Practice Educator in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ultrasound

Job overview

Join us as a Practice Educator Sonographer and put your specialist skills at the centre of a service that truly values professional and patient centred compassionate care. We’re looking for confident, highly trained professionals with a PG Certificate/Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) from a CASE‑accredited institution, with the experience and enthusiasm to train a new generation of sonographers.

You’ll use your expertise to independently perform and report a wide range of maternity and gynaecology scans, working within a team where clinical excellence is the standard. Our sonographers are supported by fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, early pregnancy experts, and gynaecologists, giving you direct access to multidisciplinary insight and ongoing professional development.

You will provide guidance and support to both existing staff as well as trainee sonographers to meet their CPD requirements.

We’re a small, committed team with a strong learning culture, high clinical standards, and a genuine appreciation for specialist skill. With flexible working options and full‑time or part‑time contracts, you can shape a role that fits your life as well as your ambitions.

If you want your skills to be recognised, supported, and put to meaningful use, we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical:

• process, with support from the Directorate Manager or Deputy as appropriate; ensures that Trust targets for completed appraisals are met. Assists the Lead sonographer in performing staff appraisals under the Trust’s Values in Action
• Supports the Lead sonographer in undertaking the first stages of performance management in line with Trust policy; escalates issues to the Directorate Manager / Deputy as necessary
• Assists in the recruitment and selection of staff within own area of responsibility; actively promotes diversity in the recruitment, management and development of staff. Ensures relevant paperwork is completed for new starters, leavers etc.
• Contributes to strategic planning and service development in conjunction with the Lead sonographer.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of Clinical Governance processes relevant to own area of responsibility.
• Supports the Quality Manager in the development and production of Ultrasound documentation relevant to area of responsibility; ensures all documentation meets the relevant Quality Standards for Imaging (QSI) standards
• Independently undertakes general ultrasound sessions, providing comprehensive and accurate computerised reports on all examinations
• Performs and reports a wide range of ultrasound examinations. Recognises the sonographic characteristics of normal and abnormal tissues; adjusts scanning technique to optimise image quality
• Demonstrates the professional knowledge and skills necessary for the interpretation and reporting of a range of patient conditions; provides an authorised report of clinical findings to the referring clinician
• Is able to interpret complex data in order to ascertain and identify any observable pathological or incidental findings, including those with diverse or complex presentations/multiple pathologies
• Evaluates referrals with respect to appropriate clinical details and gathers relevant information from the patient or their representative. Uses such information to develop or adapt the procedure to optimise the diagnostic outcome
• Discusses incomplete or inappropriate referrals with Consultant Radiologists and/or requesting clinicians as soon as possible to ensure prompt and correct clinical management
• Identifies any contraindications to the procedure such as clinical condition, medication, insufficient patient preparation or any inability or unwillingness on the part of the patient to tolerate the procedure
• Is aware of current literature regarding the potential hazards of diagnostic ultrasound and the need to minimise doses at all times
• Is responsible for the clinical management and care of the patient ensuring patient safety, privacy and dignity is maintained at all times. To include movement or transfer on and off the ultrasound couch using safe handling devices (i.e. hoists) where necessary
• Communicates with the patient or their representative the purpose of the ultrasound examination and where applicable the significance of the results. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present and explain clinical information
• Has the empathic skills necessary to handle potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an appropriate and compassionate manner
• Obtains informed consent from patients prior to undertaking procedures, as appropriate to individual circumstances (which may be of an intimate and personal nature). Offers chaperone support as required or at patient request
• Is responsible for the care, cleanliness and superficial maintenance of ultrasound equipment and accessories, with particular reference to intra-cavity probes. Follows manufacturers’ guidelines and local infection control procedures at all times
• Has a sound knowledge of ultrasound equipment technology; is able to identify and rectify minor faults. Is fully conversant with local processes for reporting and logging faults
• Ensures own work area is kept clean and tidy at all times; maintains professionally high standards in appearance, hygiene, manner, punctuality, attendance and competence
• Participates in the provision of 7-day and/or extended day clinical services, as required

Teaching, Training & Research:

• Has lead responsibility for the education, training and development of obstetric and gynaecology sonographers at the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS FT
• Coordinates and delivers the learning experience of student sonographers undertaking the Post graduate Certificate in Medical Ultrasound. Is fully conversant with the programme curriculum and design
• To foster a positive educational environment of learning providing clinical expertise and knowledge across all areas of obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound
• Understands the standards and achievements expected at each level of training and has a clear understanding of the learning outcomes expected of each student
• Participates in the delivery of skills teaching across relevant curricula frameworks
• Identifies and supports developments and initiatives in the practice setting to underpin the educational programme.
• To lead inductions and develop learning programmes for newly qualified and newly recruited staff.
• Assists in the training Medical staff in specialised areas of the service
• Keep up to date with all relevant mandatory training and department protocols. Advise lead sonographer of any identified potential protocols changes that may be required due to change in National guidance.
• Coordinating, organising and performing clinical competency assessments, as required by education providers. Ensuring the provision of robust assessment, clear feedback and remedial support mechanisms as required.
• Actively pursues training courses/study days applicable to own role in order to maintain a high level of expertise and current knowledge

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.