• Exercise professional accountability at all times and to be aware of own development needs/limitations, actively seeking to address these and raise awareness in others

WORKING CONDITIONS

The nature of the job requires the post holder to work in a darkened confined space and make notes for reporting. There will occasionally be a requirement to scan patients with unpleasant melodious open wounds and may include some with a history of IV drug abuse, HIV positive etc. There will also be long periods of intense concentration.

There is a high degree of physical effort in moving heavy ultrasound equipment. The scanning process can require the operator to adopt awkward poses for lengthy periods, they must maintain a level of fitness to be able to regularly perform these types of scans.

The post holder may be exposed to distressing situations.

The post holder will be expected to travel to other sites within the region using their own transport.

The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

Staff should be familiar with the

• Major Incident Policy
• Fire Policy
• Incident Reporting Policy

and should make themselves familiar with the ‘local response’ plan and their role within that response.

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.

INFECTION CONTROL

Infection Control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts’ Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.

All staff employed by the ORH Trust have the following key responsibilities:

• Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact.
• Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust.
• Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmittable to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.

CHILD PROTECTION

The post holder will endeavour at all times to uphold the rights of children and young people in accordance with the UN Convention Rights of the Child.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the organisation. As a member of the trust there is a duty to assist in protecting patients and their families from any form of harm when they are vulnerable.

INFORMATION GOVERNANCE

All staff must complete annual information governance training. If you have a Trust email account this can be completed on-line, otherwise you must attend a classroom session. For further details, go to the Information Governance intranet site.

DATA QUALITY

Data quality is a vital element of every member of staff’s job role. The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals recognises the importance of information in the provision of patient care and in reporting on its performance. Data quality is therefore crucial in ensuring complete, timely and accurate information is available in support of patient care, clinical governance, performance management, service planning, and financial and resource planning and performance.

All staff should ensure that they have read and understood the Trust’s Data Quality Policy

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.