Sonographer

Job summary
This is a new advertisement for qualified Sonographers (Band 7), who are experienced in performing and reporting ultrasound scans independently. Majority of sonographers in the ultrasound department have a flexible working pattern. They benefit from weekly image review sessions for continuing professional development. Most of the Sonography work is expected to be patient facing. The Sonographer will have a non-patient facing role to develop other skills sets, such as being a student mentor, managing ultrasound equipment and disinfection devices etc. Full time Sonographers (band 7) are expected to provide full level of service from week 4, at 20 minute appointment times, which will include inpatient and outpatient work (see job description). Annex 21 B7 (75%) allows the post holder up to 12 months to develop all these competencies and will benefit from an established preceptorship pathway. All Sonographers will rotate to work in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre and other future developments. Candidates must have registration with either HCPC or RCT. Please direct queries to Qiqi Lam, Superintendent Sonographer, qiqi.lam@nhs.net. ***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job
The Ultrasound Department is an integral part of the Imaging Directorate, providing a comprehensive ultrasound service from different locations. The ultrasound rooms are mainly in the Imaging department, Xray West, within Derriford Hospital with additional rooms located in the Orthopaedic Outpatients, Children's and Young People's Outpatients, Surgical Assessment Unit, SDEC and 4 rooms in newly launched Plymouth Community Diagnostic centre - a modern health facility situated in the city centre. The Sonographer is to carry out ultrasound investigations and procedures safely, according to patient's clinical needs and departmental practice, and to produce a report on such investigations.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. **PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.** If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you into contact with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

• The candidate must possess at least a Postgraduate Diploma qualification in ultrasound. This must be confirmed by UK ENIC to be equivalent to Level 7 qualification.
• Formal qualifications must include abdominal and gynaecological ultrasound.
• Other ultrasound skills required for all Sonographers are testicular and DVT ultrasound, which may be developed with in house training.
• Depending on service needs and training capacity, there may be a need for the candidate to develop further skills in other areas such as paediatric, head and neck or musculoskeletal ultrasound etc.
• The candidate must be prepared to work for 7 days of the week (including evenings, weekends and bank holidays).
• The candidate must be prepared to work at all sites managed by the ultrasound department, including Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre and other locations in future developments.
• To be mindful of the needs, safety and concerns of patients; to protect their confidentiality and to adhere to the principles of informed consent.
• To carry out ultrasound investigations and procedures safely, according to patients clinical needs and departmental practice, and to produce a report on such investigations.
• To ensure images, reports, and other documents are stored and handled securely, patient identification and image annotation are accurate, and all necessary data entry onto electronic records is carried out properly.
• To independently report examinations according to the level of reporting authorization agreed with the Consultant Sonographer and Clinical Lead in Ultrasound.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• A Postgraduate Diploma in Ultrasound as a minimum which must include general ultrasound and gynaecological ultrasound. This may require confirmation by UK ENIC to be a UK Level 7 qualification.
• The post holder should be able to perform abdominal and gynaecological scans and create these reports independently, recognising when to seek a second opinion
• Professional registration with the Health Professions Council or Register for Clinical Technologists.

Desirable

• Competency in DVT scans
• Competency in testicular ultrasound scans
• Competency in other ultrasound skills such as MSK, head and neck, paediatric etc
• Teaching qualifications
• Proven ability to travel between sites

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable experience of working as a Sonographer performing non obstetric ultrasound scans for the past year.
• Familiarity with the common medical imaging techniques, practices and terminology.
• Proven knowledge of all standard ultrasound techniques in general and gynaecological ultrasound practice.
• Familiarity with the common generic features and controls of a modern mid-high end ultrasound system, including Doppler
• Proven knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy (normal appearances and associated common pathology) in the regions commonly examined by ultrasound.
• Able to perform and report ultrasound scans for outpatients.

Desirable

• Recent demonstrable working experience for last 2 years (including time as trainee sonographer) in Ultrasound department within a large clinical setting
• Able to manage own ultrasound list competently and with good time management
• Able to perform and report ultrasound scans for acute inpatients
• Demonstrable experience of training, appraising, supervising or managing trainees in a clinical environment
• Demonstrable experience working in Ultrasound Department in NHS Hospital.

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential

• A kind, caring, respectful, and empathetic attitude.
• A good team player
• Able to manage your own workload and deliver a service to patients in a friendly, supportive and competent manner
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English, including proven ability to construct clear reports, convey bad news, communicate moderately complex clinical information at an appropriate level to both the public and fellow healthcare professionals

Desirable

• More advanced clinical judgement and communication skills.
• Proven ability to communicate in difficult circumstances where there are barriers to communication.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship: 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.

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