Job overview
The post-holder will work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team in Imaging, liaising with those involved to ensure the appropriate imaging, reporting and management of the patient is provided when and where necessary. They will maintain a high professional and technical standard of ultrasound imaging. The Sonographer will undertake clinical work within established quality standards of practice, adhering to Ultrasound Guidelines such as those published by BMUS, RCOG, RCR and NICE. The post-holder will work as a practitioner in the delivery of all ultrasound imaging, reporting and management of the patient within the department protocols. The post- holder will liaise with key Lead Nurses, Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the directorate of Women and Children’s. In the absence of a Site Lead Sonographer, the post-holder will oversee the day-to-day workload to ensure staff and resources are allocated to the area and managed effectively. They will promote patient advocacy and communicate effectively with other health care professionals together with outside agencies regarding patient care and progress.
Main duties of the job
1.Develop and maintain relationships and effective communication mechanisms with staff and their representatives in a multi-disciplinary team.
2.To communicate effectively by taking an active role through verbal, electronic or written methods with professional colleagues including chairing staff meetings where necessary, providing feedback on service progress and departmental planning and to ensure that information is disseminated throughout the whole team.
3.To ensure collaborative working between directorates and maternity, communicating daily in a professional, concise, accurate and detailed manner.
4.To frequently use both verbal and non-verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with patients who often present with complex barriers to effective communication, including aggressive and abusive behaviour. This will include providing advice to patients, carers and family members in order to promote understanding of the aims of the imaging procedure. The explanation and delivery of patient ultrasound results with appropriate management of the patient care pathways.
5.To engage in explaining unexpected findings to patients via effective communication and counseling plus communicate findings to the referring clinician and on call emergency team.
Working for our organisation
Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain’s leading healthcare providers.
The Barts Health group of NHS hospitals is entering an exciting new era on our improvement journey to becoming an outstanding organisation with a world-class clinical reputation. Having lifted ourselves out of special measures, we now have the impetus and breathing space to chart a fresh course in which we are continually striving to improve all our services for patients.
Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.
We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Post Graduate qualification in Medical Ultrasound (PgCert/Dip) that includes a relevant obstetrics module and has been accredited by CASE (or equivalent)
2. Current and up to date state registration through a regulatory body (such as the HCPC; NMC or GMC) or through the RCT (when statutory registration cannot be achieved)
Desirable criteria
3. To hold a BSc Hons degree or DCR in Diagnostic Radiography
4. MSc in Medical Ultrasound
5. DQASS Nuchal Translucency certification.
Knowledge / Experience
Essential criteria
6. An up to date knowledge of current and emerging ultrasound techniques and relevant topics / professional issues
7. Able to demonstrate the ability to carry out and report on a full range of examinations in General and Gynaecology ultrasound
8. Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
9. Training in vascular ultrasound
10. Training in MSK ultrasound.
11. Experience of post graduate teaching.
12. Attendance of a clinical supervisor course
Skills
Essential criteria
13. High level inter-personal and communications skills
14. Able to work collaboratively with other disciplines
15. Ability to deal with conflict and stressful situations
16. Ability to deal with patients in an empathetic and considerate fashion
17. Experience of communicating unexpected findings to parents/patients
18. Ability to work under pressure
19. Computer literate
20. High level of work organisation, self-motivation, drive for performance and improvement plus flexibility in approach and attitude
21. Able to prioritise, organise and delegate
22. Decisive, use of sound judgement in decision making and delivering work in a timely and confident manner
Desirable criteria
23. Presentation skills
Other
Essential criteria
24. Sufficient ability to perform the duties of the post with any aids and adaptations
25. Be of smart personal appearance
26. Lead by example, promoting the highest standards of personal and professional conduct and integrity
27. Commitment to the continuous development of self and other staff
28. Commitment to developing culture of openness and partnership
**Visa Sponsorship Information**
Recent changes to UK immigration policy on the Health and Care Visa and Skilled Worker Visa could mean that this role is not eligible for sponsorship or that you may not meet the eligibility criteria.
Sponsorship can only be offered if this post and any individual offered employment meet all the Home Office’s requirements under the UK Skilled Worker visa scheme.
If you are applying from outside the UK or will require sponsorship, please mention this clearly in your application.
To be eligible for sponsorship, the following conditions must be met:
29. Eligible role: The position must be on the UK Skilled Worker visa list. You can check your eligibility here: -.
30. Salary threshold: The role must meet the minimum salary set by the Home Office. Please note that for roles employed under Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions, the High-Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) is not included when calculating the basic salary for the purposes of sponsorship.
31. Skill level: The role must meet the minimum skill requirement of RQF Level 6 or above (graduate level).
32. English language: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR level B1 or higher.
33. Other criteria: Applicants must meet all other criteria as set out by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)