Trainee Sonographer Hereford

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Ultrasound Department as a Trainee Sonographer. This is a two-year training post combining academic study with supervised clinical practice, leading to qualification as a sonographer.

The successful candidate will undertake a postgraduate ultrasound programme at the University of the West of England (UWE) while gaining hands-on clinical experience within our friendly and supportive department.

Throughout the programme, you will work alongside experienced sonographers, Consultant Sonographers and the wider multidisciplinary team to develop the knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours required to become a competent sonographer.

During your training, you will progressively learn to perform and interpret a range of ultrasound examinations under supervision, including obstetric, abdominal and gynaecological. You will also develop excellent communication skills, provide compassionate patient-centred care, and contribute to maintaining high standards of clinical practice and patient safety.

This role is ideal for an individual who is committed to lifelong learning, has excellent interpersonal skills, and is passionate about delivering high-quality diagnostic services. You should be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team and demonstrate the ability to manage academic study alongside clinical training.

Main duties of the job

As a Trainee Sonographer, you will work under the supervision of qualified Sonographers while developing the knowledge and practical skills required to become an autonomous practitioner. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting qualified Sonographers in the delivery of high-quality obstetric ultrasound services.
• Developing the skills and competencies required to independently perform ultrasound examinations in accordance with departmental protocols and professional standards.
• Assisting with the organisation and prioritisation of daily workloads to ensure patient needs are met efficiently and effectively.
• Communicating with patients in a professional, compassionate, and sensitive manner, including discussing examination findings under the supervision and assessment of a qualified Sonographer.
• Using developing clinical judgement, within your level of competence and training, to determine the most appropriate screening pathway for each patient.
• Recognising and escalating any unexpected or abnormal findings to a qualified Sonographer to ensure timely review and appropriate clinical action.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and contributing to the delivery of a safe, effective, and patient-centred ultrasound service.
• Participating in the required postgraduate academic programme and completing all clinical competencies necessary to achieve qualification as a Sonographer.

About us

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a member of an NHS Foundation Group with South Warwickshire University NHS FT, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospitals Trust.

Located on the border with Wales in the shadow of the Black Mountains, we provide acute and community services across Herefordshire and into parts of Powys and run Hereford County Hospital and the community hospitals in Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

We are a progressive and forward looking trust with ambitious plans to improve quality and integrate patient pathways through close collaborative working with our partners to deliver the quality of care wed want for our family and friends.

More than 3,000 people work for the Trust they tell us its a great place to work, blending the busyness of a DGH with the benefits of working in a beautiful rural and unspoilt county like Herefordshire.

We can offer a great work-life balance and have a fine tradition of working with staff to help them achieve their full potential.

Russell Hardy, Trust Chairman: "The strength of the Trust is its amazing staff; a great place to work, a great place to develop your career and a great place to reach your potential."

Our values

Care, Accountability, Respect and Excellence are at the heart of all we do. We believe in providing the right care in the right place at the right time.

Job responsibilities

This post is subject to a successful University application. This is a two-year development role combining postgraduate study with supervised clinical training. During Year 1 you will develop competencies in obstetric ultrasound. Subject to successful completion of all academic and clinical requirements, you will progress to Year 2, where training will expand to include general medical and gynaecological ultrasound.

The successful candidate will undertake a postgraduate ultrasound programme with the University of the West of England (UWE). On successful completion of the programme, trainees will be eligible to apply for Band 7 Sonographer vacancies within the Trust.

• Work alongside qualified Sonographers to deliver high-quality ultrasound services.
• Develop the skills and competencies required to perform ultrasound examinations safely and independently.
• Provide compassionate, patient-centred care and communicate effectively with patients and the multidisciplinary team.
• Recognise and elevate abnormal findings appropriately.
• Maintain accurate patient records and use Trust IT systems effectively.
• Participate fully in the postgraduate training programme, completing all academic and clinical competencies.
• Contribute to clinical governance, quality improvement and the delivery of a safe, effective ultrasound service.
• Comply with all Trust policies relating to health and safety, infection prevention, confidentiality and information governance.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated healthcare professional looking to develop a rewarding career in diagnostic ultrasound within a supportive and experienced team.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

• Degree in science-based subject (must meet post-graduate training entry requirements).

Desirable

• BSC in Radiography, Midwifery or equivalent care qualification.

Skills, knowledge and abilities

Essential

• Good communication skills in both written and verbal settings
• Good interpersonal skills with others such as patients, work colleagues and other modalities
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Responsible for own professional development and education
• Good hand-eye coordination and high degree of accuracy (e.g. manipulation of scanning equipment)
• Ability to undertake self-directed study at the required level to achieve the Sonographer qualification and competencies, including theory and practical elements

Experience

Essential

• Work as a team member within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience working in a clinical role for at least 2 years prior to applying

Desirable

• Experience working within imaging

Personal attributes

Essential

• Reliable/ Good time keeper
• Flexible approach
• Interest in Sonography and undertaking a learning programme

Other factors

Essential

• Ability to fulfil the travel requirements of post
• Ability to meet all of the academic, clinical and practical requirements of the training programme.
• Able to work on a rota basis covering 7 days a week 365 days a year to cover the service demands.

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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.