Cardiac Physiologist - Echo, Band 6 (22.5 hours a week, fixed term position for 12 months)

An opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified Cardiac Physiologist to join our team within the Echo section of the Cardiology Investigations department. BSE accreditation is preferable but those working towards accreditation are encouraged to apply. The department provides a wide range of both invasive and non-invasive investigations with services being delivered across the two sites of Cheltenham General and Gloucester Royal Hospital.

The Echocardiography section of the Cardiology Investigation Department is continuing to expand with the appointment of a fourth Specialist Imaging Consultant and state of the art equipment. The successful candidate will support the core activities of the department including training of junior physiologists and other medical professionals working as part of a multidisciplinary team. We are working towards departmental accreditation and the successful candidate would be expected to take an active part in achieving this.

So if you are an determined, committed individual looking to make a real difference, come and join our friendly team where a warm welcome and a future full of opportunities await you.

This post carries a 12% R& R

Main duties of the job

Candidates will have BSc in Clinical Physiology or equivalent. BSE accreditation with experience as an autonomous practitioner is preferable, however applicants who are progressing towards BSE accreditation will be considered.

- Perform and report adult transthoracic Echocardiograms to BSE standard.

- Organise and prioritise own daily workload based on clinical urgency

- Provide a clinical report in a timely manner and to inform the referring clinician of any findings that may necessitate a change in clinical management.

- Provide clinical supervision to junior Physiologists in Echocardiography.

- Have excellent communication, interpersonal and IT skills being able to communicate complicated information effectively within the multi-disciplinary team.

- Assist with Bubble studies and contrast Echocardiography alongside the clinical specialist

- Must have good organisational skills with a positive can-do attitude

About us

The Cardiology Investigation Department forms part of the wider Cardiology services within Gloucestershire. Cardiology has 16 Consultants with varying sub specialty interests and is supported by a team of Associate Specialists, Specialty Doctors and Registrars.

The department provides a full range of invasive and non-invasive investigations. The Echo team are a small, friendly group currently providing BSE level adult TTE and complex Echocardiograms for inpatients and outpatients across the two hospital sites. With the appointment of a fourth Specialist Imaging Consultant the Echo department is expanding and developing, particularly its specialised Echocardiography services and Physiologist-led clinics. Educational development is achieved through individual teaching sessions and weekly clinical meetings, in which all Echo Physiologists are expected to participate. Training and development is actively encouraged.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest employer in the county and with over 8,000 staff, we are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. We offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS Pension Scheme, discounts for local shops, restaurants and services, access to our health and well-being hub, access to our two on-site nurseries, flexible working options, discounted public transport, reward and recognition schemes, exercise and activity classes and membership to our popular hospital choir.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The main duties of this post are to perform and report adult transthoracic Echocardiograms to BSE standard unsupervised, support with the report writing will be provided if needed. The clinical report must be done in a timely manner and any findings to be communicated to the referring clinician if these would change clinical management. It's expected that the post holder provides clinical supervision to junior Physiologists in Echocardiography where appropriate. As well as transthoracic echo studies, assist with Bubble studies and contrast Echocardiography alongside the clinical specialist.

Other responsibilities of the post are:

To analyse and interpret complex information using best practice.

Maintain own CPD and mandatory training.

Keep up to date with current practice and developments in Echocardiography

Participate in departmental audit processes

Respond promptly to emergencies

Deliver appropriate patient care at all times

Maintain patient confidentiality in line with trust policy at all times

Provide portable Echocardiograms on hospital in-patients on all wards, department of critical care, coronary care and emergency department.

Actively participate in weekly MDT and bi-monthly meetings.

To participate in the department quality assurance process.

Report any equipment faults without delay

Be aware of and comply with health and safety protocols as set out by the Trust.

To be aware of the health and safety implications for Echocardiographers in relation to ergonomics whilst scanning and take all necessary precautions to minimise injury to oneself.

To perform Echocardiograms on routine and critically ill patients in highly pressurised situations

Support the leadership team to ensure delivery of a high quality and efficient Echocardiography service by suggesting changes to develop and improve service provision

Maintain patient confidentiality

Portray a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust.

Adhere to Trust uniform policy at all times

Communicate with patients and their relatives with sensitivity and empathy.

Excellent communication skills

Have excellent interpersonal skills to manage patient/relative contacts where there may be hostility (e.g. anxious, confused or aggressive patient), or poor understanding (e.g. language, impaired vision or hearing).

Maintain dignity and respect to all stakeholders

Respect cultural differences.

Maintain own professional development and mandatory training requirements.

Continue to develop skills and knowledge in Echocardiography, maintaining the accreditation acquired through accredited courses in line with current clinical practice and techniques.

Participate in resuscitation training to maintain the BLS/ILS resuscitation council qualification.

Participate in clinical audit and quality improvement projects which progress the service and educational program.

Identify own development needs in line with service requirements and personal objectives. Develop and improve own practice using all available resources.

To work within the standards set by the British Society Echocardiography

To attend and participate in departmental and Echo service delivery meetings

Ensure professional regulatory and accreditation requirements are maintained.

Maintain personal performance and quality standards as agreed in the staff appraisal review.

Physically capable of maintaining correct posture for long periods of time whilst scanning, moving and positioning of patients and equipment often in a restricted environment.

Able to deal with distressing and emotionally challenging incidents on a regular basis.

Concentrating for long periods of time.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) or equivalent
• Current BLS/ILS

Desirable

• BSE accreditation
• RCCP registration or HCPC registration

Experience

Essential

• Experience with a full range of Echocardiography
• In depth knowledge of Cardiology

Desirable

• Autonomous practitioner
• Teaching and training

Knowledge / Skills

Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Adaptable to various working conditions
• Self motivated with an ability to prioritise and organise own workload
• Physically fit to endure prolonged periods of scanning and manual handling daily

Desirable

• IT experience

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide

Gloucester / Cheltenham

GL1 3NN

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

318-23-MED-R11599-A