Job Overview
The post holder will be a qualified sonographer, ideally holding a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography (or equivalent) and a postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound. They will work as an autonomous practitioner within a busy general ultrasound department, performing a wide range of examinations to a high diagnostic standard. Experience in obstetric and/or musculoskeletal ultrasound is desirable. They will be able to interpret complex findings, identifying both pathological and incidental abnormalities. The post holder will be responsible for vetting and prioritising ultrasound referrals, ensuring appropriate and timely imaging in line with clinical need. They will produce accurate, high‑quality diagnostic reports in accordance with local and national guidelines and provide advice on further management or follow‑up to referring clinicians. Strong communication skills are essential to deliver a high standard of patient care, including explaining procedures and communicating findings sensitively where appropriate. The post holder will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, supporting service delivery across multiple sites, may assist in supervising junior staff, students and less experienced colleagues, and will contribute to audit, quality improvement, and service development while maintaining professional accountability.
Key Responsibilities
* Independently undertake and report diagnostic ultrasound procedures, maintaining high professional standards of technical competence and ensuring excellent standards of care at all times.
* Be accountable for own professional actions and work within codes of practice and professional guidelines.
* Interpret complex data to ascertain and identify any pathological or incidental findings, and report diagnoses as appropriate.
* Assess and adapt techniques for each procedure to meet the individual patient’s needs, analysing clinical information to determine the most appropriate scanning method.
* Handle potentially stressful, upset or emotional situations in an appropriate empathetic manner.
* Assist with invasive procedures and support patients as required (including disabled, elderly patients with undressing and dressing).
* Maintain awareness of safety aspects, hazards and related emergency procedures for the working area.
* Take responsibility for the care of the patient during the procedure, including manual handling, moving patients in wheelchairs, beds and trolleys.
* Provide appropriate support for carers, recognising their anxieties and concerns.
* Work using visual display units for long periods as required to process correct images.
* Provide a comprehensive diagnostic report on images obtained to relevant medical personnel.
* Offer advice and guidance to patients, carers and other health professionals on ultrasound procedures, taking due consideration of patient conditions.
* Supervise and provide clinical assistance to radiologists, clinicians and other allied health professionals.
* Ensure the safe use of specialist ultrasound equipment and immediately report equipment failures, liaising with EBME to arrange services and emergency call‑outs for faulty equipment.
* Re‑arrange work lists in the event of equipment failure, organise alternative cover and inform relevant staff, particularly if occurring out of normal working hours.
* Assist in the evaluation and procurement process for new equipment within the Radiology Department.
* Take shift patterns between 08:00 and 20:00, Monday to Sunday, to enable patients to be scanned in a timely manner.
Key Result Areas
1. Performance
Deliver high‑quality ultrasound reports in a timely manner, maintaining professional standards and adhering to clinical guidelines.
2. Workforce
* Ensure accurate use of the Trust’s computerised information systems.
* Train new staff, students, and trainee sonographers in specialist areas.
* Actively participate in departmental quality groups and share best practice.
* Lead recruitment processes for new staff and coordinate the team in the absence of the Lead Sonographer.
* Propose and implement changes in working practice as agreed by departmental working groups.
* Continuously prioritise imaging of patients throughout the day.
* Maintain a clean working environment, including clearing blood and body fluids in accordance with policy.
3. Finance
* Use resources efficiently and supervise expensive specialist equipment with care and due diligence.
* Assist in ordering, checking and monitoring stock; inform relevant supervisors of any concerns.
* Monitor consumable usage to manage departmental costs.
4. Partnerships
* Provide advice and guidance to patients, carers and other health professionals on sonographic procedures.
* Inform and promote Radiology guidelines and departmental policies to other healthcare professionals.
* Obtain informed consent from patients or their carers prior to procedures.
* Communicate results of scans to patients and relatives, ensuring information is clearly understood.
* Use communication skills to impart bad news sensitively and assist in determining appropriate referral pathways.
* Maintain proficient use of computer hardware and software, including reporting and 3‑D image creation.
* Promote good relations with other directorates and hospitals.
* Attend meetings as required by senior leadership.
5. General
* Attend relevant study days, in‑house lectures, and training sessions, including compulsory staff training courses.
* Assist in departmental projects and audits and participate in the personal appraisal scheme (PDR).
* Apply performance management of staff supported by the Trust’s policy.
* Deliver and participate in CPD and 1‑1 coaching.
* Seek opportunities for self‑development in extended sonographic roles.
* Provide lectures and presentations within the Trust and to external organisations.
* Carry out all responsibilities in accordance with Trust policies and legislation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
* DMU/Pg Certificate in clinical ultrasound
* Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration (or equivalent professional registration)
* PG Diploma or other postgraduate qualification and relevant experience
* Current postgraduate nuchal certificate
* MSK experience
Experience
* Demonstrate high standards of technical skills
* Enthusiasm for training students
* Demonstrate high level of patient care, able to cope with diversity of patient needs
* Plan and prioritise workloads
* Relevant clinical ultrasound NHS experience
* Experience of working unsupervised and taking responsibility where necessary
* Experience of clinical governance and CPD
* Experience of supervising and assessing junior staff and students
* Experience of teaching and training a range of staff groups
Knowledge
* Appropriate medical IT system experience
* Confident to act on own initiative.
* Progressive attitude to CPD
* Aware of current trends in ultrasound
* Knowledge of IT systems/applications e.g. RIS, PACS, IEP
Selection
* DMU/Pg Certificate in clinical ultrasound
* Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration or equivalent professional registration
* Pg Diploma or other postgraduate qualification and relevant experience
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our people are our greatest asset. We support an inclusive culture that fosters staff engagement and equality across all levels. We have four staff networks and a corporate EDI team that aim to realize the following aspirations:
* Improving representation at senior levels for staff with disabilities, from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, who identify as LGBTQ+ or women, through improved recruitment and leadership development.
* Widening access (anchor institution) and employability.
* Improving the experience of staff with disability.
* Improving EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development.
* Making equalities mainstream.
Additional Information & Contact
Name: Zojila Prossor
Job title: Cross Site Ultrasound Modality Lead
Email: zojilaprossor@nhs.net
Telephone: 0208 836 6990
Johnathan Mason, QEH General Clinical Lead Sonographer – johnathan.mason@nhs.net
Nejla Mustafa, CDC Clinical Lead Sonographer – nejla.mustafa@nhs.net
Nazia Fazal, QEH Obstetric Clinical Lead Sonographer – nazia.fazal@nhs.net
We reserve the right to close the post before the stated closing date. If shortlisted, candidates will be invited to an assessment day or interview. Please note that sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route is subject to Trust allocation and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approval. Information provided during recruitment and pre‑employment checks must be accurate; misrepresentation may be investigated as fraud and could lead to withdrawal from the process, professional sanctions or criminal action. You must hold appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and requires disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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