Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
The Echocardiography service within theWorcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) hasrecently undergone exciting changes by continuing toexpand our Physiologist led services and are therefore looking for a passionate and forward-thinking Physiologist to help build and lead the regions first physiologist led HeartValve Disease (HVD). We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experiencedCardiac Physiologist to join our expanding and developing team currently offering our patients a range of diagnostic procedures includingTransthoracic, Transoesophageal and Stress Echocardiography, Angiography, 24-7 PCIservice, pacemaker/ICD/CRT-p implants and EP studies.
There is a strong focus on educational developmentof all Cardiac Physiologists within WAHT requiring the successful candidate toplay an active role in teaching and training of juniors, research and audit whilstalso supporting the core cardiac physiology services within the department. The post holder will demonstrate clinical leadership in helping to develop this new pathwayfor the HVD patients of Worcestershire while working as part ofa multidisciplinary team which includes designated admin and clerical support.This position has been funded by an NHS England grant and is therefore subjectto a fixed term 12-month contract after which creation of a substantive post via submission of a business case demonstrating proof of concept, which the postholder will play a pivotal role in completing.
Main duties of the job
To perform unsupervisedCardiac Ultrasound examinations to diagnose Cardiac abnormalities.To provide clinical interpretation and high technical expertise on CardiacUltrasound scans performed by self and junior members of staff, in accordancewith the BSE standards, guidelines and departmental protocols and policies.Acting appropriately in the event of significant adverse findings, alertingphysicians when immediate medical attention is required.Perform clinical assessment on each HVD patient, paying particular attention tothe following: Increasing shortness of breath, decreasing effort tolerance,evidence of heart failure such as leg swelling, raised JVP, pulmonary oedema,palpitations, new AF.Identification of patients whose clinical picture presents with moderate orsevere valve disease in order to access early treatment and interventionpathwaysTo take responsibility to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation anddefibrillation on patients in an emergency.Awareness of adverse clinical conditions/clinical events occurring during theinvestigations and ensuring swift and appropriate action is taken to minimiselife threatening or significant medical events.To be familiar with current developments in the field of Cardiology.To liaise with other departments and Companies regarding maintenance andrepairs to existing equipment within the department.To liaise in conjunction with the Head of Department, regarding evaluation ofnew clinical equipment
About us
Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is over 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Our objectives are simple:
* Best services for local people
* Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients
* Best use of resources
* Best people
Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
The physiologist led valve clinicwill be run under the supervision of the nominated Consultant Cardiologist
To be BSE (BritishSociety of Echocardiography) accredited, work as an independentpractitioner performing and reporting good quality echocardiograms in line withnational and departmental guidelines.
To be able to perform a cardiac clinical assessment (e.g.chest auscultation, detection of heart sounds, BP, ECG, heart failure signsetc). Where necessary training and ongoing development of clinical assessment skillswill be provided
To analyseclinical information and clinical conditions during consultations withcompletion of detailed and accurate written reports.
To report changes in patients conditions and whereappropriate exercise good clinical judgement to expeditefindings by discussing withthe relevant Cardiologist, or by letter generated to the Consultant asking forreview.
To develop and co-ordinate adedicated Valve MDT to discuss cases and plan management via liaising withother health professionals, including specialist nursing teams, GPs andConsultant Cardiologists.
To build a database of valve disease patients for audit, governanceand learning objectives. This may be shared locally, across the ICB and withinthe Cardiac Network.
To monitor and audit the service to assess progress and thepotential needs to adapt to internal/external stimulus.
To discuss treatment options with patient including good healthpromotion for endocarditis prophylaxis.
To communicate complex instructions and clinical informationeffectively to all categories of patients, ensuring co-operation and complianceto obtain accurate technical and clinical data
To provide technical expertise, supervision, support andtraining to junior and medical staff.
To amend andvalidate junior physiologists echocardiogram reports
To visual and verbal risk-assess every patient prior tocarrying out any clinical investigations.
To initiate Basic Life Support and Immediate Life Supportwhen required
To ensure safe use of specialist / expensive equipment usedby self and others
To report all untoward events or uncertainties to the Headof Department
To work at all times in a safe and responsible manner
To plan and prioritise personal workloads according to dailystaffing levels
To advise junior medical staff on the availability,selection and appropriateness of test procedures
This post has no budgetary responsibility
This role is countywide, and youwill be expected to travel to all sites within the Trust.
Key Duties:
Clinical Duties:
Toperform unsupervised Cardiac Ultrasound examinations to diagnose Cardiacabnormalities.
Toprovide clinical interpretation and high technical expertise on CardiacUltrasound scans performed by self and junior members of staff, in accordancewith the BSE standards, guidelines and departmental protocols and policies.
Actingappropriately in the event of significant adverse findings, alerting physicianswhen immediate medical attention is required.
Performclinical assessment on each HVD patient, paying particular attention to thefollowing: Increasing shortness of breath, decreasing effort tolerance,evidence of heart failure such as leg swelling, raised JVP, pulmonary oedema,palpitations, new AF.
Identificationof patients whose clinical picture presents with moderate or severe valvedisease in order to access early treatment and intervention pathways
Totake responsibility to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillationon patients in an emergency.
Awarenessof adverse clinical conditions/clinical events occurring during theinvestigations and ensuring swift and appropriate action is taken to minimiselife threatening or significant medical events.
Tobe familiar with current developments in the field of Cardiology.
Toliaise with other departments and Companies regarding maintenance and repairsto existing equipment within the department.
Toliaise in conjunction with the Head of Department, regarding evaluation of newclinical equipment.
Research andDevelopment:
The post holder will oversee Trust, department andindividual projects related to Echocardiography with a commitment to researchbased clinical practice
Apply to and remain active with the national competency-basedHeart Valve Disease register
To collate and present audit data pertinent to the Physiologist led EchocardiographyHeart Valve Disease patient pathway
To collate and present audit data pertinent toechocardiography provision, training pathways and cardiology OP (e.g.cancellations, clinical information e.g. readmissions) and be instrumental inensuring any remedial action plans are implemented.
Contribute and lead on research within the field ofHeart Valve Disease alongside Consultant and specialist nursingmultidisciplinary team members
Research and review new and upcoming equipment andtechnology with the Echocardiography service to ensure compliance withguidelines
Plan and prepare business cases and cost savinginitiatives within the Echocardiography service whilst work alongside Echoservice lead and department manager
Managerial:
To participate informulating departmental policies to develop the Heart Valve Disease service,procedures and protocols in conjunction with the Echo lead and Head ofDepartment
Undertake new initiativesto improve the patient clinical service. On the direction of the Head ofDepartment take the lead role for service developments in agreed areas
To work with the Head ofdepartment in setting, maintaining, monitoring and auditing quality andtechnical standards within the department
To maintain processes inplace to monitor the Countywide scheduling and prevention of cancellation ofoperations/procedures/tests, initiating any action plans that will assist theservice to meet Corporate and Government targets
Educational:
Provide support for trainees on the ETP, STP and PTPincluding regular individual meetings (online or in person) with all traineesto identify progression challenges and opportunities, resulting in achievableindividualised objectives and learning pathways
Provide education/training in and around work-basedelements of Echocardiography Programmes using a variety of resources, includingonline, simulator and face to face learning
Support echo training in cooperation with partnerorganisations within the region
Identify learning opportunities and work withemployers to enable trainees to access these
Continue to support B7 echocardiographers postqualification with CPD, reaccreditation and training in new techniques and newtechnologies designed to support delivery of the echo service
Training and Staff development:
Toprovide high technical expertise in teaching, training and supervising allgrades of staff within the department and the trust.
To continue Professional Development and be responsible forkeeping own skills updated, including BSE re-accreditation and IntermediateLife Support.
To undergo such training as is deemed necessary to maintainefficient discharge of duties.
To undertake all Trust mandatory training on an annualbasis.
Administration and Clerical:
To undertake clerical duties and maintain records concerningall aspects of investigations carried out within the department.
To be conversant with computerised databases.
To produce technical reports/comments.
To compile daily statistical records of patient activity.
To assist with the input of clinical activity onto Oasis andthe departmental databases
Special Requirements:
There will be a need to travel to other hospitals within the Trust tocarry out duties.
ImprovingDiversity and Inclusive Recruitment:
Aspart of the Trust's aim to improve diversity across the Trust, positive actionis being taken and all applications for this post from BAME, Disabled and LGBT+candidates can request to be considered under an expanded Guaranteed InterviewScheme if they meet the minimum criteria as specified in the personspecification for this role.
Applicantswill be prompted in the application form to declare if they wish to beconsidered under this expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme, and their responsewould be visible to the Shortlisting Panel.
Ifyou have any queries about expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please contactRob Saunders (HR Manager - Recruitment) in confidence via emailrobert.saunders1@nhs.net
As part of the Trust's aimto improve diversity across the Trust, positive action is being taken and allapplications for this post from BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ candidates can requestto be considered under an expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme if they meet theminimum criteria as specified in the person specification for this role. Hereyou can declare if you wish to be considered under this expanded GuaranteedInterview Scheme and this response would be visible to the Shortlisting Panel.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
* Highly developed experience in applying theoretical knowledge into patient care
* Extensive practical experience in all areas of echocardiography including specialist areas such as stress, bubbles, TOE, DSE at a level of independent practice including investigation, interpretation, reporting and recommending alternative investigations
* Knowledge of all non-invasive and invasive procedures and their interpretation
* Dexterity and coordination required for use of range of diagnostic equipment
* Ability to undertake research and audit as a contributor
* Reporting of KPI to track effectiveness of service, measurable goals and patient pathways
* Advanced critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills
* Previous clinical supervision and training of junior members of staff and other medical personnel
* Advanced clinical leadership
Qualifications
* Degree in Clinical physiology or equivalent
* British Society of Echocardiography accreditation
* ILS certificate
* Masters degree or equivalent study in Advanced Clinical Assessment, Cardiology, Ultrasound
* ALS
* Registration for AHCS/HCPC
Experience
* Significant experience as a Highly Specialised Cardiac Physiologist
* Highly specialised and advanced knowledge of Echocardiography
* Experience of providing training and assessment
* MDT and clinical meetings
* Patient consultation, history taking and physical assessment skills
* Supervision of staff
* Teaching and development of staff
* Clinical handover of patient cases to consultants /GP /nursing teams
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.
Employer name
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Countywide Cardiopulmonary service manager
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