Clinical Vascular Scientist
Russell Halls Hospital, Dudley
I first heard about Wessex Vascular courses in 2006 as a trainee vascular scientist hungry for information. It was an excellent start to my education, although some of the details didn't really sink in until I was actively scanning over the next 18 months. Once qualified I was invited back to demonstrate and occasionally lecture, and now assist in the administrative duties.
I joined the NHS in 1991 and worked up to the level of Deputy Laboratory Manager in Haematology and Blood Transfusion, after gaining an HNC then a Fellowship in Haematology (with Cyril Saunders Memorial Award). Soon after I gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies which enabled me to enjoy a change in direction by working as a Business Manager for a Medical Director in the NHS in 2002.
Following maternity leave in 2006 I returned to work part time and trained as a Clinical Vascular Scientist. I gained a Pg Cert. in Management Studies in 2000; a Pg Cert. in Vascular Ultrasound in 2008 and a Pg Diploma in Advanced Practice (Health) in 2012.
In addition to supporting a busy team of vascular surgeons, I have enjoyed working alongside the National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme in the set up of a local programme in 2009 and more recently in providing support to other programmes throughout the West Midlands and London programmes as a Clinical Skills Trainer, Programme Manager and practitioner. I hold my CAVA for vocational training.
I have been involved in multiple research projects including the AARDVARK trial and role of podiatrists using ultrasound to screen for arterial disease in their patients; both based at Imperial NHS Trust London.
I am now based at Russell’s Hall Hospital in the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit where a new service providing same day scanning for DVT’s has now been established for both AEC and AMU patients. This has dramatically reduced anticoagulant and ted stocking costs. In addition reducing repeat visits and lengths of stay. We now work at introducing new ways of assessing DVT patients, and introducing additional scans to the units including carotids, chest ultrasound and abdominal scan; the latter two in a focused application.
Outside work my family keep me busy, and we enjoying days out here there and everywhere and of course visiting friends.