Ultrasound Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Job overview

Due to increased demand, there is a vacancy for an enthusiastic and highly motivated sonographer at the Denmark Hill site.  If you are dynamic and proactive, you would be ideal to join our friendly team.

You must be either HCPC registered or  have a relevant professional qualification with a PGDip/MSc in Medical Ultrasound (or equivalent).

We enjoy a close working relationship and are fully supported by our radiology consultant colleagues.

Previously shortlisted candidates need not apply.

For further details on the above or to request an informal visit, please contact Jennifer Andrews-Kirkwood, Ultrasound Clinical Specialist Manager, General Ultrasound Department, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS via 0203 2993059.

Main duties of the job

The work at Denmark Hill is complex and varied, serving a diverse local population while also functioning as a tertiary referral centre for a range of medical and surgical specialties. A significant proportion of the workload involves complex liver imaging, for which full training will be provided. Sonographers are expected to perform ultrasound examinations independently across the ultrasound department, inpatient wards and intensive care units, including bedside scanning of critically ill patients.

The department supports several one-stop liver clinics and maintains a flexible approach to accommodating urgent same-day referrals. Sonographers are also involved in Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), while MSK sonographers have extended their scope of practice to include ultrasound-guided injections.

Applicants must have substantial experience in abdominal, gynaecological (transabdominal and transvaginal) and small parts ultrasound. Experience in paediatric ultrasound and/or MSK injections is desirable but not essential. Recent NHS ultrasound experience is required.

The department is committed to education and regularly trains radiology registrars, student sonographers and radiographers. Proven teaching and mentoring experience, excellent communication skills, adaptability and a collaborative approach are essential. The successful candidate will contribute to research, audit, service development and ongoing quality improvement.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To provide timely, efficient and courteous provision of ultrasound services to the agreed standards in the general ultrasound department.
• To take responsibility for own case load and report independently on the images at the time of the examination and to discuss results, give reassurance when appropriate to patients
• To be accountable for own professional actions and work within codes of Practice and professional guidelines
• To communicate complex information relating to conditions and procedures to staff, patients and carers, and ensure informed consent for examinations.
• To position patients accurately for each examination, adapting techniques in accordance with the patient’s needs.
• Deputise for the Clinical Specialist Manager in their absence.
• Provide input into the overall staffing strategy for the Ultrasound Department, to enable smooth running of the service.  This will include the re-allocation of workload and/or resources as necessary.
• To undertake specific roles in the day-to-day management of the department and will have specific duties within the service for which they will be expected to be responsible.
• To supervise, train and appraise student sonographer and Radiology registrars.
• Assess Radiology Registrar competency prior to them starting their own ultrasound lists and doing on call.
• Have a recognised professional qualification either as a Diagnostic Radiographer with the Healthcare Profession Council (HCPC) or other professional body.
• Hold recognised Post graduate medical ultrasound qualification from an accredited higher educational institution (HEI).
• Responsible for own continued profession development (CPD) undertaking various evidenced activities.
• Develop working partnerships and encourage effective communication between stakeholders.
• Anticipate barriers to effective communication and take steps to improve them.
• Communicate effectively with staff within and outside of the department to ensure the smooth operation of services.