Job summary
The post holder will be an experienced obstetric sonographer who is a high profile, accessible and responsive leader within staff, service, and resource responsibility. You will be able to make informed decisions within your own area and scope of professional practice and will support the other midwifery sonographers in the provision of a professional ultrasound service.
The role of the post holder is to perform and report independently on all scans undertaken. This will include the whole range of obstetric scans including viability, dating and 1st trimester screening, anomaly scans, growth, liquor volume and doppler, uterine artery doppler, placentography including transvaginal scanning and any obstetric scan necessary during the course of pregnancy.
You will be required to communicate potentially distressing diagnosis directly to expectant parents and refer these patients appropriately. You will be responsible for writing reports for the medical profession and keeping appropriate records.
You will be involved in the clinical training of ultrasound trainees and junior doctors or medical students. You will supervise newly qualified members of staff. You will maintain your CPD and take part in other developmental activities as required.
Main duties of the job
Clinical
- The sonographer provides a highly specialist technical service using ultrasound scans to carry out diagnosis. The sonographer analyses complex data and is expected to obtain maximum possible diagnostic information considering any anatomical or pathological limitations.
- The sonographer must possess a high level of specialist knowledge over a wide range of ultrasound procedures and the highest level of in-depth expertise in a particular area of ultrasound comparable to senior clinicians.
- The sonographer is required to have the appropriate technical skill to operate the ultrasound machinery safely and effectively.
- The sonographer is expected to scan in a variety of settings and locations: scans are performed in the main and satellite departments
About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- The sonographer must carry out and report on obstetric ultrasound scans. These are unsupervised but consultation with peers and referring consultants may be necessary in some difficult cases. These scans may arise from in-patients, out-patients, or obstetric referrals.
- The sonographer exercises independent judgement during the ultrasound examination to accurately differentiate between normal and pathological findings. The sonographer then analyses the scan information and the medical history to write a report for the relevant physician.
- The sonographer has responsibility for the safety and well-being of the patient undergoing the ultrasound examination and must ensure that equipment including transducers are cleaned after use and to maintain a tidy work environment.
- To monitor the cleanliness and safety of the department and liaise with estates as necessary.
- The sonographer will support the Superintendent in leadership and management.
Communication
Excellent communication skills are essential to this role when liaising with the MDT and caring for our patients.
With patients:
- To help them to feel at ease and able to cooperate.
- To provide verbal reports to all maternity patients to try and alleviate any anxiety.
- To communicate complex, sometimes distressing, and emotional information to patients clearly, with empathy, sensitivity and in a professional manner.
With staff:
- To provide a clear, written report for the referring clinician to assist with patient management plans.
- To liaise when required with colleagues and clinicians to discuss potential problems seen on scan.
- To liaise with doctors and clerical staff re further appointments.
- Act in a professional manner at all times
Leadership/management
Leadership and management skills in the following:
- Accountable for own actions in accordance with code of professional conduct. Will contribute to corporate objectives and performance targets, acting within local, trust and statutory guidelines and policies always.
- Ensure that appropriate clinical examinations are carried out within the department.
- To be aware of and undertake management responsibilities within the role to support the Superintendent.
- To use the maternity computer system for recording, entering, and tracking information.
- Promote and monitor adherence to health and safety and trust policy designed to protect healthcare staff and service users from known hazards.
- To participate in clinical incident reporting, investigation, and clinical audit
Educational and training
The sonographer is expected to:
- Supervise and train student sonographers in obstetric ultrasound over the course of their training period.
- Train and advise consultants, and junior doctors.
- Undertake training courses to keep abreast of good practice and latest developments to support revalidation and CPD.
- Contribute and participate in team meetings.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- The sonographer must carry out and report on obstetric ultrasound scans. These are unsupervised but consultation with peers and referring consultants may be necessary in some difficult cases. These scans may arise from in-patients, out-patients, or obstetric referrals.
- The sonographer exercises independent judgement during the ultrasound examination to accurately differentiate between normal and pathological findings. The sonographer then analyses the scan information and the medical history to write a report for the relevant physician.
- The sonographer has responsibility for the safety and well-being of the patient undergoing the ultrasound examination and must ensure that equipment including transducers are cleaned after use and to maintain a tidy work environment.
- To monitor the cleanliness and safety of the department and liaise with estates as necessary.
- The sonographer will support the Superintendent in leadership and management.
Communication
Excellent communication skills are essential to this role when liaising with the MDT and caring for our patients.
With patients:
- To help them to feel at ease and able to cooperate.
- To provide verbal reports to all maternity patients to try and alleviate any anxiety.
- To communicate complex, sometimes distressing, and emotional information to patients clearly, with empathy, sensitivity and in a professional manner.
With staff:
- To provide a clear, written report for the referring clinician to assist with patient management plans.
- To liaise when required with colleagues and clinicians to discuss potential problems seen on scan.
- To liaise with doctors and clerical staff re further appointments.
- Act in a professional manner at all times
Leadership/management
Leadership and management skills in the following:
- Accountable for own actions in accordance with code of professional conduct. Will contribute to corporate objectives and performance targets, acting within local, trust and statutory guidelines and policies always.
- Ensure that appropriate clinical examinations are carried out within the department.
- To be aware of and undertake management responsibilities within the role to support the Superintendent.
- To use the maternity computer system for recording, entering, and tracking information.
- Promote and monitor adherence to health and safety and trust policy designed to protect healthcare staff and service users from known hazards.
- To participate in clinical incident reporting, investigation, and clinical audit
Educational and training
The sonographer is expected to:
- Supervise and train student sonographers in obstetric ultrasound over the course of their training period.
- Train and advise consultants, and junior doctors.
- Undertake training courses to keep abreast of good practice and latest developments to support revalidation and CPD.
- Contribute and participate in team meetings.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Experience
Essential
Knowledge
Essential
Skills
Essential
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Experience
Essential
Knowledge
Essential
Skills
Essential
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.
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
