Sonographer

Job Summary

The post holder will be expected to provide an ultrasound service comprising of unsupervised scanning sessions. This may be at DHC’s community sites for AQP contracts or in hospitals for Trust contracts.

For each examination undertaken, a comprehensive diagnostic report will be formulated for the referring clinician. The sonographer will be accountable for their own professional actions (including reporting) and expected to act as a source of expertise for external consultations by other clinicians.

Diagnostic Healthcare is pleased to consider applications from both UK-based and international candidates. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate, subject to UK immigration requirements and the successful applicant meeting the necessary eligibility criteria.

Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake a range of ultrasound examinations in accordance with DHC’s, Local, Regional and National Guidelines, practising unsupervised
• To provide a full ultrasound scanning and reporting service within your scope of practice. This will require the use of analytical and judgemental skills to provide interpretation of ultrasound images in order to provide independent written examination reports over a range of ultrasound examinations
• Reports should make recommendations for further scans, assessment or referral where necessary
• When working on Trust sites be familiar with and adhere to Trust protocols and policies
• To request Radiologist review of proposed report where clinically appropriate, reviewing the final report as part of the commitment to CPD
• To provide high standards of patient care in a safe, clean and tidy working environment, observing all Diagnostic Healthcare/Trust policies (as appropriate dependent upon location) and to maintain the highest professional and personal standards
• To manage the clinic/session effectively, working with the Diagnostic Imaging Assistant to provide a timely and professional service for each patient
• To support the DIA with machine set up, PACS upload, and as required to ensure the smooth running of the clinic
• To manage unpredictable patient demands effectively – patients/relatives may be difficult, emotionally distressed and potentially aggressive
• To contribute to the training in ultrasound of others, as agreed with the Clinical Regional Lead Sonographer. This includes radiographers, radiology registrars and other medical staff and HCPCs (on approved training programmes)
• To play an active role in audit and clinical governance activities as directed by the Clinical Regional Ultrasound Manager
• To be committed to lifelong learning and produce evidence of CPD maintaining 'fitness to practice'
• To participate in the annual appraisal process
• To remain up-to-date with changes and current trends in medical ultrasound
• To maintain the highest personal, professional and ultrasonographic standards.
• To adhere to Diagnostic Healthcare and NHS Health and Safety Policies, and to use any equipment or personal protective equipment provided safely
• To promote the DHC philosophy of equality and diversity
• To respond to the needs of the company and patients as necessary
• To be prepared to work flexibly to meet service demands

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Essential:

• Must hold an accredited postgraduate qualification in Medical Ultrasound (e.g. DMU, PgCert, PgDip, MSc or equivalent), ideally CASE accredited or CASE equivalent, together with relevant professional registration where applicable
• Applicants with overseas ultrasound qualifications should ideally provide evidence of UK ENIC comparability (formerly UK NARIC) or other recognised evidence demonstrating equivalence to UK standards.
• Professional registration where applicable (e.g. HCPC or equivalent professional registration recognised for UK practice)
• Professional/clinical specialist knowledge of ultrasound acquired through postgraduate education and extensive clinical practice
• A minimum of five (5) years' post-qualification experience undertaking General Medical and Gynaecology ultrasound examinations
• Ability to work autonomously, independently performing ultrasound examinations and producing accurate diagnostic reports without supervision
• To have a degree of personal and professional autonomy
• To have the ability to make clinical judgements and critical decisions of the highest order, using knowledge, skills and experience
• Able to use patient management systems and PACS

Desirable:

• Experience in Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Small Parts ultrasound

English Language Proficiency

Candidates must be able to demonstrate a high standard of spoken and written English sufficient to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues and other healthcare professionals, and to produce accurate diagnostic reports.

International applicants should provide evidence of English language proficiency through one of the following:

• A degree taught and assessed in English (supported by appropriate documentation where required);
• An accepted English language qualification meeting UK visa and professional registration requirements (where applicable); or
• Other evidence acceptable under UK immigration or professional registration guidance.

Pre-employment Checks

All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

• UK applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where applicable
• Applicants applying from outside the UK will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or equivalent criminal record check from their country (or countries) of residence prior to commencing employment. Once resident in the UK, an Enhanced DBS check will be completed where required

Communication and Relationship Skills

• To provide highly complex and sensitive information
• To impart this information in a sensitive and empathetic manner in terms that the patient can understand
• To act upon complex information received from referrers and to communicate effectively with them.
• To deal sympathetically with distressed patients

Planning & Organisation

• Prioritise and manage own workload, responding to urgent referrals and list changes while maintaining efficient patient flow and high-quality care.

Clinical & Professional Skills

• Perform ultrasound examinations on patients of all sizes and presentations, adapting techniques as required.
• Provide professional advice to colleagues and clinicians.
• Follow national guidelines, NHS Trust and company protocols.
• Maintain accountability for professional decisions, including independent reporting

Confidentiality

• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, staff and business information in accordance with relevant policies and data protection legislation.

Health & Safety

• Promote health, safety and security, participate in risk assessments, audits and mandatory training.

Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding

• Respect the dignity, privacy, rights, beliefs and individual needs of patients, carers and colleagues.
• Safeguard children and vulnerable adults and comply with relevant policies, PREVENT requirements and mandatory training.

Professional Development

• Participate in training, annual appraisals and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain and develop clinical skills and support colleagues undertaking similar roles.

Quality and Service Development

• Maintain high standards of quality and patient care, identify risks, take responsibility for performance and manage time and resources effectively.
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and agencies.
• Follow company policies, contribute to audits and suggest improvements to working practices and procedures.