Qualified Sonographer in Gateshead

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic motivated Band 7 Sonographer/s on a permanent contract to join our busy, friendly ultrasound team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. Our Ultrasound department covers a range of specialities, and we are committed to supporting our sonographers with advanced practice. Successful applicants will be required to scan at our main hospital site, Blaydon and at the Metrocentre.

To apply as a qualified sonographer you must hold a UK recognised Pg Certificate in Medical Ultrasound that is CASE accredited (additional ultrasound qualifications would be desirable) and you must have at least 2 years' experience working in the NHS.

Main duties of the job:

• Maintain a high standard work ethic driven by a commitment to improve patient care.
• Willingness to work within the current shift rota to cover the 7 day service at all radiology locations.
• Completion of clinical competencies to scan and report ultrasound independently.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and possess a high level of interpersonal and communication skills.
• Responsible for producing high quality ultrasound images within the radiology service both at QEH and satellite diagnostic sites.
• Deliver a first class service meeting the needs of referrers and patients.
• Perform and independently report on a comprehensive range of ultrasound protocols in accordance with departmental protocols while maintaining the highest quality of patient care and imaging.

About us:

Based in the North East of England, we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead. Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients. We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.

Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement. We have a number of staff networks including the BAME network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme to cater for our diverse workforce.

Job responsibilities:

• Work as part of the ultrasound team performing a comprehensive range of ultrasound examinations without supervision.
• Independently interpret ultrasound images, produce comprehensive clinical reports and communicate information regarding diagnosis directly to referrers and patients in accordance with departmental protocols.
• Support the Ultrasound Services to deliver a first class ultrasound service.
• Contribute to Service Development, Quality Improvements and take an active role in Safecare (Clinical Governance) activities.
• Support Lead Radiographer in improving quality of service whilst working towards the Imaging Services Accreditation Scheme.
• Contribute towards the efficient deployment of resources enabling patients to receive safe, accurate and timely examinations.
• Prioritise patients and organise workload from a variety of referral pathways to meet the needs of the service.
• Contribute towards finding solutions that will meet the changing demands on the ultrasound service.
• Be competent in the safe use of complex ultrasound equipment.
• Maintain a high standard of patient care and professional conduct.
• Responsible for the implementation of Trust and Radiology policies and procedures within the ultrasound department.
• Provide services in a manner that supports the Trust's Equality and Diversity ethos.
• Have a flexible approach to work to support trust objectives and departmental plans.

Person Specification:

• At least 2 years experience working in the NHS.
• DMU / PGDip Medical Ultrasound from Consortium Accreditation Sonographic Education (CASE) accredited institution.
• 2:1 degree in a health related subject.

Skills:

• Prioritise and manage workload according to clinical need.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Able to scan and report Ultrasound scans independently to a high standard.

Special requirements:

• Must be able to work flexibly within the US rota to maintain extended 7 day service.
• Able to work at main hospital site and all satellite sites.

Experience:

• Evidence of continuous professional development.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum pro rata.