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.