Sonographer in Leicester

Working pattern: Full Time / Part Time / Weekend / Flexible shift patterns available.

To hold a qualification in Medical Ultrasound and be competent to undertake an Ultrasound scan and report it independently. A minimum requirement is a Pg. Cert in Medical Ultrasound accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) or assessed for equivalence by the ultrasound management team. HCPC, NMC or RCT registration is also essential. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Teaching experience for trainee sonographers and specialist registrars is welcomed. The role welcomes trainees nearing the end of their Ultrasound training or midwife sonographers qualified in Ultrasound.

Main duties of the job:

• Maintain a high level of clinical expertise in Ultrasound imaging and reporting.
• Oversight and assistance in the training of new staff and continuous development of departmental staff to enable adequate cover and meet ongoing demands of the service.
• Provide reports based on ultrasound findings, suggesting a diagnosis or differential diagnosis and advising follow-up where appropriate.
• Recognise when findings require urgent follow-up or referral and take appropriate action, seeking advice when outside area of expertise.
• Assist in the development, documentation and monitoring of protocols for working practice within the Ultrasound areas; review regularly and when changes are introduced.
• Ensure housekeeping duties are carried out, electronic systems kept up to date, and justification of ultrasound requests ensures timely appointment booking.
• Monitor quality of service to patients, participate in development and implementation of proposals for improving services.
• Participate fully in regular monitoring and review of performance and quality management of all aspects of the Ultrasound service.
• Ensure care and comfort of the patient whilst they are in Ultrasound areas, respecting privacy, dignity, religious and cultural beliefs.
• Ensure non-medical staff are aware of Trust complaints procedure and that complaints are dealt with in accordance with this procedure.
• Work closely with all Clinical Leads to provide optimum patient care and continually seek ways of improving standards and performance.
• Promote research and audit within the Ultrasound areas to support good practice and provide documentation accordingly.
• Organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need and take responsibility for and organise sections of the department as required, including senior coordination.
• Monitor capacity and demand of the service and assist in reviewing working practices to accommodate any shift in requirements.

Training & Qualifications:

• Qualified Sonographer with MSC, DMU, Post Graduate Diploma or certificate in Medical Ultrasound (consideration for those nearing completion of qualification). Qualifications should be CASE accredited or deemed CASE equivalent; learning outcomes of course content to be provided for mapping.
• HCPC registration or RCT registration.

Experience:

• Experience of working/training in an Ultrasound Department undertaking sonography.
• Experience of independent reporting.
• Sound clinical knowledge of ultrasound.
• Ability to perform abdomen, obstetrics and/or gynaecological scans.
• Awareness of current professional issues.
• DVT/vascular scanning.
• Paediatric scanning.
• Previous Sonographer post.
• Previous evidence of teaching/mentoring.
• Specialised ultrasound skills considered based on qualification and service need.
• Previous NHS experience.

Communication and Relationship Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, reflecting a positive, professional attitude at all times.
• Understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to have a caring, sensitive attitude toward other people, patients and staff.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and gain commitment.
• Ability to demonstrate and build working relationships at all levels within multidisciplinary teams.
• Understanding of team working and own contribution to the team.
• Display enthusiasm and commitment to succeed in the role.
• Willingness and ability to take charge and coordinate a department area.
• Ability to analyse and discuss problems from both sides of a situation and provide a report on it.
• Evidence of understanding and utilisation of a range of methods to ensure effective communication within the Department, Imaging Service and Trust.
• Experience of conducting appraisals on junior staff.
• Understanding of own strengths and weaknesses.
• Ability in negotiating and influencing staff colleagues.

Analytical and Judgement Skills:

• Ability to use and act on own initiative.
• Good strategic thinker.
• Strong analytical and critical reasoning/problem solving.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems.
• Participation in audit and a reflective attitude to feedback.
• Evidence of involvement in facilitating change.

Physical Skills:

• Ability to manoeuvre ultrasound equipment.
• Ability to manoeuvre wheelchairs, trolleys and beds and aid patient transfer following appropriate training.
• Able to deal with body fluid spillages.

Planning and Organisation Skills:

• Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience of leading a task group.
• Evidence of attending/chairing meetings.
• Experience of presenting CPD/audit to colleagues (verbal or written).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others.

Other Requirements Specific to the Role:

• Proven good time-keeping and sickness record.
• Able to work flexible hours and adapt to changes in the working week.
• Participate in out-of-hours shifts including weekends and Bank Holidays to provide a 7-day service.
• Able and willing to work at any of the UHL hospital sites.
• Desire for self-development and improvement in others.
• Demonstrate commitment to CPD.
• Sound knowledge of clinical governance.
• Awareness and understanding of national policy concerning patient care and developments within the NHS.
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake post-graduate training courses.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours:

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

• This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.