Workforce Directorate

Human Resources
Recruitment Team
High East, Crichton Hall, Dumfries DG1 4TG

Email: dg.recruitment@nhs.net

JOB DESCRIPTION for the following vacancy:

vacancy:
VACANCY REF No: 508.16

VACANCY (Post Title): Trainee Vascular Scientist

GRADE: Band 6

SALARY: 26,565 to 35,577

HOURS: 37.5hpw

Fixed Term for 36 months leading to an MSc in Clinical Science and HCPC
registration

Bright and enthusiastic science graduates (2:1) and post graduates (2:2) are invited to apply for
an exciting opportunity to train as a Clinical Vascular Scientist in NHS Scotland with funded Post
graduate training and a fixed term employment with Band 6 Salary for three years. This job will be
funded as part of the Healthcare Scientist Training Programme of the NHS Education Scotland.

You should have a good background knowledge in Physics, Biological Sciences and
Mathematics, a scientific approach and a willingness to work as part of a multi professional team
caring for patients with Vascular diseases. You will be enrolled into a funded MSc in Clinical
Vascular Science under the Health care Sciences University and be trained in various aspects of
assessing and investigating patients with Vascular problems with an emphasis on Ultrasound,
Haemodynamics and Physiological measurements. You will be based in the Vascular Laboratory
and the Department of Vascular Surgery, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary and also
rotating to other allied NHS institutions for training. You will be involved in clinical assessment
and investigation of patients under the guidance of the senior staff so as to develop the skills
needed to become an independent Clinical Vascular Scientist.

You will be trained by a team of professionals including senior Vascular Scientists, Consultant
Physicians and Surgeons form related specialties in addition to academic education through the
University. There will be opportunities to be involved in research and technological innovation in
patient care, investigations and management. This post is part of a UK wide Vascular Science
Scientific Training Programme (STP) course

This training will lead to accreditation with the Healthcare and Professions Council and an
exciting career opportunity in the NHS. There is a huge of shortage of trained Clinical Vascular
Scientists and career options include a role in Clinical diagnosis, teaching, research and
management.

Those interested should please contact Mr Joseph Sathianathan(Consultant Vascular Surgeon)

josephsathianathan@nhs.net, 01387 241565 or Mr Richard Cannon, Service Manager for
Radiology richardcannon@nhs.net.

Interviews will be held on the week of the 1st August 2016

Closing Date: Thursday 21st July 2016 at 5.00p.m.

 Candidate Information Sheet

Return of Applications

It is preferable that applications are returned electronically to the following email address
dg.applications@nhs.net. Please ensure that you read the job description and person
specification carefully, complete all applicable sections of the application and that your
Statement in support of your Application clearly demonstrates how you meet the
requirements of the post. We do not accept Curriculum Vitae so any CVs or copies of
certificates submitted instead of, or in addition to the standard NHS Application Form will not
be processed

We are unable to access late applications.

Decisions to shortlist candidates for interview are made ONLY on the contents of your
application form. If you are not shortlisted you will not receive any further communications.

Criminal Record Check

With effect from 28th February, 2011 posts considered to be within "Regulated Work" with
Children and/or "Regulated Work" with Protected Adults will require membership of the
Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) as a condition
of employment.

PVG

You do not have to do anything about PVG Membership when submitting your application
form for the post. Candidates selected for appointment will be advised on how to become a
PVG Scheme Member prior to taking up the position.

Further information on the PVG Scheme Membership can be found at the following
https://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/index.htm

Standard Disclosure Check

For other roles not considered to be within "Regulated Work with Children" and/or
"Regulated Work with Protected Adults", a Standard Disclosure Check may be required and
the cost of this will be met by NHS Dumfries & Galloway.

Applicants who have lived outside the UK within the last five years, if offered a position, in
addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police
record check (Certificate of Good Conduct) from the police authority in the country or
countries in which they were resident.

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Trainee Clinical Scientist in Vascular Science

Responsible to: Senior Vascular Surgeon
Department: Vascular Lab,
Directorate: Acute & Diagnostics

2. JOB PURPOSE

The post holder will undertake postgraduate training in clinical physiology, specialising in
vascular science. This post is funded by NHS Education for Scotland and the trainee will follow
the curriculum for the Healthcare Science Training Programme, and attain competencies to
allow registration as a Clinical Scientist. This will also include a fully funded place on the MSc for
Clinical Science at Newcastle University and will therefore include both distance learning and
block release attendance. As well as local training, the trainee may be required to visit other
departments and institutions to gain specialist experience.

The post holder is responsible for assisting in the provision of a highly skilled, efficient, high
quality diagnostic vascular laboratory service. The purpose of this role is to allow assessment
and diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease in secondary care. All our senior scientific staff
take a leading role to add capability in patient safety, complex investigations, clinical
interpretation, development and problem solving at the technical-clinical interface and in
research and innovation. The trainee will undergo one year of generic training in clinical
physiology followed by two years of specific training in vascular science including a range of
complex ultrasound imaging techniques (carotid arterial distribution, upper/lower arterial
distribution, peripheral deep venous system, peripheral superficial venous distribution) and
Doppler measurement examinations. The post holder report will be used to identify/exclude
causes of symptoms and allow clinical decisions to be made by medical staff.

This post will support current service provision in vascular science and at the end of training the
practitioner will be expected to work as an independent practitioner.

3. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT

The vascular laboratory has facilities at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI) and
exists primarily to provide a diagnostic service to the Vascular Surgery service. The vascular
laboratory service provides direct patient care and a high quality specialist diagnostic ultrasound
imaging and vascular testing service in order to assist in the management of patients referred
from clinicians.

Both in-patients and out-patients are referred for diagnostic ultrasound scans and other tests by
vascular surgeons.

The vascular laboratory service responds to the needs of the vascular surgery service and
works closely with clinical and managerial colleagues in the development of the service and
ensuring efficiency of patient pathways. Relevant vascular research and training is also
supported and instigated by the vascular laboratory.

4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

This post holder is responsible, professionally, to the Senior Vascular Surgeon.

Radiology
Senior Vascular
Service
Surgeon
Manager
 Vascular
Scientist

Trainee Clinical
Scientist This Post

5. SCOPE AND RANGE

Service Level
The post holder has a role in the provision of a highly skilled, professional and efficient vascular
lab service at DGRI.

Staff
The post holder will be supervised by Senior Vascular Surgeon and Vascular Scientists /
Sonographers.

Research and Development

The post holder will be required to adapt new standards and/or guidelines to implement them
within the vascular lab.

The post holder may participate and provide information/results in clinical trials either in a
primary role or assist with clinical trials performed by other clinical departments.

6. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will be trained in a number of areas in vascular science. Year one will involve a
rotation to 4 areas of clinical physiology, including generic measurement skills, cardiac
physiology and respiratory and sleep science. In years 2 and 3, the trainee will have gradually
increasing responsibility for performing ultrasound imaging of the carotid arterial distribution, the
upper/lower arterial distribution, the peripheral deep venous system and the peripheral
superficial venous distribution, as well as Doppler measurements. The trainee will also provide
support for the vascular lab clinics at QUEH and WGACH and work closely with medical staff.

7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

The post holder will be required to acquire a detailed in-depth knowledge of the following
equipment functions and how to calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot technical problems
to ensure safe, accurate, high quality data/reports are produced as they assist medical staff in
making decisions regarding patient treatment and care.

A variety of ultrasound imaging and Doppler systems.

Sphygmomanometer
Ultrasound phantoms
7b. SYSTEMS

The post holder will be required to use the following software:

Microsoft Office
Healthcare computer systems including Cynical Portal, Topas, and PACS

8. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

Professional
Accountable for own professional actions and reports whilst working within Professional
Codes of Practice/Guidelines, policies and procedures. He/she will work under
supervision, particularly in year 1, with increasing autonomy under supervision in years 2
and 3. Knowledge of legislation e.g. Health and safety (COSHH and fire), SIGN
guidelines, SVT guidelines, local policies and procedures and responsibility for
maintaining updates both professionally and mandatory training (moving and handling,
violence and aggression and immediate life support) will be acquired and require to be
maintained.

Clinical
The post holder will learn to perform and report complex ultrasound imaging techniques
including imaging of:
carotid arterial distribution
upper/lower arterial distribution
peripheral deep venous system
peripheral superficial venous distribution
The post holder will learn to perform and report Doppler measurement examinations.

9. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder must have highly developed communication skills. These must be allied to an
accurate knowledge and understanding of well-established forms of communication in order to
provide complex information to highly specialised clinical staff in a knowledgeable and
professional manner and convey the same information/result to patients at a level they can
clearly understand. The post holder will demonstrate a balanced and equitable approach to
managing difficult situations for patients, staff and visitors.

Inter-departmental/staff communication

Daily communication with all levels of staff throughout the organisation in a concise
professional and reasoned manner.
Regular communication with medical/nursing/clerical staff regarding appointments and
results.
Regular communication with other clinical departments in order to negotiate appointment
times. He/she will ensure appropriate appointment times are allocated to ensure patient
flow is clinically and physically optimised for the patients care/treatments.
Regular attendance at departmental meetings with input on any discussions.
Patients, carers and relatives
Communicate to patients, the arrangement of appointments and any information relevant
to that appointment.
Instruct patients, at a level they can understand, what to expect during the investigations.
Also, actively encourage their co-operation in order to achieve the best possible
outcome/results from their test/procedure.
Communicate with patients who may be hostile or aggressive e.g. patients under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol or confused elderly patients.
Communicate to non- English speaking patients through the appropriate interpreter and
respect any cultural or religious requirements.
Communicate with deaf patients using appropriate procedures.
Communicate with physically / mentally disabled patients, taking into account their
disability and making them as informed and comfortable as possible.

10. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Physical skills
In years 2 and 3, the post holder will be expected to perform several ultrasound
examinations per day. Each investigation takes 20-90 minutes to perform. Some
are performed standing and some sitting depending on patient mobility/body
habitus.
Highly developed hand-eye coordination skills to allow for training in the
manipulation of ultrasound probes to enable scanning.
Manipulates and positions all patients providing immobilization when required for
scans and other clinical procedures.
Expertise is required to handle and operate highly specialised and expensive
equipment.

Physical Demands
Specific pieces of equipment can be heavy or awkward to lift or move resulting in
periods of moderate physical effort and occasionally, moving heavy medical
equipment in excess of 100Kg (daily to weekly basis), e.g., ultrasound scanners.
Moving of equipment/packages (~10 kg) on a daily basis.
Keyboard/computer skills.
Scanning patients in cramped and awkward positions on a daily basis including
repetitive hand, wrist, arm and shoulder movements (which can often lead to
repetitive strain injuries even with moving and handling training).
Pushing and pulling - moving patients in wheelchairs occasionally

Mental demands
Often subject to interruptions from staff (clinical, technical, company
representatives, support staff etc.), telephone calls etc., requiring immediate
attention and disrupting other work.
Responding to emergency requests for patient assessments.
Prioritising workload during unpredictable periods.
Prioritising workload requires diplomatic skills in discussion with referrers who
believe their patient should take priority.
 Emotional demands
Exposure to distressed and/or critically ill patients and relatives when scanning on
a daily basis.
Exposure to verbally/physically abusive and aggressive patients/public.
Communicating complex issues with a multidisciplinary team.
Communicating with all staff and supporting their needs.

Working conditions
The working environment and equipment can often be contaminated with
uncontained body fluids which must be cleaned before proceeding and precautions
must be taken in these circumstances
Frequent use of a computer and ultrasound scanners throughout the working day
in low-level lighting conditions.
Excessive heat in clinical areas due to ultrasound machine output (Need air-
conditioning).
Frequent exposure to unpleasant bodily odours from patients e.g. gangrenous
lower limbs during scanning.

11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

Workload, long periods of concentration and variety of tasks.
Maintaining professional demeanour in challenging circumstances e.g. prioritising
workload while being pushed by medical staff that their patient is the most important,
treating all patients fairly and equally.
Frequent concentration during highly complex vascular scans while often being
interrupted.
Prioritising workload, in particular the demands on the distance-learning MSc with on the
job training.

12, KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

Essential
A 1st or upper 2nd class honours degree in a relevant science subject.
Excellent communication skills
An underpinning knowledge of general anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry and
biology.
Be working towards possession of, or willing to embark on a recognised MSc in
Healthcare Science.
Able to prioritise and manage own work, and take responsibility for their own learning and
development.

Desirable
Some specialist knowledge of other diagnostic technologies relevant to vascular disease.
Some specialist knowledge of vascular physiology, anatomy and pathology
Some specialist knowledge of working procedures and practices in the field of vascular
ultrasound, vascular physics and technology
Some specialist knowledge of wider clinical issues and their implications for diagnosis
and therapy.
Criteria
Personal Traits
Qualifications and Training
Experience and Knowledge
Skills and/or Abilities
Specific Job Requirements
Essential
Excellent communication skills - both written and Interes
verbal. researc
Excellent organisational skills.
Highly self motivated.
Ability to work independently but also work as part of
a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness.
Willingness to learn new skills.
First or 2:1 BSc (Hons) Science Degree. First de
Candidates with a 2:2 are accepted but must also Health
possess an MSc in a related discipline.
Ability to work to agreed protocols and procedures Unders
Ability to work under regular pressure. includin
diagno
Ability to communicate effectively and in a sensitive
manner.
Know when to refer problems to a senior colleague
or manager.
High standards of numeric skills and accuracy in
analysing and interpreting data.
Manual dexterity of a high order with excellent
hand/eye co-ordination to enable fine manipulation
of the ultrasound transducer and simultaneous
manipulation of ultrasound machine controls to
optimise the images and information obtained.
Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods.
Ability to deal with distressing and offensive wounds,
smells, sores, ulcers or gangrene.