Job summary
Cambridge Vascular Studies Unit (VSU), Cambridge
Clinical Vascular Scientist - Band 7
The Cambridge Vascular Studies Unit (VSU) is looking for an accredited Clinical Vascular Scientist. You will join our enthusiastic and motivated team of 9 Clinical Vascular Scientists, two senior Coordinators and Health Care Assistants. Applications from non-accredited clinical vascular scientists or those who have nearly/recently completed the vascular STP training will be considered. This is a great opportunity to work in one of the country's leading teaching hospitals where we are the arterial centre for the centralised network.
The Cambridge Vascular Studies Unit (VSU) is located in the Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre (ATC) on the Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust campus. The purpose built, air-conditioned unit which opened in May 2015 is adjacent to the 32 bed vascular ward and consists of 4 scanning rooms, 1 large office and a waiting area. We specialise in a range of non-invasive peripheral vascular investigations i.e. duplex ultrasound scans (carotid, lower limb arterial/venous, upper limb arterial/venous, aortic aneurysm, EVAR and graft surveillance) and vascular physiology studies. In 2023 we achieved IQIPS accreditation. We are also participating in and undertaking research projects and plan to increase the level of this type of activity as the department expands.
Main duties of the job
You will be responsible for independently performing, interpreting and reporting a comprehensive range of highly specialised non-invasive vascular ultrasound and physiology investigations for the diagnosis and surveillance of peripheral vascular disease. Referrals are received directly from surgeons and clinicians based at Cambridge University Hospital and from hospitals within the centralised network. Investigations are performed in the Vascular Studies Unit (VSU), outpatient clinics, on the wards, ICU, NCCU, theatre and recovery.
You are also required to perform tasks to help with the smooth-running of the VSU, contribute to the departmental effort towards maintaining IQIPS accreditation, take part in clinical research/audit and take responsibility for his/her own continuing professional development.
We would encourage informal visits or queries, to arrange please contact Rob Elliott on 01223 348117 or by email; Robert.elliott6@nhs.net .
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 11000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The unit is well-equipped, currently with 5 duplex ultrasound machines and 4 physiology machines. We work closely with the 11 consultant vascular surgeons and 6 interventional radiologists as well as the vascular registrars, vascular specialist nurses plus a team of junior doctors and research fellows. CUH is the regional hub for the centralised vascular network and the vascular service as a whole is expanding.
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 28th January 2024
Interviews are due to be held on 13th February 2024
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The unit is well-equipped, currently with 5 duplex ultrasound machines and 4 physiology machines. We work closely with the 11 consultant vascular surgeons and 6 interventional radiologists as well as the vascular registrars, vascular specialist nurses plus a team of junior doctors and research fellows. CUH is the regional hub for the centralised vascular network and the vascular service as a whole is expanding.
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 28th January 2024
Interviews are due to be held on 13th February 2024
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First or second class honours degree (BSc) in an appropriate scientific discipline.
Desirable
- Full accreditation from the Society of Vascular Technology
- Completion of the vascular scientific training pathway.
- Postgraduate qualification in related subject
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
- Experience of concentrating over prolonged periods of time.
- Experience of analysing and interpreting complex issues, e.g. selecting appropriate diagnosis from a range of options.
- At least 2 years experience performing vascular ultrasound investigations
Desirable
- Experience of assessing patients to make informed decisions about appropriateness of test and adapt as necessary.
- Experience of performing research or clinical audits
- Postgraduate research in related subject.
- Publication of research.
Knowledge
Essential
- Computer literate (ability to use Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as standalone databases).
Desirable
- Specialised knowledge of a range of scientific principles related to ultrasound.
- Specialised knowledge of anatomy and physiology relating to the peripheral circulation.
- Specialised knowledge of vascular imaging and blood flow measurement.
- Specialised knowledge of clinical issues and their implications for vascular ultrasound diagnosis.
Skills
Essential
- Highly developed physical accuracy and dexterity for precise ultrasound imaging and blood flow measurement.
- Highly developed visual and auditory skills to interpret ultrasound images and Doppler spectrum.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex information to colleagues from a wide range of disciplines.
- Ability to judge appropriate form and level of communication with patients, some of whom may have difficulty understanding, to communicate complex and sometimes distressing information in a sensitive manner.
- Ability to take appropriate action when results need to be communicated urgently to medical/surgical specialties.
- Ability to manage stress.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind and excellent.
- Ability to cope with frequent interruptions whilst performing and reporting complex, difficult scans.
- Ability to recognise when imaging is sub-optimal and recommend further investigation within or outside the service.
- Ability to recognise and minimise hazards posed by high-risk patients, infected material and electrical hazards.
- Ability to maintain optimum scanning posture when scanning patients over prolonged periods and in confined spaces.
- Ability to handle and manoeuvre elderly and disabled patients appropriately and following relevant training and guidelines.
- Ability to manoeuvre heavy equipment, e.g. ultrasound equipment, couches, wheelchairs and beds.
- Ability to deal with aggressive/abusive patients/relatives and to take appropriate action.
- Ability to deal with distressing / offensive wounds and ulcers.
- Must be conscientious, motivated, highly organised, flexible and assertive with excellent attention to detail.
- Must be committed to gain or maintain SVT accreditation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First or second class honours degree (BSc) in an appropriate scientific discipline.
Desirable
- Full accreditation from the Society of Vascular Technology
- Completion of the vascular scientific training pathway.
- Postgraduate qualification in related subject
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
- Experience of concentrating over prolonged periods of time.
- Experience of analysing and interpreting complex issues, e.g. selecting appropriate diagnosis from a range of options.
- At least 2 years experience performing vascular ultrasound investigations
Desirable
- Experience of assessing patients to make informed decisions about appropriateness of test and adapt as necessary.
- Experience of performing research or clinical audits
- Postgraduate research in related subject.
- Publication of research.
Knowledge
Essential
- Computer literate (ability to use Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as standalone databases).
Desirable
- Specialised knowledge of a range of scientific principles related to ultrasound.
- Specialised knowledge of anatomy and physiology relating to the peripheral circulation.
- Specialised knowledge of vascular imaging and blood flow measurement.
- Specialised knowledge of clinical issues and their implications for vascular ultrasound diagnosis.
Skills
Essential
- Highly developed physical accuracy and dexterity for precise ultrasound imaging and blood flow measurement.
- Highly developed visual and auditory skills to interpret ultrasound images and Doppler spectrum.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex information to colleagues from a wide range of disciplines.
- Ability to judge appropriate form and level of communication with patients, some of whom may have difficulty understanding, to communicate complex and sometimes distressing information in a sensitive manner.
- Ability to take appropriate action when results need to be communicated urgently to medical/surgical specialties.
- Ability to manage stress.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind and excellent.
- Ability to cope with frequent interruptions whilst performing and reporting complex, difficult scans.
- Ability to recognise when imaging is sub-optimal and recommend further investigation within or outside the service.
- Ability to recognise and minimise hazards posed by high-risk patients, infected material and electrical hazards.
- Ability to maintain optimum scanning posture when scanning patients over prolonged periods and in confined spaces.
- Ability to handle and manoeuvre elderly and disabled patients appropriately and following relevant training and guidelines.
- Ability to manoeuvre heavy equipment, e.g. ultrasound equipment, couches, wheelchairs and beds.
- Ability to deal with aggressive/abusive patients/relatives and to take appropriate action.
- Ability to deal with distressing / offensive wounds and ulcers.
- Must be conscientious, motivated, highly organised, flexible and assertive with excellent attention to detail.
- Must be committed to gain or maintain SVT accreditation.
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).