Heart Valve Disease Physiology Lead inWorcester inWorcester PUBLISHED
THU 5 DEC 2024
This position is funded by an NHS England grant and is initially offered as a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with potential for a substantive role depending on the success of the service. Key responsibilities include performing and interpreting echocardiograms, leading treatment discussions with patients, fostering a training environment for staff, and ensuring compliance with departmental protocols. The role also requires engagement in research and audit activities, contributing to service development and improvement, and adhering to the broader aims of enhancing diversity and inclusive recruitment within the Trust.
The Echocardiography service within the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) has recently undergone exciting changes by continuing to expand 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 Heart Valve Disease (HVD). We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Cardiac Physiologist to join our expanding and developing team currently offering our patients a range of diagnostic procedures including Transthoracic, Transoesophageal and Stress Echocardiography, Angiography, 24-7 PCI service, pacemaker/ICD/CRT-p implants and EP studies.
There is a strong focus on educational development of all Cardiac Physiologists within WAHT requiring the successful candidate to play an active role in teaching and training of juniors, research and audit whilst also supporting the core cardiac physiology services within the department. The post holder will demonstrate clinical leadership in helping to develop this new pathway for the HVD patients of Worcestershire while working as part of a multidisciplinary team which includes designated admin and clerical support. This position has been funded by an NHS England grant and is therefore subject to 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 post holder will play a pivotal role in completing.
To perform unsupervised Cardiac Ultrasound examinations to diagnose Cardiac abnormalities. To provide clinical interpretation and high technical expertise on Cardiac Ultrasound scans performed by self and junior members of staff, in accordance with the BSE standards, guidelines and departmental protocols and policies. Acting appropriately in the event of significant adverse findings, alerting physicians when immediate medical attention is required. Perform clinical assessment on each HVD patient, paying particular attention to the 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 or severe valve disease in order to access early treatment and intervention pathways To take responsibility to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation on patients in an emergency. Awareness of adverse clinical conditions/clinical events occurring during the investigations and ensuring swift and appropriate action is taken to minimise life 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 and repairs to existing equipment within the department. To liaise in conjunction with the Head of Department, regarding evaluation of new clinical equipment
About us
Job Purpose:
The physiologist led valve clinic will be run under the supervision of the nominated Consultant Cardiologist
To be BSE (British Society of Echocardiography) accredited, work as an independent practitioner performing and reporting good quality echocardiograms in line with national and departmental guidelines.
To be able to perform a cardiac clinical assessment (e.g. chest auscultation, detection of heart sounds, BP, ECG, heart failure signs etc). Where necessary training and ongoing development of clinical assessment skills will be provided
To analyse clinical information and clinical conditions during consultations with completion of detailed and accurate written reports.
To report changes in patients conditions and where appropriate exercise good clinical judgement to expedite findings by discussing with the relevant Cardiologist, or by letter generated to the Consultant asking for review.
To develop and co-ordinate a dedicated Valve MDT to discuss cases and plan management via liaising with other health professionals, including specialist nursing teams, GPs and Consultant Cardiologists.
To build a database of valve disease patients for audit, governance and learning objectives. This may be shared locally, across the ICB and within the Cardiac Network.
To monitor and audit the service to assess progress and the potential needs to adapt to internal/external stimulus.
To discuss treatment options with patient including good health promotion for endocarditis prophylaxis.
To communicate complex instructions and clinical information effectively to all categories of patients, ensuring co-operation and compliance to obtain accurate technical and clinical data
To provide technical expertise, supervision, support and training to junior and medical staff.
To amend and validate junior physiologists echocardiogram reports
To visual and verbal risk-assess every patient prior to carrying out any clinical investigations.
To initiate Basic Life Support and Immediate Life Support when required
To ensure safe use of specialist / expensive equipment used by self and others
To report all untoward events or uncertainties to the Head of Department
To work at all times in a safe and responsible manner
To plan and prioritise personal workloads according to daily staffing 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 you will be expected to travel to all sites within the Trust.
Key Duties:
Clinical Duties:
To perform unsupervised Cardiac Ultrasound examinations to diagnose Cardiac abnormalities.
To provide clinical interpretation and high technical expertise on Cardiac Ultrasound scans performed by self and junior members of staff, in accordance with the BSE standards, guidelines and departmental protocols and policies.
Acting appropriately in the event of significant adverse findings, alerting physicians when immediate medical attention is required.
Perform clinical assessment on each HVD patient, paying particular attention to the 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 or severe valve disease in order to access early treatment and intervention pathways
To take responsibility to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation on patients in an emergency.
Awareness of adverse clinical conditions/clinical events occurring during the investigations and ensuring swift and appropriate action is taken to minimise life 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 and repairs to existing equipment within the department.
To liaise in conjunction with the Head of Department, regarding evaluation of new clinical equipment.
Research and Development:
The post holder will oversee Trust, department and individual projects related to Echocardiography with a commitment to research based clinical practice
Apply to and remain active with the national competency-based Heart Valve Disease register
To collate and present audit data pertinent to the Physiologist led Echocardiography Heart Valve Disease patient pathway
To collate and present audit data pertinent to echocardiography provision, training pathways and cardiology OP (e.g. cancellations, clinical information e.g. readmissions) and be instrumental in ensuring any remedial action plans are implemented.
Contribute and lead on research within the field of Heart Valve Disease alongside Consultant and specialist nursing multidisciplinary team members
Research and review new and upcoming equipment and technology with the Echocardiography service to ensure compliance with guidelines
Plan and prepare business cases and cost saving initiatives within the Echocardiography service whilst work alongside Echo service lead and department manager
Managerial:
To participate in formulating departmental policies to develop the Heart Valve Disease service, procedures and protocols in conjunction with the Echo lead and Head of Department
Undertake new initiatives to improve the patient clinical service. On the direction of the Head of Department take the lead role for service developments in agreed areas
To work with the Head of department in setting, maintaining, monitoring and auditing quality and technical standards within the department
To maintain processes in place to monitor the Countywide scheduling and prevention of cancellation of operations/procedures/tests, initiating any action plans that will assist the service to meet Corporate and Government targets
Educational:
Provide support for trainees on the ETP, STP and PTP including regular individual meetings (online or in person) with all trainees to identify progression challenges and opportunities, resulting in achievable individualised objectives and learning pathways
Provide education/training in and around work-based elements of Echocardiography Programmes using a variety of resources, including online, simulator and face to face learning
Support echo training in cooperation with partner organisations within the region
Identify learning opportunities and work with employers to enable trainees to access these
Continue to support B7 echocardiographers post qualification with CPD, reaccreditation and training in new techniques and new technologies designed to support delivery of the echo service
Training and Staff development:
To provide high technical expertise in teaching, training and supervising all grades of staff within the department and the trust.
To continue Professional Development and be responsible for keeping own skills updated, including BSE re-accreditation and Intermediate Life Support.
To undergo such training as is deemed necessary to maintain efficient discharge of duties.
To undertake all Trust mandatory training on an annual basis.
Administration and Clerical:
To undertake clerical duties and maintain records concerning all 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 and the departmental databases
Special Requirements:
There will be a need to travel to other hospitals within the Trust to carry out duties.
Improving Diversity and Inclusive Recruitment:
As part of the Trust's aim to improve diversity across the Trust, positive action is being taken and all applications for this post from BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ candidates can request to be considered under an expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum criteria as specified in the person specification for this role.
Applicants will be prompted in the application form to declare if they wish to be considered under this expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme, and their response would be visible to the Shortlisting Panel.
If you have any queries about expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please contact Rob Saunders (HR Manager - Recruitment) in confidence via email
As part of the Trust's aim to improve diversity across the Trust, positive action is being taken and all applications for this post from BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ candidates can request to be considered under an expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum criteria as specified in the person specification for this role. Here you can declare if you wish to be considered under this expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme and this response would be visible to the Shortlisting Panel.
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