Clinical Vascular Scientist

A high quality of service is given in line with the requirements of clinical need and targets. The patients, from a diverse population, are referred from the Community and all departments across the Trust.

To independently undertake and report diagnostic ultrasound procedures, maintaining high professional standards of technical competence and ensuring excellent standards of care at all times. To be accountable for own professional actions and work within codes of Practice and professional guidelines.

To interpret complex data in order to ascertain and identify any pathological or incidental findings observable. Consider and report diagnoses as appropriate. To assess and adapt techniques following assessment for each procedure to meet the individual needs of the patient.

To analyse the clinical information and determine the most appropriate scanning method, utilising judgement and skill to incorporate different techniques (on which training and competencies are maintained) in order to obtain required information.

To handle potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an appropriate empathetic manner. Assist patients as required, i.e. disabled, elderly patients with undressing and dressing.

To maintain knowledge and be fully aware of the safety aspects and hazards, and related emergency procedures for the working area. To independently assess and adapt/modify techniques and protocols following assessment for each procedure, possibly on a patient by patient basis.

To take responsibility for the care of the patient whilst undertaking the procedure. This includes manual handling, moving patients in wheelchairs, beds and trolleys. To provide appropriate support for carers, recognising their anxieties and concerns.

Being able to work using visual display units for long periods of time is required, to enable the correct images to be processed. Provide a comprehensive diagnostic report on images obtained to relevant medical personnel.

To offer advice and guidance to patients, carers and other health professionals on ultrasound procedures and issues taking due consideration of patients' conditions.

To supervise and provide clinical assistance to Radiologists, Vascular Surgeons, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Assistant Practitioners, Radiology Department Assistants and Trainee Sonographers. Ensure the safe use of specialist ultrasound equipment.

To identify and report equipment failures immediately, by liaising with EBME to arrange services and emergency call out for faulty equipment. To use own initiative to re-arrange work lists in the event of equipment failure, organise alternative cover and ensure relevant staff in the Trust are informed, particularly if this occurs out of normal working hours.

To assist in the evaluation and procurement process for any new equipment within the Radiology Department. Be fully conversant of appropriate actions to take in the event of an untoward incident in the area.

To work the required shift patterns between 08:00 and 20:00 to enable our patients to be scanned in a timely manner. To ensure accurate use, including recording and reporting, on the Trust's computerised information systems.

To train new staff, student radiographers, student sonographers, specialist registrars, medical students and work experience students in specialist areas. To be actively involved in departmental quality groups and pro-active in the sharing of good practice.

To give lectures and presentations within the Trust and to outside organisations on areas of special interest. To be actively involved in recruitment processes for new staff.

To be responsible for leading and co-ordinating the team in an allocated area in the absence of the Lead Sonographer. This will involve being able to cope with frequent interruptions from both colleagues and other medical and non-medical staff of the Trust.

To make proposals for, assist and/or lead in the implementation of changes in working practice as agreed by departmental working groups. To be able to continually prioritise the imaging of patients within the department throughout the day.

To identify and act in accordance with local guidelines, any potential high-risk diagnosis either whilst imaging or directly following completion of an examination. To maintain a clean working environment, this includes clearing blood body fluids in accordance with policy.