We are looking for a dynamic, committed and motivated Clinical Lead Sonographer who is proficient and skilled in Ultrasound.
The post holder will work alongside the Cross Site Ultrasound Modality Lead to deliver an efficient, effective and high-quality service, whilst offering guidance and support to junior colleagues and managing the day-to-day service to patients.
At LGT we promise to provide you with the tools to develop yourself professionally and work at the top of your job role within a very supportive directorate.
We strongly believe that a happy workforce is essential to delivering excellent patient care. We aim to invest our resources in improving the health and well‑being of our team and provide a rotation that enables a great work life balance.
Main duties of the job
To deputise for the Cross Site Ultrasound Modality Lead.
Responsible for the clinical leadership of Ultrasound at University Hospital Lewisham ensuring quality is maintained in line with Radiology vision.
The Lead Sonographer for General Ultrasound is responsible for the day‑to‑day operational management and clinical leadership of the general ultrasound service at Lewisham Hospital. This includes managing the workforce, maintaining high standards of patient care, optimising service delivery, and ensuring service resilience in response to growing demand.
The post‑holder will act as the primary point of contact for general ultrasound at Lewisham, working autonomously to oversee clinical practice, rota management, staff development and service planning. They will also provide cross‑cover for the obstetric lead sonographer during periods of leave.
This role involves close collaboration with radiologists, radiographic department assistants (RDAs), clerical teams, outpatient departments, A&E and inpatient services to support the timely and efficient delivery of ultrasound services.
The post is based at the Radiology Department, University Hospital Lewisham.
About us
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
* Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
* Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
* Improving the experience of staff with disability
* Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
* Making equalities mainstream
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
* Provide day-to-day leadership and support for the general ultrasound team at Lewisham Hospital.
* Act as line manager for sonographers, supporting their welfare, professional development, and performance.
* Maintain the ultrasound rota, working in partnership with the admin team to maximise capacity and ensure adequate cover across all lists.
* Provide cross-cover for the obstetric ultrasound service during periods of absence.
* Lead on recruitment, induction, and retention strategies for general ultrasound staff.
* Monitor and manage sickness, absence and annual leave requests fairly and in line with Trust policy.
Service Delivery & Planning
* Plan and implement additional capacity to meet increases in patient demand, including during periods of pressure on diagnostic targets.
* Monitor ultrasound capacity and work with admin teams to optimise appointment booking and reduce inefficiencies.
* Ensure safe, effective and responsive service delivery across all general ultrasound lists, including support to A&E and inpatient services.
* Contribute to long-term service planning in collaboration with the Cross-Site Modality Lead and Radiology Service Manager.
Clinical Governance & Quality
* Maintain high clinical standards in ultrasound practice in line with national and local guidelines.
* Support audit, incident reporting and service improvement initiatives.
* Uphold infection prevention and control standards and ensure safe use of ultrasound equipment.
Workforce Development
* Support the training and development of new sonographers, students and other health professionals.
* Facilitate the upskilling of existing sonographers in extended clinical skills (e.g. MSK, head & neck).
* Promote a culture of continuous learning and support in-house training initiatives in partnership with radiologists and the wider team.
Operational & Financial Management
* Act as budget holder for general ultrasound at Lewisham Hospital.
* Monitor expenditure, ensuring stock levels are maintained and the department operates within budget.
* Maintain appropriate equipment, consumables and supplies to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Collaboration & Communication
* Work closely with radiologists to support joint working and service development.
* Liaise with RDAs, clerical teams and service users (e.g. outpatient departments, A&E, ward staff) to ensure coordinated care and smooth workflows.
* Represent the department in meetings and communicate effectively with wider radiology and Trust teams.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
* MSc or other additional post graduate qualification and relevant experience
* Diploma of the College of Radiographers or BSc in Diagnostic Healthcare qualification
* Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration Radiography (or equivalent)
* Specialist knowledge in Ultrasound
Experience & knowledge
* Demonstrate high standards of technical skills
* Enthusiasm for training students
* Able to demonstrate a responsible attitude to teamwork.
* Demonstrate a high level of patient care, able to cope with the diversity of patients’ needs
* Progressive attitude and evidence of CPD
* Out of hours work experience
* IT Skills
* Able to plan and prioritise workloads.
Knowledge & Skills
* Evidence of investigative and analytical skills to meet the needs of the service in a changing health care environment
* Experience of Obstetric and Radiology reporting packages
* Enthusiasm to extend sonographer's role and undertake further training as required
* Teaching experience with members of other professions
* Experience with clinical audit
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.
£55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum plus HCAS (pro rata if part‑time)
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