Sonographer | Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

This post attracts a recruitment and retention premia. 7% uplift from basic salary for 3 years. Are you an enthusiastic, motivated individual with high clinical standards and a commitment to delivery of excellent patient care? We are recruiting a Sonographer to join our friendly forward thinking team in delivering a high quality diagnostic ultrasound service.

There are 14 scan rooms plus additional rooms in a bespoke women’s health unit. We have a range of modern equipment which is updated under a rolling replacement programme. You will work across all sites from outpatient and day case surgery on the Leigh site to complex inpatient cases as well as general medical and obstetrics on the Wigan sites plus additional scan sites within the community. Flexible working patterns may be required. Part time working/flexible working requests will be considered.

Candidates: Please be aware that you will be asked to present your original qualifications at interview. The role will require you to work across all areas in the Trust. Previous applicants need not apply.

A varied clinical skill mix within the range of obstetrics, gynae/transvaginal, general medical scans. Experience in small parts / MSK would also be desirable. For those who undertake obstetrics, the ability to take part in combined screening is required, therefore a DQASS sonographer code is essential. You will participate in regular clinical governance and audit.

We offer a flexible person centred and innovative approach to supporting staff and service development. There is also a student training programme within our academic hub in collaboration with the University. You will be welcomed by a supportive team of 15 Sonographers. We actively encourage and support CPD and further training (including MSK). There is a strong focus on in house mentoring and preceptorship to encourage personal development and promote leadership skills to enable you to develop and grow professionally.

Key Results from the Job Holder:

• To provide and deliver a high quality and effective Ultrasound service by independently performing Ultrasound examinations, interpreting the images, producing and issuing a report to the referring clinician and ensuring an optimum patient experience.
• Participate in the training of multi-disciplinary staff groups.
• Responsible for checking, vetting and prioritising ultrasound requests.
• To be constantly seeking ways to improve standards and performance – including audit and peer review.
• Assist and participate in biopsy and other interventional procedures if required.

Planning and Organisational Duties:

• Involvement in the vetting/prepping of referrals.
• To be flexible to changes in service demands.
• To participate in and keep records of equipment testing e.g., QA and post installation.
• Plans and prioritises own, (and Radiologists) workload.
• To maintain quality control procedures.
• To report equipment faults.
• To participate in an effective patient appointment system – monitoring appointment diaries and booking allocations as and when necessary.
• To be flexible and provide cover for colleagues (including Radiologists) as requested by Lead Sonographer and Deputy Clinical Leads.
• Organisation of and participation in meetings, CPD and audit.
• Involvement in maintaining stock levels.
• Participating in organisation of machine services and repairs.
• Facilitation of machine demonstrations and co-ordination choice and purchase of ultrasound equipment.

Communications and Key Working Relationships:

• To liaise with other departments, units, hospitals and other agencies as necessary.
• To attend and contribute to clinical audit and MDT meetings e.g., Ultrasound, Gynae and Urological meetings.
• To use the Radiology Information System (CRIS) and PACS to maintain and update accurate patient and departmental records to the standards expected within the directorate.
• To keep up to date with the Trusts information and Departmental policies.
• To safeguard at all times confidentiality of information relating to patients and staff.
• To be actively involved in research and development where appropriate.
• Participate in departmental audits and research projects e.g., Post and under graduate research studies.
• Production and update of patient information sheets when required.

Responsibility for Finance:

• To be proactive in the assessment and quality assurance of equipment taking into consideration the ability to provide a suitable level of service.
• To ensure the responsible use of all Ultrasound equipment and resources.

Responsibility for Human Resources:

• To support the departmental induction process for new work colleagues.
• To supervise all members of staff in the performance of their duties.

Responsibility for Health & Safety:

• To attend mandatory training courses including those with regard to Health and Safety and be familiar with Radiology Standard procedures within Ultrasound and other modalities where required.
• Regularly attending both theoretical and practical moving and handling sessions.
• Ensure the health and safety of all patients during Ultrasound procedures, which are undertaken both within the department and on the mobile equipment.
• To supervise all members of staff in the performance of their duties.
• To take part in Q.A measures in keeping with clinical governance.
• To ensure the responsible use of all Ultrasound equipment and resources.
• Supports Radiologists/Gynaecologists with interventional procedures.