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This is a fully-funded postgraduate level training position comprising a three year academic and vocational programme; on completion of which the postholder would be eligible to apply for positions as a Cardiac Clinical Scientist or Cardiac Physiologist. This is a challenging and rewarding career which combines scientific and technical work with direct patient contact and clinical responsibility.
The programme is commissioned by NHS Education for Scotland and leads to the dual attainment of (i) the academic award of MSc in Clinical Science with specialisation in either cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) or cardiac rhythm management and (ii) professional registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council, the statutory regulator.
The academic component is delivered by a combination of block release and distance learning at the University of Newcastle to be supported by self-directed study and assessed by written examination and coursework, as well as audit and research projects to be undertaken in the clinical environment. The vocational component requires staged completion of an evidence portfolio of clinical, scientific and professional competencies, assessed by formal workplace-based assessment. Placements in allied disciplines of healthcare science are also included.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde serves a catchment population of 1.3 million across South, North and Clyde sectors, with South Sector serving more than half of this with a catchment of 480 thousand. South Sector has a cardiac physiology workforce of 58 WTE, delivering services at QEUH, WGACH, GGH, the Beatson and the New Victoria Hospital (NVH).
The NVH Cardiac Physiology department provides a broad range of complex as well as routine diagnostic procedures to a substantial catchment population of 270 thousand. It is a growing service, and some specialist services which currently operate on a centralised basis are undergoing reconfiguration, which will result in repatriation of patients to NVH. A full repertoire of resting and ambulatory ECG and BP and exercise testing services is provided. This includes a variety of ambulatory and event recorders for ECG monitoring. Exercise testing includes provision of a Rapid Access Chest Pain service. There are a number of services in which Physiologists have developed extended scope roles, such as conducting clinical consultations as part of the palpitations referral service. The echocardiography service at NVH provides transthoracic, transoesophageal, 3D, stress and contrast studies. There are plans to develop more specialised echo services at the site, including a service to patients with Adult Congenital Heart Disease. The cardiac rhythm management services provides follow up of pacemakers, loop recorders, defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices. Pacemaker implantation and ILR insertion is performed at QEUH and at present, ICD and CRT implantation is undertaken by the Golden Jubilee National Hospital with plans to develop an ICD implant service at QEUH. There would also be the opportunity to gain exposure to some of the specialist services operating at other sites in south sector such as the inherited cardiac conditions clinic or the syncope service. All catheterisation-based procedures and cardiac surgery are performed by the Golden Jubilee and the postholder would undertake a clinical placement at this or another invasive site. Applicants must have a relevant BSc (Hons) degree in science at 2:1 or above; other criteria are as specified in the job description. Informal discussions are welcomed; please contact Rachel Cooper, Cardiac Physiology Sector Manager (Rachel.cooper@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or 0141 4523194) or Annette Hall, Cardiac Physiology Team Lead, New Victoria Hospital (Annette.hall2@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or 0141 3478114) Applications for this post will close on Thursday 29th July with the interviews to be held on 10th and 11th August NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have. Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service can be found within the Candidate Information Packs. |