Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please find attached the full job pack:
Vacancy Advertisement
Application Form/Equal Opportunity Form
Job Description
General Conditions of Service
Personal Specification
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum
Vitae, Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the
vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Workforce Services until the closing date. After
the closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision
has been made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for
interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted
regarding interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been
unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Workforce Services
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Current vacancies may be viewed on-line at www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.JOB
Job Title
Senior
Clinical
Vascular
Physiologist
IDENTIFICATION
Department(s)/Location
Vascular Laboratory
Number of job holders
3
JOB PURPOSE
The Vascular Laboratory provides a diagnostic specialist vascular imaging service and a range of other
specialist non invasive vascular assessments across Tayside and Fife. Locally these satellite services cover
the vascular outpatient clinics in addition to its main base. It also provides diagnostic vascular cover for the
vascular operating theatre; A/E and emergency ward admissions.
It provides a wide range of specialist ultrasound investigations and a wide range of other specialist non
invasive vascular assessments (NIVA). It produces clinically relevant and accurate diagnostic reports for each
patient. It provides an autonomous surveillance service for several vascular procedures to include EVAR,
Haemodialysis access, AAA surveillance.
There is a commitment to the training of vascular technicians, medical students, medical staff, Radiology
registrars and trainee sonographers. It is approved for the teaching and assessment of students in CASE
approved Ultrasound courses.
ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
The staffing of the Vascular Laboratory consists of this post, 3 other senior vascular physiologists, 1 vascular
physiologist, a clinical specialist, a clinical support worker and 1.5 WTE administration/clerical members of
staff.
Head of Vascular and Respiratory
Clinical Vascular specialist
TAYSIDE – N/W and PRI
1.6 Senior Vascular Physiologists
Band 7(This post)
FIFE – VH Kirkcaldy
1.5 Senior Vascular Physiologist
Band 7
1.0WTE vascular physiologist band6
1.0 WTE Vascular
Physiologist Band 5
1.0WTE Clinical Support
Worker Band 3
1 WTE Secretarial
Staff
0.6 WTE
Secretarial Staff
SCOPE AND RANGE
This post is based within the Vascular Laboratory although the postholder is expected to work
autonomously in the clinics at PRI and VHK Kirkaldy, performing a wide range of non invasive
vascular assessments, including cerebrovascular and lower limb duplex scans, Ankle Brachial Pressure
measurements (ABPIs), aneurysm assessment and aneurysm surveillance, and producing a complex
diagnostic report. Over 20,000 vascular studies are performed annually by vascular laboratory staff
across both Tayside and Fife.
The postholder will also communicate with other key staff to include;
Medical/ Surgical/ Nursing / Radiology/ Support services / Health and Safety and Risk assessment
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide specialist vascular assessments for Tayside and Fife.
Planning & Organisational



Responsible for managing their own daily workload within the vascular laboratory and at the satellite
clinics.
Responsible for coordinating vascular and respiratory workload as required
Communicates with scientific, technical and clerical staff as required on a daily basis to facilitate the
smooth running of both departments and to deliver high quality patient care.
Professional

To provide a high quality, safe and supportive environment for the patients, meeting the identified
physical and psychosocial needs

Ensuring that all patients’ investigations are carried out sensitively, and professionally, meeting the
requirements of the Trust, accreditation bodies (ERS, SVT, BMUS or UKAS), SIGN guidelines and
locally agreed protocols for both respiratory and vascular
Induction Standards & Code of Conduct


Your performance must comply with the national “Mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare
Support Workers in Scotland” 2009; and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers.
This post requires PVG Scheme Membership/Disclosure Scotland Check
Educational

Attends relevant training courses, seminars, tutorials and conferences as required to maintain a high
level of knowledge and skills

Ensure that on-going personal development and professional education / research needs are identified
and met and that up-to-date personal portfolio of CPD points available for review
Clinical (85%)

To produce autonomously a detailed clinical report for each patient and ensuring that this will be
communicated to the referring clinician.

To perform a wide range of specialist vascular assessments on patients with a range of vascular disease
and to analyse, interpret and report the result without supervision.

To perform a range of respiratory assessments as required by clinical specialist

To use professional judgement when to act upon the results of an investigation and inform the senior
laboratory staff.

To provide and expert clinical opinion to support management of the patients

To take full responsibility for patients during the course of each investigation and to ensure patient
safety and well being at all times.

To explain the investigation, answer questions and provide reassurance to patients and relatives
relating to the procedure being performed.

To provide advice on non-clinical management of the condition including motivating and
encouraging healthier lifestyle changes

To ensure that the equipment used is functioning reliably, well maintained, and calibrated if required

To maintain patient confidentiality, only disclosing information to appropriate persons
Specialist ultrasound scans include:
Cerebrovascular to include: diagnostic carotid and vertebral artery assessment, pre-operative marking
and post-operative surveillance. These scans require an extremely high degree of accuracy, as patients
will proceed to major surgery (carotid endarterectomy, surgical re-exploration etc) or may have
surgery cancelled as a direct result of the report generated by the post-holder. No additional imaging is
usually performed prior to the patient being listed for surgery.
Venous to include: chronic venous insufficiency assessing patency and competency, possible DVT,
Chronic leg ulcers. Varicose vein treatment is planned on the basis of the scan performed by the post
holder, and the consultant vascular surgeons frequently require expert opinion as the most appropriate
treatment for the patient.
The post holder also performs ultrasound assessment of the suitability of the superficial veins in the
lower and upper limbs for use in bypass grafts. If no suitable is identified, the patient will generally
not be offered surgical reconstruction.
Graft surveillance to monitor the patency of an arterial bypass graft from its immediate post operative
appearance and at regular intervals for a period of up to 2years. These surveillance procedures often
replace surgical outpatient’s appointments and the findings may influence patient management. This
autonomous post allows direct referral to clinics and radiological services if required. If a graft
stenosis is not recognised and the graft occludes, the usual outcome for the patient is an above knee
amputation.
EVAR and AAA assessments. Post aneurysm repair requires a complex assessment of the aortic stent,
the sensistivity and specificity of this test within this hospital negates the need for CT surveillance
The post holder must also provide a wide range of other specialist Non Invasive
(NIVA) to include:

Ultrasound assessment of the abdominal aorta

Digital cooling
Assessments

Ankle Brachial Pressure Indices

Exercise testing

Segmental pressures
 Toe / finger pressures
Research and Development (5%)

Assists with the introduction of new apparatus and new or modified techniques, under the guidance of
senior officers as required.

Contributes to the development and maintenance of departmental protocols, procedures and patient
information as required

Participates in research activities as directed e.g. testing of new equipment, development of new
protocols
Administration (10%)
Responsibilities for information resources:

The postholder is fully conversant with the vascular laboratory database

Responsible for writing their own factual report

Responsible for organising routine follow up on post operative patients.
Responsible for informing the clinical specialist or scientist of any abnormal findings that might affect
patient management or require further investigation with a view to possible intervention.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The postholder must have good communication skills with patients, relatives and carers, as the
postholder provides and receives highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, where
persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
The postholder must be able to maintain an effective working relationship with staff from all sectors
of the Medical Physics department, Trust and University.
Communication frequently involves cultural and language difficulties, dealing with patients with
physical and/or mental special needs, very sick patients, elderly or frail patients. This frequently
involves, tact, persuasive skills and dealing with sensitive information e.g. many patients have
extensive cardiovascular disease and a high degree of empathy is required. When the patient presents
for the procedure, the post-holder will explain what will happen, answer the patient or relatiave’s
queries and questions, identify the patient, and ensure that the correct test has been requested .
The post-holder communicates practical topics to immediate colleagues such as training colleagues in
manual handling and/or CPR.The post-holder communicates with senior technical, scientific and
clinical colleagues, passing on information regarding technical difficulties encountered and receiving
guidance and instruction in return.
Internal Communication links:
Medical / surgical Staff
Nursing Staff
Radiology staff
Health and safety
Risk management
Vascular and Respiratory teams
External Communication links:
Patients, carers and relatives
Community Health Practitioners
General practitioners
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
The post holder should have developed a general vascular knowledge, underpinned by theory and
experience.
Knowledge
General knowledge of anatomy and physiology with a Specialist in-depth knowledge of the anatomy
and physiology of the circulation including the pathology and aetiology of vascular disease
Specialist knowledge of the haemodynamics of blood flow
Specialist knowledge of ultrasound instrumentation and the physics and principles of ultrasound
Specialist knowledge of, and ability in, the principles of vascular technology including the ability to
get high quality images, velocities and waveforms from all parts of the peripheral circulation and the
ability to interpret normal and pathological data in order to make
General knowledge of vascular anatomy and pathology and aetiology of vascular disease.
Good knowledge of safety issues including safe use of ultrasound, basic electrical safety, data
protection, infection control, CPR and manual handling/lifting techniques.
Specialist knowledge of anatomy and physiology of respiratory system and the impact of disease
processes
Conversant in current documentation regarding moving and handling and CPR
Training
A minimum of BSc in a physiology or physiology degree is essential and the post holder will also have
a relevant post-graduate (MSc) specialist qualification (CASE approved PG certificate in vascular
ultrasound, SVT or equivalent ) with substantial relevant clinical experience. There will be a
significant in –house training and appraisal system to monitor progress.
If this post is recruited as a trainee post The post holder will be expected to work towards the
relevant post graduate qualification
Experience
Technical skills
The post holder should be actively practising as a Clinical Vascular Physiologist as their primary skill
and have extensive ultrasound experience.
They must be fully competent in the following investigations;
Carotid and vertebral arteries
Peripheral upper and lower limb arterial duplex.
Peripheral upper and lower limb venous duplex
Graft surveillance
Aortic aneurysm surveillance
The post holder will also be expected to be able to fulfil the following duties

Aortic aneurysm surveillance

Ankle-brachial pressure indices.

Exercise Testing

Segmental pressures
Clinical skills

Excellent patient handling skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to take a relevant patient history and apply the information to follow the appropriate
examination protocol.

Ability to assess complex information both during and after a scan, and draw conclusions to form a
diagnostic report that has both quantitative and qualitative components

Ability to respond calmly and competently, but with vital speed, in the event of patient problems
occurring during an investigation, notably how to perform CPR and to know when to refer the patient
for an immediate clinical opinion.

A knowledge of relative and absolute contraindications to investigations

Numeric and accuracy of a high standard in interpreting and analysing patient data.

An understanding of the conditions affecting the scheduling of patients within the vascular laboratory
such as emergency admissions, theatre bookings and information contained on the request form.

Ability to work to agreed protocols and procedures.

Ability to work under regular pressure.

A knowledge of relative and absolute contraindications to investigations

Must maintain confidentiality and dignity of the patient at all times
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

The post-holder is required to operate sophisticated and expensive ultrasound equipment and associated
specialised computers to obtain diagnostic images and information

Responsible for the safe use of the equipment within the vascular all of which require specific training

Responsible for input of reports in the system database, which will then be available for viewing by
medical practitioners across the whole of Tayside on the Clinical Portal.

Responsible for the calibration of equipment ( e.g. Treadmill)
Equipment used:
Siemens S2000 ultrasound scanner
Sonosite ultrasound scanner
Huntleigh Doppler assist
Parkes continuous wave Doppler
Moving and handling equipment
Wheelchairs
Glidesheets
Electric/ manual couches
Software used:
Microsoft Windows 2000 (incl. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access etc.)
Microsoft Windows 7 (incl. see above)
Vascular Databasae
Systems:
Maintenace of accurate patient records and reports
Vascular laboratory administration system
General hospital reports system ( Clinical Portal)
Radiology Imaging system
Responsibility for Records Management
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public
records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages
and other electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of
your work in NHS Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records
Management Policy and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical effort:
Maintaining awkward static postures with extended arm position under tension for periods of up 5
minutes, 20 –30 times per investigation in order to acquire images and make measurements
Manual dexterity of a high order with excellent hand/eye co-ordination enabling fine manipulation of
the ultrasound probe and simultaneous manipulation of machine controls to optimise the images and
information obtained.
Turning and twisting of back and neck to view monitor whilst stretching to simultaneously
manipulate controls and acquire images.
Performance of vascular scans requires fine manipulation of the position and orientation of the
ultrasound probe on the patient’s skin (to millimetre accuracy) to produce the correct image and
simultaneous manipulation of up to 20 controls on the scanner involving hand-eye co-ordination of
the highest order.
The majority of vascular patients are physically limited ( amputation, stroke, post operative etc) and
require significant physical effort to transfer from trolleys and wheelchairs to an examination couch.
Assisting patients with dressing and undressing
Removing and re applying wound dressings
Supporting and assisting patient on treadmill tests
Cleaning of machines and examination couches/ changing linen on couches
Heavy equipment is moved on a regular basis throughout the working day, including ultrasound
scanners, couches, trolleys and wheelchairs
Constant standing for periods of up to 30minutes for the duration of some assessments.
Mental effort:
There is a frequent requirement for concentration where the work pattern is unpredictable. There is
also a frequent requirement for intense concentration for short periods in order to analyse and
interpret audible Doppler signals.
Planned work is subject to frequent interruption throughout the day
Able to utilise complex computer software required for these assessments
Emotional effort:
Communication with distressed / anxious patients and relatives.
Communication with verbally /physically abusive patients
Communication of complex issues with the multidisciplinary team
Communication with all staff and supporting their needs

Working conditions:
Significant exposure to body fluids and odours (weeping wounds, gangrenous toes /feet, ulcers etc)

Dealing with patients with faecal incontinence, urine catheters, soiled bedding etc

Significant risk of infection or cross infection

Excessive heat in clinical areas due to heat output from equipment.

Excessive cold room temperatures for certain studies ( 130C) for periods of up 40minutes. – digital
cooling and CRPS studies.

Constantly working in low level lighting with VDU equipment either whilst assessing the patient
using the u/s machine or writing the patient report.
DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post holder:
Within each patient investigation the post holder is free to adapt or extend the scan depending on the
observations and measurements made during the scan.

Reports any significant clinical finding to the clinical specialist.

Takes full accountability/responsibility for own actions/decisions.

Works as an autonomous practitioner and is responsible for management of their own patient workload
within each day

Issues a full clinical report under their own name for each patient.

Is able to alter patient appointment times to adjust the workload.
Analytical and judgement skills required for the post

Using all the information obtained to write a full factual report of the investigation, indicating any
difficulties (technical or patient related) leading to limitations for a full diagnosis.

Deciding when the normal procedure needs to be adapted and when to refer to senior staff for further
investigation.

Deciding when the normal procedure needs to be adapted and the scan (assessment) be extended or
curtailed including deciding what other areas need to be scanned.

Continually analysing and interpreting complex information obtained from the scan as it is performed,
in order to form a vascular diagnosis and to make accurate measurements to illustrate the pathology
seen.

Using all the information obtained to write a full diagnostic clinical report of the investigation,
indicating any difficulties (technical or patient related) leading to limitations for a full diagnosis.

Deciding when the scan is finished i.e. when sufficient diagnostic information has been obtained or
the maximum information available has been obtained.

Determining the urgency of the scan from the information supplied on the referral.

Using measurements and tables to calculate and determine disease states.

Judging when an urgent medical opinion is needed based on the results of a scan e.g. an occluded
graft is found.

Knowing when to refer to other experts for advice and using own discretion to suggest further
investigation if scan result considered incomplete or inconclusive

Using the verbal history and notes on the request form to decide on the appropriate assessment and
knowing when to consult with the referring doctor if information or clarification is required.

Prioritising the workload, especially of inpatients.
.
Patient related

Assessment must be made of patient status and suitability for a particular investigation, including
assessing patient safety during treadmill testing.

Judging the need to remove clothing and bandaging in order that adequate and necessary information
may be obtained.

Determining when an assessment should be stopped, based on observable clinical indicators.
Machine related
Based on the size and status of the patient and the investigation requested the post holder must choose the
correct ultrasound probe to apply to the skin and make continuous adjustment of the scanner controls
throughout the investigation in light of the observations made.
MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
To provide a high quality diagnostic service, both in terms of accuracy and technical complexity
Acquiring and processing complex diagnostic images and data using specialised equipment and
computer software, and deciding if further imaging is required. These data are then used by the postholder to generate reports which consultants will use to formulate patient management decisions.
To be responsible for the accurate documentation of factual reports and correlation with previous
results which may impact on patient management
Dealing with heavy workloads on a daily basis due to large clinical demand, unusual disease profiles
etc
To develop excellent communication channels between members of the multidisciplinary team
Time management.
Addressing the equality and diverse needs of patients and staff.
To provide a high quality diagnostic service, both in terms of accuracy and technical complexity
To be responsible for the interpretation and reporting of investigations and accept the level of
responsibility associated with medical and surgical management plans often being based solely on
results
Dealing with heavy workloads on a daily basis due to large clinical demand, unusual disease profiles
and a varied scan distribution weighted towards urgent inpatient referrals and pre operative and
managing these patient together with routine outpatient assessments.
To develop excellent communication channels between members of the multidisciplinary team.
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
The job description will need to be signed off using the attached sheet by each postholder to whom
the job description applies.
POST REF NO:
D/CH/118A/15
JOB TITLE/BAND:
Specialist Clinical Vascular Physiologist/Trainee,
Band 7
LOCATION:
Vascular Laboratory, Ninewells Hospital
HOURS:
37.5 hrs
CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE:
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Experience of working in a
vascular setting and familiar with
ultrasound assessment to include
Cerbrovascular, Peripheral
arterial, Peripheral venous
Graft surveillance
Experience of working
within a vascular laboratory
setting
Evidence of working in an
autonomous capacity
Experience in quality control
BSc in relevant discipline
(eg physiology, radiography) .
Post graduate training in
vascular laboratory
Work towards a post graduate
(MSc) in a CASE approved
course for Vascular Ultrasound
Masters level knowledge of:
vascular anatomy and physiology
Aetiology of disease processes
Excellent communication skills
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
Experience in carrying out
audit.
Ability to follow Standard
Operating procedures (SOP)
Ability to work autonomously
taking a patient history and
relating this to u/s findings and
notifying clinical specialist
accordingly
Ability to work as part of a MDT
Ability to identify and address own
learning needs
Good organisational skills
Ability to recognise own limitations
Knowledge of the role of
vascular laboratory in the
assessment and
management of patients
with vascular disease.
Knowledge of vascular
surgical procedures and
ultrasound assessment of
these procedures
High standard in the
interpretation of patient
data.
Understanding of booking
systems and surveillance
programmes
and when to ask for help.
OTHER:
(eg travel across Tayside)
Flexibility in working hours to suit
the demands of the service
Maintain up to date CPD
Support training schemes as part
of the medical school.
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/CH/118A/15
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Senior Vascular Physiologist, Band 7/Trainee - Annex
U
LOCATION:
Conditions of
Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
Vascular Laboratory, Ninewells Hospital
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £31,383 to
£41,373/Annex U per annum (pro rata for part-time staff).
Placing on the scale on appointment is normally at the minimum
but may be higher subject to verification of previous relevant
service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.15 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,828
£15,829 to £21,601
£21,602 to £27,089
£27,090 to £49,967
£49,968 to £71,337
£71,338 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Annual Leave
Contribution
5.2%
5.8%
7.3%
9.5%
12.7%
13.7%
14.7%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
References
Occupational Health
Clearance
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions)
(Scotland) Order
2003
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum
and Nationality Act
2006
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references.
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination.
Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member
of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of
regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who
does not have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional
New entrants to NHS Tayside will be required to achieve the
Registration/
mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers
Induction Standards & (HCSWs) in Scotland and comply with the Code of Conduct for
Code of Conduct
HCSWs throughout your employment.
Internal candidates will be required to comply with the Code of
Conduct for HCSWs
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking
is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
subject line or to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside,
Level 9, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of 18 January 2016
Once this decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants
will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly, including your
spam/junk box.