Obstetric Sonographer | North Bristol NHS Trust

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.

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).
• Experience of working as an independent reporting Obstetric sonographer in the NHS (or similar size/type of organisation).

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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Vetting and triaging ultrasound requests.
• Being actively involved in training trainee sonographers.
• Supporting ultrasound audits and QA.
• Attending clinical governance mornings for training and feedback on interesting cases.
• Involvement in CPD, including attending courses as needed.

We currently have a team of 21 Sonographers working within our Obstetric ultrasound team, and have 2 trainee Sonographers at present training in Obstetric and Early Pregnancy ultrasound. We also work alongside a team of dedicated image support workers who support the Sonographers in the day to day running of our clinics. We have a friendly, diverse team of Sonographers who strive to work to high standards, supporting each other, whilst keeping the patient at the centre of all we do. We work closely and collaboratively with our Fetal Medicine, Midwifery and Obstetrics colleagues, to ensure we provide excellent patient care and a supportive work environment.

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.