The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning. They will be supported by the Training Co‑ordinator but must take responsibility for their own progression through the training programme, completing a mixture of work‑based competencies and assessments alongside the learning outcomes outlined in the NSHCS Curriculum Library and the complementary academic Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography. Trainees will also prepare and complete the BSE Transthoracic Accreditation process. The majority of training and development will take place in the Cardiac Investigations Department, with requirements to travel to the academic institution. The post holder will be expected to undertake a range of scientific and clinical skills, initially under supervision, alongside the compulsory mandatory training.
Key responsibilities include:
* Perform and interpret specialised cardiac investigations – specifically transthoracic echocardiography
* Assist in specialised non‑invasive diagnostic investigations – e.g., TOE, DSE
* Carry out complex scientific and clinical roles, including those working directly with patients
* Analyse, interpret and report on complex data and understand clinical implications
* Communicate and interact effectively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure a positive patient experience
* Initiate and undertake research, clinical innovations and service improvement, disseminating findings and contributing to the education of healthcare science trainees and other learners
* Carry out audit to continuously improve patient care and service needs
* Assist the Clinical Service Lead and other senior members in the day‑to‑day organisation and delivery of the cardiology diagnostic service
1. Scientific and Clinical Practice
* Undertake a range of clinical and scientific investigations as appropriate to the role
* Acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements carried out
* Interpret and act upon results of tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies, procedures and quality systems
* Comment and advise on new proposals and protocols, especially for service improvements
* Assist in providing advice to medical, nursing and other healthcare staff on the optimal and safe use of scientific procedures and highly complex equipment, including designing new facilities
* Assist with procurement, acceptance and use of medical devices and consumables
* Be responsible for the safe use of complex scientific and medical equipment, recording all maintenance and calibration procedures performed and any corrective actions undertaken
* Use reagents, consumables, hazardous materials and equipment safely and in accordance with Health & Safety policies
* Participate in risk management procedures including risk assessments and investigation and reporting of adverse incidents
* Participate in internal and external audit processes and quality systems
* Undertake R & D within the department as part of training and acquire relevant skills to undertake clinical audit
* Assist with supervision and training of support staff, students and new appointees, and participate in departmental seminars and scientific meetings to disseminate knowledge
* Carry out any other reasonable duties to achieve learning and experience required, commensurate with the grade and nature of the post
2. Education and Learning
* Successfully complete the training and assessment programme in conjunction with the training coordinator to achieve certified competence awarded by BSE
* Undertake suitable training to acquire core competencies and maintain required standards of competence when undertaking duties
* Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic courses and problem‑based learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning
* Ensure that own learning needs, identified with the training officer and reflecting curriculum requirements, are met
* Maintain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning to contribute to improving services in response to changing healthcare needs
* Maintain knowledge of recent scientific developments and undertake supplementary training to develop both knowledge and skills
* Attend mandatory training as required
* Participate in internal and external assessment processes
* Have biannual meetings to discuss progress and consider issues relevant to the wider training programme
3. Delivery of Patient Care Experience and Contribution
* Provide support to specialist clinics and specialist treatment interventions
* Perform, report and interpret a range of investigations undertaken directly or indirectly with patients in varied care settings
* Provide specialist care and treatment interventions for patients across a range of clinical pathways and healthcare settings
* Offer appropriate clinical and scientific advice and interpretation of analytical results
* Participate in multidisciplinary meetings
* Apply and promote evidence‑based practice and use of relevant clinical protocols and procedures
* Ensure all equipment used on patients and the public is handled and applied in accordance with health and safety requirements and national or international guidelines
4. Communication
* Communicate and interpret complex clinical, scientific and technical information to a wide range of people, including physicians, managers, patients and the public
* Liaise with senior scientists and clinical users of the service on appropriateness of investigations, interventions and tests
* Contribute to audits to inform patient management and clinical care
* Contribute to quality relating to accreditation and regulation
* Perform quality assurance, process and outcomes audits relevant to the speciality
5. Clinical Governance
* Maintain standards for health & safety procedures
* Comply with quality and governance procedures within the department, including risk management and mitigation
* Maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct
* Ensure that patient safety and experience and effectiveness of service are maximised
This advert closes on Sunday 10 May 2026.
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