Ultrasonographer

Job summary

Band 7 Sonographer - with additional Recruitment & Retention Premium (RRP)

**Previous applicants need not apply**

Our Ultrasound department consists of 16 rooms: 6 General, 6 Obstetrics, 1 EPAU, 1 ACU 1 ACU and 1 satellite clinic. All our rooms are all equipped with the latest GE machines. We are a busy and dynamic department doing a wide variety of examinations such as Obstetric, Gynae, General Abdominal, Small Parts, Vascular, Paediatric and MSK ultrasound.

We have a culture which fosters innovation and supports new ideas whilst also ensuring our people are well supported so that they have high rates of employee satisfaction and are professionally developing to be the leaders of tomorrow.

The successful candidate will work mainly at the Chelsea and Westminster site but may cover West Middlesex Hospital site when services require.

The minimum scanning requirements for this role: Obstetrics US (FASP & GAP knowledge and application), Gynaecology and general abdominal ultrasound is essential. This includes scanning, independent reporting and onward recommendation of all modalities in line with national and local guidelines and protocols.. Small parts, MSK, vascular and paediatrics (including GRAF hips) ultrasound skills are desirable.

Previous candidates need not apply.

Main duties of the job

To independently scan and report examinations in obstetrics, gynaecology and general abdominal ultrasound. Paediatric, vascular and MSK ultrasound may also be performed depending on experience and training.
Please refer to the job description for more details

Key working relation relationships

All members of staff within the Department
All levels of hospital staff, patients and members of the public
He/she will develop a particularly close relationship with consultants and senior nursing and administrative staff

About us

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities

Communication and Relationship Skills

To communicate with other staff members to ensure the smooth running of the Department.
To communicate with patients and relatives in a professional and reassuring manner, especially in difficult or emotional circumstances.
To deliver distressing news/results to patients regarding fetal abnormalities with the appropriate empathy.

Knowledge and Experience

To undertake all ultrasound duties independently, efficiently and to provide a highly specialised clinical service.
To produce accurate reports and formal diagnostic opinion in a timely manner based on examinations undertaken.
To ensure that patients receive a high standard of care throughout all ultrasound specialties.
To display competence and confidence to undertake intimate procedures including transvaginal scans ensuring relevant consent procedures have been adhered.
To have the appropriate precise skills required for ultrasound techniques such as nuchal measurements in obstetric medicine.
To be able to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the use of highly specialised equipment.
The post-holder will be expected to be proficient, and to teach, in the more specialised techniques practiced in ultrasound scanning and the Obstetric Unit. To be able to propose a review of clinical procedures and protocols in the department.
To assist with the practical training and mentoring of more junior staff and student sonographers and to be capable of providing instructions/information to those staff in a motivational manner. They will also be required to train radiology registrars in ultrasound techniques.
The weekly hours of the appointee will reflect the 7 day working pattern of the department. To participate in the on call and stand by rotas as required. To be able to work independently in all areas of the department during these times.
To contribute to, and feedback from, meetings relevant to the imaging service i.e. to attend MDT meetings relevant to patients who have been in their care.

Judgment and Analysis

To be able to offer good clinical judgment when assessing and interpreting images produced by themselves or more junior staff.

Organisational Skills

To report and record all equipment faults. To be able to assist with the diagnosis and remedy of routine faults and assist with daily maintenance on all ultrasound imaging equipment.

Physical Skills and Requirements

To demonstrate and employ the high degree of dexterity required to position complex equipment used in the acquisition of images. To be able to accurately manipulate and position patients to ensure most accurate diagnosis.
To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques and apply those techniques to both patients and equipment.

Direct Patient Care

To contribute to, and feedback from, meetings relevant to the imaging service i.e to attend MDT meetings relevant to patients who have been in their care.

Research

To become involved in any on-going audit/research programmes as appropriate.

Service Development

To monitor and propose amendments, where necessary, to policies and protocols in current area of work/supervision.
To ensure that the local rules and protocols are strictly adhered to.
To participate in the departmental quality assurance programmes as required.
With appropriate training and experience, to oversee and manage the effective operation of any sub-modality within ultrasound. This will involve a close working relationship with the radiology team.
To become involved in any on-going audit/research programmes as appropriate.

Personnel

The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic performance appraisal, in accordance with the Trust guidelines.
The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service.

IT Skills

To become fully conversant with the hospital IT system and various reporting systems including the input and amendment of clinical data.
To become fully conversant with the

Autonomy

With appropriate training and experience, to oversee and manage the effective operation of any sub-modality within ultrasound. This will involve a close working relationship with the radiology team.

Emotional and Mental Requirements

The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service.

Working Environment

To ensure that the rules and procedures of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are strictly adhered to, and that all working areas are kept clean and safe.

To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques and apply those techniques to both patients and equipment

Other Requirements/ Responsibilities

To strive to achieve competencies required to progress within their role and beyond.
To maintain a commitment to, and take responsibility for personal development utilising principles of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the knowledge and skills

Communication

Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.

These duties are not exhaustive and will be reviewed with the post holder, allowing for amendments within the broad scope and band level of the role.

All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

PG dip Ultrasound or international equivalent or DMU
Interest in further study and CPD including research.
Post Grad qualification or commitment to study.
Voluntary register held by RCT or other regulatory body (HCPC, GMC or NMC)

Experience

Essential

Minimum of 6 months
Broad experience in ultrasound techniques including Obstetrics, Gynae, Abdominal and Small parts

Clinical Skills

Essential

Vast experience in US (MSK, Vascular, Paeds, Obs&Gynae, General)

Desirable

Post-grad certification (or equivalent) in a speciality area

Communication skills

Essential

Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and effectively to both patients and staff and in challenging circumstances

Desirable

Evidence of E&D training, Conflict resolution training, communication training

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Fulham Road

London

SW10 9NH

Employer's website

https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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