Obstetric Sonographer

Job overview

Are you a Sonographer with experience of working in the NHS, looking for a new opportunity to develop advanced practice?

Our highly skilled team of Sonographers have an exciting opening available to work in our Obstetric Ultrasound department to cover maternity leave, performing a variety of scans including Dating, FTCS, Anomaly, Growth and Placental siting ultrasound scans.

We offer a varied and interesting workload, including performing uterine artery dopplers and cervical length scans. We can also offer the  opportunity to rotate through non-obstetric services, in specialities such as general, gynaecology, MSK, head and neck, and baby hips ultrasound.

Find out more about the team in our departmental video:

Imaging at North Bristol NHS Trust

Successful post holders must hold:

• Post-graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound or equivalent.
• BSc in Radiography, Midwifery or equivalent.
• A current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration or be on the RCT (Register of Clinical Technologists).
• Have experience of working as an independent reporting Obstetric sonographer in the NHS (or similar size/type of organisation).

Main duties of the job

• This role requires you to have a good scanning technique, the ability to process complex information, good written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work with colleagues from Band 2 support staff to consultants, keeping the patient’s best interest at the centre of what you do.
• Ultrasound lists take place at Southmead Hospital, in our Women and Children's Health quarter.
• You will be able to competently scan and independently report ultrasound scans in line with FASP standards, to the level required in the NHS, including complex information. Training will be given in specific areas as required.
• Vetting and triaging ultrasound requests.
• Be actively involved in training trainee sonographers.
• Be involved in and supporting ultrasound audits and QA.
• Attend clinical governance mornings for training and feedback interesting cases.
• Be involved in CPD, including attending courses as needed.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The role requires individual accountability for independently performing and reporting routine and complex ultrasound examinations in accordance with the ultrasound departmental guidelines and relevant professional body's code of conduct.
• Ability to independently report examinations to meet current FASP standards.
• Understanding the clinical significance of ultrasound findings in the context of the clinical question and patient’s clinical history, reflecting this in the report.
• Ability to analyse relevant clinical information, including other test results and use this to perform and / or adapt the techniques required to undertake a satisfactory examination and diagnosis.
• Provide advice on future patient management to clinicians and / or relatives where appropriate
• Ability to communicate scan findings directly to patients and clinicians in an empathetic and sensitive manner. Occasionally having to impart highly distressing information and unpleasant news sensitively and providing counselling and reassurance.

For full details of the job description and responsibilities please see the attached job description.