Registered Midwife Specialist - Midwife Sonographer

Job overview

To undertake and report a range of third trimester obstetric ultrasound examinations within the maternity department at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, excluding twin or multiple pregnancies and detailed placental assessment. The role ensures consistent high-quality imaging, accurate reporting, and safe patient care in line with departmental and national standards.

Key duties include performing scans to a high professional standard, using sound knowledge of fetal anatomy and pathology to produce accurate diagnostic reports. The post holder must follow strict third trimester protocols for women between 28 weeks’ gestation and term, assessing fetal heart rate, head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), amniotic fluid volume, Doppler analysis, and basic placental position. Cases involving twins or complex placental issues must be redirected appropriately.

The sonographer is responsible for patient safety and wellbeing, communicating findings with empathy, particularly if abnormalities are suspected. Any concerns must be escalated to the Fetal Medicine Consultant or senior sonographers, with referrals as required.

The role includes maintaining accurate records using Viewpoint and CRIS, participating in peer review, supporting training, adhering to professional standards (SoR, BMUS, FASP, NICE, RCOG), and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and Trust policies.

Main duties of the job

The Specialist Midwife provides expert midwifery leadership within a designated area, promoting an open and positive culture where all staff feel heard and supported to speak up. The post holder ensures compliance with external regulatory requirements, including CQC standards and national recommendations, and contributes to governance through audit, guideline development, risk management, patient safety, and complaint responses.

The role includes approximately 30% clinical duties and 70% specialist responsibilities such as service development, education, and quality improvement. The post holder works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team and MNVP to enhance maternity care and outcomes.

They lead a cohesive workforce and promote effective communication within their team, across the wider multidisciplinary team, and with service users, including delivering health promotion advice. The Specialist Midwife maintains their own clinical competence and supports staff to remain up to date with mandatory and role-specific training, including managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, even in situations without immediate medical support.

The role also includes line management responsibilities within the specialist area

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.