Highly Specialised Cardiac Physiologist - Echocardiography, Band 7NHS

Job summary

We are seeking a BSE-accredited Echocardiographer to join our team, delivering echocardiography services across Gloucestershire, including our Community Diagnostic Centre. The successful candidate will independently perform and report adult echocardiograms and contribute to the ongoing delivery of a high-volume service.

This role offers the opportunity to work across multiple sites and support the continued development of echocardiography services within the Trust.

Additional working pattern details: Option to work 4 longer days 08:00 - 18:00

The salary offer for this role includes a Recruitment & Retention Premium of 12% which is a discretionary supplement to this role that has been benchmarked at Band 7 and may be withdrawn at any time with a notice period of a minimum of six months.

Main duties of the job

Candidates will hold a BSc in Clinical Physiology, or an equivalent qualification, together with substantial post-qualification experience. Applicants must possess British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) accreditation and demonstrate a proven track record of autonomous practice within echocardiography services.

The successful candidate will be a highly organised and motivated individual with a positive, proactive approach and a commitment to service development and continuous improvement. They will work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality patient care across the Trust and Community Diagnostic Centres.

The post holder will independently perform and report adult transthoracic echocardiograms to BSE standards, providing expert clinical interpretation and maintaining a high standard of diagnostic practice. They will support the supervision, training and development of Cardiac Physiologists and other healthcare professionals, while contributing to the effective day-to-day management of junior members of the team. Excellent communication, interpersonal and IT skills are essential, with the ability to communicate complex clinical information clearly and effectively to colleagues, patients and the wider multidisciplinary team.

Job description

Main Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Cardiac Physiologist to join our echocardiography team and contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, high-volume patient-centred diagnostic service. The successful candidate will demonstrate professional leadership, clinical excellence and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

The post holder will:

• Independently perform and report a full range of routine and complex adult transthoracic echocardiograms for both inpatient and outpatient services in accordance with British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) standards.
• Manage and prioritise their own workload effectively, ensuring the timely delivery of accurate and clinically relevant reports.
• Participate in Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE), Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography and Exercise Stress Echocardiography services as required.
• Support the delivery of bubble studies and contrast echocardiography where required.
• Provide portable echocardiography examinations across inpatient wards, Critical Care, Coronary Care Unit and the Emergency Department.
• Participate in the rotational service provided at the Community Diagnostic Centre.
• Maintain professional competence through ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and remain up to date with developments in echocardiography and cardiology practice.
• Work collaboratively with consultants, physiologists, nursing staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team to support effective patient care.
• Support service development, quality improvement initiatives and the delivery of a responsive and efficient echocardiography service.
• Provide supervision, support and guidance to junior Cardiac Physiologists and other staff as appropriate.
• Participate fully in the departmental appraisal process and contribute to the maintenance of high professional and clinical standards.
• Maintain awareness of the health and safety considerations associated with echocardiography practice, including ergonomic principles, and take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of work-related injury.

About us

The Cardiology Investigation Department is an integral part of the wider Cardiology Service within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Working alongside 17 Cardiology Consultants and a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, we provide a comprehensive echocardiography service across Gloucestershire.

We are a friendly, experienced and dedicated team delivering high-quality adult transthoracic echocardiography, including complex studies, across two acute hospital sites and the Community Diagnostic Centre. The department offers an opportunity to work autonomously within a busy, supportive environment, contributing to the delivery of a responsive and patient-focused diagnostic service.