Chief Echocardiographer

Job summary
This post attracts a Recruitment & Retention Premium of 15%

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly skilled Band 7 Echocardiographer to join our internationally recognised Echo service. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a dynamic cardiac diagnostics department at a leading UK teaching and research hospital; and is ideal for an experienced echocardiographer seeking career progression within a supportive, forward-thinking and high-profile cardiac centre

Applicants must hold a BSc in Clinical Physiology (or equivalent), relevant specialist cardiac training, and recognised echo accreditation (BSE, EACVI or equivalent). Experience in advanced echo techniques, including stress, 3D and contrast imaging, is highly desirable

The department is a fully digital service equipped with state-of-the-art cardiac ultrasound systems, including Philips and GE platforms. Reporting and post-processing are supported by ISCV and TomTec, ensuring high-quality, standardised echo reporting

We deliver a comprehensive range of investigations, including transthoracic echo with 3D and GLS, stress echo (Dobutamine, Exercise and Valve), contrast /bubble studies, and TOE

You will work with a high degree of autonomy, providing advanced clinical practice while contributing to service development, quality improvement, and the training and supervision of junior staff. The department has a strong academic profile and actively encourages involvement in research, innovation and service transformation

Main duties of the job

• Act as a specialist Echocardiographer within a multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively with principal physiologists, imaging consultants, administrative staff, junior colleagues and support services to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Independently perform and interpret a broad range of diagnostic echocardiography studies, including advanced techniques such as 3D imaging and GLS, producing accurate, timely reports in line with BSE standards and Trust protocols.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and international guidelines to ensure ongoing clinical excellence and technical competence.
• Effectively manage and prioritise workload to meet service demands, coordinating inpatient and outpatient activity and ensuring timely completion of studies and reports.
• Contribute to the operational delivery of the service through participation in appraisal, performance review, service development and delegated supervisory or managerial responsibilities.
• Support the monitoring and management of echocardiography equipment and consumables, escalating issues as required to maintain service continuity.
• Promote a patient-focused, multidisciplinary approach and actively contribute to innovation, service improvement and the adoption of advanced echocardiography practice across the department and wider Trust

About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities

• Practice as a specialist autonomous professional in adult echocardiography and show proficiency in exercising clinical judgement when required.
• Practice safely and effectively, interpret and act upon results of the tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform diagnostic echocardiography using advanced techniques such as 3D and GLS to produce a clinically comprehensive report in accordance with BSE guidelines and local standards/protocols
• Perform echocardiography in a range of settings, including portable scans at bedside, ITU and cardiac catheter labs.
• Administer appropriate medications and contrast agents as part of advanced clinical practice.
• Participate in setting excellent local standards in Echocardiography, and to continually develop and update these to ensure they incorporate current professional recommendations and evidence-based practice.
• Keep abreast of developments in Echocardiography and disseminate new information to other members of staff effectively.
• Comply with national and international guidelines such as BSE, ASE, NICE, ESC and SCST as well as local clinical guidelines; and ensure that these guidelines are adhered to.
• Ensure that Kings Echo service communicates with other centres and external stakeholders in a professional and productive manner, facilitating the exchange of patient records and minimising disruption to services
• Perform regular audits to ensure compliance with local and national standards.
• Apply and promote evidence-based practice and use of relevant clinical protocols and procedures at the complex and advanced level; as well as acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements.
• Comment and advise on new proposals and protocols, especially for service improvements.
• Adhere to infection control guidelines including correct use of PPE and uniform policy.

Education and Training

• Provide training, mentorship and support to junior staff, SpRs and Echo Fellows, with a view to improve their echo knowledge and skills.
• Assist in echocardiography education throughout the Trust, including medical students, PTP and STP trainees.
• Maintain own proficiency in echo and other technical skills by keeping up to date with current guidelines.
• Ensure that own mandatory training certificates are current.
• Actively participate in his/her own performance review and own professional development.
• Maintain BSE and/or other transthoracic echocardiography accreditation
• Maintain/ work towards additional professional accreditation as appropriate.
• Complete relevant training and competencies to provide advanced clinical practice.
• The post holder will be encouraged to maintain and/or obtain HCPC registration, further educational qualifications and memberships with professional bodies.
• Administer appropriate medications and contrast agents as part of advanced clinical practice.
• Write up interesting case studies / clinical abstracts and submit to appropriate journals.
• Actively participate in educational sessions and journal club.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) or equivalent
• Possess Adult TTE BSE/ equivalent accreditation
• Intermediate Life Support (ILS)
• Highly developed IT skills

Desirable

• HCPC accredited
• Clinical assessment Level 7 Module
• Advanced Life Support (ALS)

Skills/ experience
Essential

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Skills in teaching/ training

Desirable

• Experience in Stress Echo and TOE
• Publications such as clinical case studies / abstracts
• Ability to understand financial and budgetary information
• Awareness of current NHS challenges and Long-Term Plans / Strategy which may affect he Future direction of Echocardiography
• Awareness of DM01 waiting lists

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).