Work Experience
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Work Experience
We work closely with local schools and colleges to provide opportunities for young people to gain knowledge and experience of different roles and raise awareness of career options and job opportunities within the NHS.
There are over 350 potential career options in healthcare and opportunities for work experience include clinical and administrative areas, allowing participants to learn about working in the NHS, develop new skills, learn about their strengths and weaknesses and increase their confidence.
Learning and Development organise various opportunities for young people to gain experience of the NHS and our Trust. These include:
- Tours of departments.
- Careers events.
- Work shadowing.
- Taster/observation days.
- Mock interviews and work experience programmes, including traineeships and sector-based academy learners.
To find out more about work experience opportunities within our Trust, please email workexperience@nbt.nhs.uk.
Apprenticeships
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Apprenticeships
We are proud to deliver clinical apprenticeship training and education through our partnership with the South West Association of Training Providers (SWATPro), as well as non-clinical apprenticeships training under our own Apprenticeship Centre, which has been awarded the Matrix Accreditation, in recognition of the high-quality information, advice and guidance they offer.
Ofsted inspectors have recently praised us for our employer-led apprenticeship delivery, saying: "Senior Trust leaders are highly committed to delivering apprenticeships to improve the skills, knowledge and behaviours of staff. Apprentices enjoy working in Southmead Hospital and are valued members of staff".
Our apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for existing staff to build skills and confidence and offer a route to a new career for those looking to join the Trust.
We currently deliver apprenticeships in:
- Healthcare (Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker and Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker).
- Business Administration (Level 3).
- Customer Service (Level 2).
- Leadership Management (Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor).
We also work with external training providers to develop staff in a wide range of apprenticeships in the following areas:
- Trainee Nursing Associates (Foundation degree in Science qualification level 5).
- Assistant Practitioners (Foundation degree in Science qualification level 5).
- Registered Nurse Degree (Batchelor of Science qualification level 6).
- Advanced Clinical Practice (Master of Science qualification level 7).
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least six hours of their working week completing off-the-job learning to enable them to meet the skills, knowledge and behaviours within their chosen apprenticeship standard.
North Bristol NHS Trust offers a range of clinical and non-clinical apprenticeships to help you progress in your career. A typical programme of learning will last between 15 and 18 months.
Apprenticeships make a big difference to staff
- Earn while you learn.
- Receive recognised qualifications.
- Benefit from ongoing and personalised support.
- Gain real work experience.
- Improve your employability.
- Develop your skills.
The need-to-knows
- Apprenticeships are fully funded – staff do not have to pay for their apprenticeship.
- All NBT staff who are eligible are offered the opportunity to undertake a programme of learning.
- Apprenticeships take place during work time (off-the-job) – you will be allocated time away from your duties to complete your studies.
How does the off-the-job training work?
Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement for apprentices. It is training, which is received by the apprentice, during their normal working hours, to achieve the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship.
It is gained by attending study sessions, completing role play or simulation exercises, undertaking online learning, practical training such as shadowing and mentoring and writing assessments or workbooks.
Apprenticeships help employees, managers and teams in several ways
- Staff develop skills relevant to their organisation.
- Improved productivity and quality.
- Training can be adapted according to the needs of your department.
- Staff are motivated to learn new skills.
- Helps to expand and upskill your workforce.
All our apprenticeship roles will be advertised on our current vacancies and on the Government Find an Apprenticeship website.
For more information, please email our apprenticeship team ApprenticeshipTeam@nbt.nhs.uk.
Vascular Testing Frequently Asked Questions
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Where will I be seen?
If you are an inpatient, you will be seen by a member of the team on the ward with a portable scanning device. You may be asked to attend our department at gate 5a but this will be communicated to you and you will be transferred by the hospital portering service.
If you are sent an outpatient appointment letter, it will advise you on the outpatient setting that you should attend and how to check in for your appointment.
Once checked in, you will come to our dedicated vascular testing waiting room. Here there are toilets, including disabled facilities next to the waiting room.
For your appointment, you will be taken to one of the ultrasound rooms where it will be explained to you what investigation is going to be performed. Depending on the type of investigation you will be advised as to what clothing or jewellery needs to be removed. You may be asked to lie/sit on the couch or stand next to it. If you find a particular position uncomfortable, please let us know so we can adapt the scanning position to make you more comfortable.
The vascular scientist or technician will put ultrasound gel on the area to be examined and will place a soft-faced transducer or probe, which is attached to the ultrasound machine, on your skin to create the ultrasound images or sounds as required so that a diagnosis can be made.
Occasionally there may be medical or other students observing. All staff present will be introduced to you and you will be asked if you mind students being present during the investigation. If you prefer not to have students observing, it is fine to tell the examiner and it will not affect your treatment in any way.
How long does the test take?
The type of test and how long it will approximately take will be indicated in your appointment letter.
Your visit to Vascular Testing could take anything from 15 minutes for a simple Doppler test up to 90 minutes for a full scan of both legs. If you require more details, please contact us.
Are there are special preparations?
Minimal patient preparations are required for the test. You can eat, drink and take medication as normal, however, if you are coming for a Duplex scan of your legs or abdomen you may want to have a light breakfast or lunch and avoid fizzy drinks.
If you are diabetic, please ensure you bring your medication, food or money to purchase food in case of delays.
Will I need to undress?
An ultrasound needs direct contact with the skin. You will be asked to remove specific items of clothing or jewellery so we can get clear access to your skin in the areas where the investigation needs to be performed. It is recommended that you wear something comfortable which is easy to take on and off. The vascular scientist or a support worker can help you if you have any difficulty.
The dignity and privacy of our patients is of the utmost importance and the examination will be performed in a private scanning room. You will be given a towel if you are asked to remove an item of clothing. If you would specifically prefer a male or female member of staff, please let us know, preferably by contacting us prior to your appointment.
Can I bring someone with me?
There is room in the scanning room for one friend or relative if you require additional support during the scan.
I have dressings – will you change them?
We are unable to redress any leg wounds or ulcers. Please arrange with your health centre to have any dressings reapplied or changed at a convenient time after your appointment.
Will it hurt?
No, for a vascular ultrasound scan there are no injections, no needles and no chemicals or x-rays. Depending on how deep the blood vessels are the vascular scientist or technician may need to press quite firmly and this can sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable but they will do their very best to keep any discomfort to a minimum.
The worst part of the scan for most people is the gel and that is because it’s cold. The gel will be wiped off after the test, it is water-based and does not stain clothing.
Is the test safe?
Vascular ultrasound tests are safe and non-invasive (no injections).
Do I have to go in a tunnel?
No, there are no tunnels or confined spaces involved.
Can I drive afterwards?
Yes – unless you have been told by your doctor not to because of your condition.
When will I receive the result?
At the end of the scan, if you would like to know the findings, we can discuss the scan with you and will try to answer any questions you may have.
We cannot tell you what your treatment will be as this is a discussion between you and the referring doctor however we can try and answer any questions you may have regarding the different types available.
We cannot discuss any potential treatment options as this will be a discussion between you and the referring doctor.
The test result will be communicated to the referrer and the result will be available to view on the hospital reporting systems within 24 hours.
Who will book my hospital transport?
We do not book hospital transport but please call the vascular testing administration team if you will be booking transport as we may need to rearrange your appointment time. This is to avoid late return journeys home which cannot be guaranteed if your appointment is after 2pm. The vascular testing administration telephone number can be found in your appointment letter.
If you are attending on transport please bring regular daytime medication, food or money to purchase food should there be any delays.
If you require hospital transport this must be arranged by you but remember to call and let us know. The number for transport is in your letter.
Contact Vascular Testing
Gate 5a
Brunel building
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-On-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB
Telephone: 0117 4140851
Living with Vascular Disease
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We recommend the following websites for more information:
- www.nhs.uk/conditions
- www.circulationfoundation.org.uk
- www.vascularsociety.org.uk/patients
- www.kidneyresearchuk.org/health-information
Vascular Testing Services
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What we do
In vascular testing we carry out investigations on people who are suspected of having diseases of the circulation (vascular diseases).
All the tests performed are non-invasive ultrasound tests. By using sound waves the ultrasound machine can form images of the inside of your body and allows measurements of the blood flow. Vascular ultrasound involves creating images of the blood vessels within your body.
Some patients will be referred for a scan which gives a picture on a screen, often called a Duplex Scan.
You also may be referred for a test which involves listening to the blood flow and taking pressure measurements at the ankle and arm, often called a Doppler test.
The results from these tests can help medical professionals confirm a diagnosis and plan your treatment.
Common conditions
We diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions in vascular testing. The main conditions we investigate are:
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Stroke/TIA
- Varicose veins
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Words you may hear during the scan
Below are a selection of words that you may hear during the scan.
- Artery - This is the blood vessel that takes the blood from your heart to the various organs and muscles in your body.
- Vein - This is the blood vessel that returns the blood from your organs and muscles back to your heart.
- Patent - This means that the artery or vein is open and clear for the blood flow.
- Stenosis - This means a narrowing within a segment of one of your blood vessels.
- Occluded - This means there is a segment of one of your blood vessels that is completely blocked.
- Thrombus - This is usually found in the veins and is where the blood has become congealed and is creating an obstruction.
- Collateral branch - This is a route that the blood is taking to avoid a blockage (occlusion) or narrowing (stenosis).
- Competent - This means that the vein that we are looking at is working as expected.
- Incompetent - This means that the vein that we are looking at is no longer functioning correctly and is causing the blood to drain in the wrong direction.
- Fistula – This is the connection created between the artery and vein to allow dialysis.
Life in Bristol & Beyond
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Bristol - A city that doesn't just buzz
Bristol Attractions
Bristol Festivals
Bristol's Beautiful Views
Working in the Wellbeing Centre & Bristol Brain Centre
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