Advanced Practitioner Sonographer

The Sonographer will provide highly specialised, autonomous ultrasound practice across a broad range of examinations, delivering expert clinical assessment, diagnosis and reporting to support high‑quality patient care. The post‑holder will act as a source of specialist knowledge within the Radiology service, contributing to the development of evidence‑based practice, service improvement and clinical governance. Working across all Trust sites, the post‑holder will independently manage a complex clinical caseload, communicate findings sensitively to patients and clinicians, and ensure that all examinations are performed to the highest professional and technical standards. The role includes supervising and supporting junior staff, contributing to training and education, and promoting a positive, collaborative multidisciplinary environment. The Sonographer will demonstrate strong leadership, uphold Trust values, and play an active role in audit, quality improvement and service development to ensure the delivery of a safe, efficient and patient‑centred ultrasound service. This role involves cross‑site working and applicants must be able to drive to get to all trust sites.

Main duties of the job:

• Exercise the highest standard of patient care and actively improve the patient experience within the Ultrasound department.
• To carry out Obstetric, Gynaecological, Abdominal, DVT, MSK, Carotid, Head & Neck and Small Parts Ultrasound examinations to agreed national and departmental protocols and standards.
• To undertake Ultrasound examinations competently, providing accurate and informative reports to support patient management.
• To verbally communicate scan results to patients when appropriate, including occasions where findings may be unwelcome, distressing, or inconclusive and require careful explanation.
• To prioritise patient welfare and safety at all times, adapting and modifying Ultrasound imaging techniques in response to individual patient needs and clinical conditions.
• Ensure that all Ultrasound referrals are vetted, justified and prioritised according to departmental protocol and clinical information.
• Seek clinical clarity where Ultrasound requests are ambiguous.
• To use the Radiology systems, CRIS and PACS appropriately to record patient examination details and images, abiding by the rules of patient confidentiality and GDPR.
• To rotate through all sites within the Trust: Stockton, Hartlepool & Peterlee sites, as and when required.
• To be expected to work weekends and extended days.
• Deliver teaching, clinical training, and knowledge‑sharing to student sonographers, midwives, student radiographers, radiology registrars, and obstetrics & gynaecology registrars.
• To take responsibility for professional conduct, acting as a role model within the department by upholding high standards of patient care and professionalism, and fostering the growth of a resilient and collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• To report any accidents, incidents or complaints to the Ultrasound Manager and record as per Trust policy.
• To take care of expensive Ultrasound equipment, reporting faults and breakdowns as per department guidelines.
• To participate in and undertake clinical research / audit / continuing professional development.
• To maintain effective communication within all disciplines of Radiology and with staff external to the department.
• To ensure high standards of infection control and health and safety are maintained in compliance with the Trust policies and procedures.
• To support equality and diversity in compliance with the Trust policies and procedures.
• To manage resources to achieve NHS targets.

Person specification:

• Experience: Evidence of NHS experience, Evidence of Team leadership / Motivational ability, Flexibility, IT skills – Use of reporting packages / Microsoft / Email, Participating in MDTS / CPPD.
• Knowledge / Qualification: PGCert in Ultrasound, CASE accredited course, PGDip or MSc in medical Ultrasound.
• Skills: Experience in performing and reporting General / Obstetric / Gynae ultrasound scans, Ability to organise own lists / work autonomously, Evidence of wide range scans to include Obstetrics, Teaching / Mentoring experience, Wide range of IT programmes used, Leadership Skills.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate. At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs. We are here to support you throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Disability: This is a Disability Confident Lead employer. We will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Right to Work in the UK: Applicants must meet the legal criteria for working in the UK and, if applicable, possess the necessary visa or sponsorship. Non‑UK/RoI candidates must provide required immigration documentation as part of the application process.

Employer certification / accreditation badges: You must have appropriate UK professional registration.