Vascular Sonographer
Job overview
We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and experienced Band 7 Vascular Sonographer to join our small but busy team within the Cardio-Respiratory and Vascular Diagnostics department at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
This is a permanent part-time post offering 22.5 hours per week supporting core hours of the service which runs between 08:00 – 18:00 hrs Monday – Friday.
The successful candidate must have worked as a highly specialised ultrasound practitioner and hold a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide and facilitate an expert level of care to patients. Experience in vascular ultrasound is desirable although candidates highly experienced in general ultrasound would be considered and full training given.NHS Vascular STP trainees due to graduate this year (summer 2025) will also be considered for a band 6 position with progression to band 7 following registration with the HCPC and a preceptorship period.
You will be expected to independently perform and report on a range of diagnostic vascular ultrasound investigations, including carotid artery scans, arterial scans, aneurysm surveillance, ABPIs, venous insufficiency studies and assessment for DVT on both upper and lower limbs.
The post holder will be expected to share clinical duties with other members of the vascular sonography team as well as exercising a high degree of autonomous working, taking direct responsibility for management of workload on a daily basis.
Main duties of the job
Provide highly quality vascular investigations on a variety of patients in situations where manual dexterity and physical fitness may be challenged, respecting the rights of dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times.
Show competency in the use of Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound equipment, optimising image quality and diagnostic yield sometimes in ergonomically challenging conditions.
Make clinical judgements and critical decisions using knowledge, skills and experience.
Vet requests for diagnostic investigations, demonstrating confidence to recognise the urgency of ultrasound requests and prioritise workload accordingly.
Interpret findings and provide a concise, formal diagnostic report in accordance local protocols and SOP's, using discretion to work outside of these when clinically needed.
Take responsibility for uploading of reports and communication of the results to clinicians and other members of the vascular team.
Take responsibility for ensuring results are appropriately acted upon in cases where urgent notification of unusual/adverse results is required.
Understand and record the limitations of the examination and own interpretation, asking for a second opinion if required.
Work in dimmed light or poor lighting environment with frequent requirement for intense concentration.
Perform clinical examinations on patients who are often frail or acutely ill, or where there is frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions (body fluids, foul linen etc).
Working for our organisation
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.
Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance.With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area’s largest employers.
Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System.
As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we’re reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website.
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Duties listed above but please see job description and person specification for a more detailed overview of the role.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria- Must have previously worked in the NHS or in a private diagnostic ultrasound service in the UK
- Either the Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, or the Post Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (or equivalent specific ultrasound qualification)
- Evidence of CPD and post graduate learning . Must demonstrate ability to identify own educational and development needs.
- Demonstrate previous participation in clinical audit
- A good knowledge of Health & Safety legislation within the workplace
Skills
Essential criteria- Display evidence of good reporting skills- vocabulary, grammar. Able to construct reports of a high standard.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills, combined with ability to work under pressure.
- A strong team player but must be able to work independently.
- Must have broad range of ultrasound skills and experience
- Good basic IT skills and computer literacy
- A broad range of ultrasound experience in a student capacity (for newly qualified Band 6 applicants
- Understanding of NHS performance metrics
- Experience of teaching
Registration
Essential criteria- Must be HCPC registered or equivalent
- Please let us know if you require an adjustment to our recruitment process.
- All correspondence will be sent via the email address you have registered as your TRAC account.
- Selection is based on the Trust's values, and the criteria outlined in the Job Description for the role.
- Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their employees have a “right to work” in the UK. Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust hold a Sponsor Licence, which means that we MAY be able to sponsor you IF the role meets the UK Government requirements for sponsorship. Not all NHS roles are eligible for sponsorship. To be eligible for sponsorship, the role must be in an eligible occupation code and must meet the skill level and the minimum salary threshold (usually £38,700 per year for Skilled Worker or £23,200 for Health Care Worker Visa). You can find more information on the Government website.
- Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the entry point (bottom) of the pay band.
- Appointments are subject to a 6-month probationary period. LED Doctors are subject to a 3-month probationary period.
- Please provide a contact email address for referees when you submit your application. We will not request any references until after you have been made a formal job offer.
- You will be required to pay for your DBS disclosure (where the post requires one). This will be done via 3 monthly instalments from your pay. We encourage applicants to join and remain registered with the DBS update service.
- We do not reimburse travel to interview expenses.
- Some posts may have implications on existing NHS Pension Scheme arrangements. For further information please visit the NHS Pensions Agency website: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-pensions
- Secondments will be considered for fixed term positions when both parties agree. Candidates should seek approval from their current line manager before application.