Vascular Healthcare Science Assistant

The Healthcare Science Assistant is a member of the Vascular Testing team who supports Clinical Vascular Scientists and Technicians to meet the departmental clinical and administrative needs. They will have a responsibility to provide care and assistance to patients undergoing vascular ultrasound in the Vascular Testing outpatient department as well as inpatients on the ward, the Emergency Department and peripheral outpatient clinics.

The post holder will aid the Vascular Testing team in the day to day running of the department, with clinical and administrative tasks to facilitate the throughput of patients attending the department.

The Healthcare Science Assistant will support the Vascular Testing scientist team deliver the diagnostic vascular service at NBT. You will be working directly with patients, following written procedures. In addition your role will include providing administrative support, booking and contacting patients and dealing with telephone queries, ordering stock and any other associated administrative duties to support the team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to work within Healthcare Science as part of a small team and is flexible and adaptable to change.

Good communication skills are essential in dealing with a wide range of people you will meet.

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) is the hub for the Major Arterial Centre for the Bristol, Bath and Weston Vascular Network. Vascular Testing is central to the Vascular Network based in the Brunel Building Southmead Hospital. The hospital is in Bristol which is a busy vibrant and multi cultural city.

Being located at the major arterial and trauma centre for Bristol we are a busy department with an annual work activity of over 10,000 scans per year. The job provides variation with staff required to perform investigations in the Vascular Testing outpatient department, the Emergency Department, pre-op medi rooms and on the inpatient wards.

Work life balance and staff well being is an important element of the department’s ethos. Work pattern requests are considered taking this important element into account alongside service delivery requirements.

1. Clinical responsibilities

To assist Clinical Vascular Scientist (CVS) or Technician with ultrasound examinations for outpatients, inpatients and one-stop clinics.

Prepare Ultrasound rooms and required equipment for the procedure.

Call patients from the main waiting area to the Vascular Sub-Wait area using the electronic calling system.

Greet patients and attend patients

Help patients whilst in the department and assist them on and off the scanning couch.

Explain department procedures to patients and relatives.

During the scan assist with positioning of patients using lifting and handling techniques. This may also include acting as a chaperone.

Record measurements and relevant details as directed during examinations.

Escort or transfer patients to wards or other departments if required.

Clean equipment and room appropriately ready for the next examination.

Ensure that the procedure rooms are well stocked

Organise inpatient list liaising with ward staff.

Assist the CVS with moving the ultrasound machine to ward and / or go to the ward ahead of the CVS to prepare the room and patient for the examination.

2. Administrative Responsibilities

Receive and process Vascular Testing requests and liaise with Vascular Scientists to authorise these

Book change and update appointments in line with 18 week pathway and following CRIS guidelines

Input and update accurate attendance, patient and appointment details on CRIS

Maintain and manage the department patent waiting list

Act as a point of contact for queries from patients, referring professionals and staff from other trusts/hospitals