Independent Vascular Services Limited (IVS) was established in May 1999 with the aim of developing non-invasive vascular investigations across the North West region.
Initially, we provided services to two hospitals, performing approximately 1,000 investigations per year. Recognised as a provider of high quality and reliable services, we now provide full time services to eight NHS hospitals, and sessional services to several other NHS hospitals in the North West and five private hospitals, performing over 80,000 investigations in 2016/2017. We also supply weekend services to four hospitals.
We currently employ 48 Clinical Vascular Scientists, 28 fully accredited and 20 trainees. Our staff are highly trained, exceeding the standards set by The Society for Vascular Technology for GB and Ireland, and are audited every six months to ensure the quality and reliability of both investigation and reporting. With many decades of combined experience, our staff have developed good communication skills and are regularly asked to teach doctors, nurses, managers and patients. As our greatest asset, our staff participate in the IVS share incentive scheme which fully involves them in achieving our mission.
The North West region has one of the highest incidences of vascular disease in Europe. IVS is committed to improving services to reduce the impact of this disease. We are continually involved in research into a range of vascular diseases and the development of new diagnostic tests and vascular treatments.
IVS was the first vascular ultrasound service in the UK to receive independent accreditation but UKAS.
We currently operate 8 of the 9 UK-wide accredited services. All our sites have just completed their third UKAS insepction.
Stroke/Carotid duplex
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Varicose veins
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Lower limb arterial disease
Popliteal entrapment
Upper limb arterial disease
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Pelvic vein incompetence
Specialist vascular research support
Quality Assurance support for AAA screning service