Sonographer -UHL

Job overview

The post holder will be a qualified sonographer ideally holding a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent and a postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound. Experience in obstetric or MSK ultrasound is desirable. They will work autonomously within a busy general ultrasound department interpreting complex findings, identifying pathological and incidental abnormalities and escalating appropriately.

They will vet and prioritise ultrasound referrals to ensure safe, timely imaging. They will produce high-quality diagnostic reports in accordance with local and national guidelines, providing clear recommendations for management or follow-up. Strong communication skills are essential, including explaining procedures and communicating findings sensitively.

They will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across Trust and community services. They will support supervision and development of junior staff and trainees and contribute to audit, quality improvement, and service development while maintaining professional accountability.

They will demonstrate strong technical, analytical, communication and patient-centred skills, delivering specialised sonographic imaging to a high professional standard. They will ensure timely and accurate diagnostic input through effective decision-making, actively manage ultrasound requests, provide clinical advice and reporting, and may deputise in the absence of senior staff.

RRP OF £5000

Main duties of the job

• Although this role is essentially within the ultrasound department at University Hospital Lewisham, there may be opportunities to work cross- site within the Trust. Patient population will be from a diverse background, which can include those from high dependency units and the critically ill. To independently undertake and report diagnostic ultrasound procedures, maintaining high professional standards of technical competence and ensuring excellent standards of care at all times. To be accountable for own professional actions and work within codes of practice and professional guidelines.  To work within multi-disciplinary team and hold strong communication /team work skill sets.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• 1 Performance Although this role is essentially within the ultrasound department at University Hospital Lewisham, there may be opportunities to work cross- site within the Trust. Patient population will be from a diverse background, which can include those from high dependency units and the critically ill. · Workforce
• To ensure accurate use, including recording and reporting on the Trust’s computerised radiology information systems (RIS).
• To take responsibility for maintaining and sharing knowledge through regular CPD activity and undertaking regular departmental audits to help identify and close gaps in service and areas for improvement.
• To train new staff, student sonographers, specialist registrars, medical students and work experience students in specialist areas.
• To be responsible for leading and co-ordinating the team in an allocated area in the absence of the lead sonographer. This will involve being able to cope with frequent interruptions from both colleagues and other medical and non-medical staff of the Trust.
• To make proposals for, assist and/or lead in the implementation of changes in working practice as agreed by departmental working groups.
• To be able to continually prioritise the imaging of patients within the department throughout the day.
• To identify and act in accordance with local guidelines, any potential high-risk diagnosis either whilst imaging or directly following completion of an examination.
• To maintain a clean working environment. This may include disposing of blood and body fluids in accordance with Trust policy.
• Finance
• To be continually mindful of using resources in an efficient manner.
• To use and supervise the use of very expensive, specialist equipment with care and due diligence.
• Assist in ordering, checking and monitoring of stock and escalating concerns appropriately with the lead sonographer in the area.
• To sign timesheets and vouch for the hours worked by Agency and Bank staff engaged in the department.
• There is no budgetary knowledge required other than to have a general awareness that any increase in use of consumables will increase the cost of service provision.
• Partnerships
• To offer advice and guidance to patients, carers and other health professionals on sonographic and specialised procedures, taking due consideration of the patient’s condition. · To inform and promote radiology guidelines and departmental policies to other healthcare professionals
• To obtain informed consent from patients or their carers prior to undertaking procedures  as appropriate to individual circumstances and barriers.
• To communicate the results of normal and abnormal scans to patients and relatives and ensuring that information is clearly understood.
• To use communication skills to impart bad news to distressed patients and relatives sensitively, and with empathy, and assist in determining appropriate referral pathway to other health care professionals
• Be able to use computer hardware/software proficiently whilts processing images , e.g. reporting; processing of images on specialised equipment to create 3D images needing a high level of dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
• To promote good relations with other directorates and hospitals
• To attend any meetings as required by the Radiology Business Manager, Head of Radiography or a Superintendent Radiographer/Sonographer.
• General
• To attend any relevant study days and in-house lectures and training afternoons, including all compulsory staff training courses.
• To provide assistance and be actively involved in departmental projects and audits
• To take part in the department’s personal appraisal scheme (PDR).
• To apply performance management of staff supported by the Trust’s policy
• To deliver and take part in CPD
• To deliver and take part in 1-1 coaching.
• To take every opportunity for self-development in extended sonographic roles
• To give lectures and presentations within the Trust and to outside organisations on areas of special interest.
• To carry out all responsibilities with regard to all Trust Policies and relevant legislation