Job responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES / ROLE:
Provide the clinical skills necessary for this specialised role.
Operate advanced software on the ultrasound scanner, requiring excellent hand eye coordination.
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate all ultrasound examinations using research-based practice.
Clinical evaluation and justification of imaging requests in order to assess urgency and thus prioritise in line with national regulations (DOH) and local protocols.
Autonomously perform, interpret and report on scans using analytical and judgment skills accurately differentiating between normal and abnormal conditions, in line with Departmental protocols. Communicating diagnosis to patient which could be cancer or other life threatening or changing condition.
Act as point of specialist advice and give information when necessary, health education to patients and clinicians at pre-assessment appointments, post examination and by telephone communications. This information will include providing specialist knowledge of the examinations being carried out and the care which will be provided and all necessary follow-up advice.
Maintain appropriate documentation and ensure that all information about patients condition and diagnosis are communicated to referring clinicians appropriately.
To have the theoretical and practical knowledge to modify protocols and scan parameters where appropriate to optimise diagnostic information in view of clinical indications, imaging findings or patient condition.
Management and responsibility of own lists and expectation to have reports of ultrasound examinations ready within 24-48 hours.
Referral to other imaging areas for further investigation based on ultrasound findings and following consultation with Consultant Radiologist if necessary.
Deliver care in accordance with Hospital and Departmental policies, guidelines and in accordance with professional code of conduct.
Follow guidelines laid down for ultrasound examinations by Royal College of Radiologists and College of Radiographers.
Communicate incidents/complaints to the Superintendent Sonographer and/or Radiology Manager and participate in the investigation of complaints as requested.
Must be computer literate with excellent IT skills, necessary to input data, compile documents, create presentations and competently use e-mail/internet services.
Ensure that all patient related data entered onto Radiology Information System and PACS is accurate and if errors are made then the PACS/RIS Manager is informed and error rectified before any reports are issued.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilises where necessary. Paying attention to personal protection as well as management of equipment and linen.
Participate and implement QA programmes within specialised area.
Plan and organise straightforward activities such as prioritise own patient workload and training sessions.
Maintain performance standards and highlight any concerns to the lead Sonographer.
Assist in developing and updating of departmental protocols and procedures to maintain best practice.
Responsibility for updating and expanding on own ultrasound skills via CPD and helping to train and supervise staff in the new techniques.
Monitor and order supplies as required e.g. gloves, probe covers etc.
In the event of having students to assist in the supervision, clinical instruction and formalised assessments of undergraduate radiographic staff in accordance with academic institutions.
To undertake other duties as and when required by the demands of the service.
PROFESSIONAL:
Must be state registered (HCPC) if holding the professional title radiographer.
Must possess specialist knowledge and expertise through comprehensive accredited theoretical & practical training at Masters Level (i.e., DMU, Postgraduate Diploma (Pg Dip) or equivalent M-level qualification in Medical Ultrasound).
Accountable for own professional activities using a high degree of autonomy within the limitations of personal expertise and skills. E.g. Assessing a foetal abnormality or pelvic mass, determining the nature and severity of the abnormality or mass, and applying the required knowledge and experience so as to take the appropriate action.
Notify intention and maintain fitness to practice within the appropriate Nursing and Midwifery codes of practice/Health Professions Council Professional Codes of Conduct and through CPD.
Counsel patients concerning their ultrasound examination, including risks, benefits, accuracy and limitations in order for them to give informed consent.
The post holder will be required to inform the patient when a foetal abnormality exists or foetal death in utero has occurred and refer the patient to the appropriate speciality or department without delay.
Be unpredictable workloads and patients demands. The number of urgent/emergency scans varies. This puts pressure on the sonographer to increase her/his workload and at the same time maintain a quality service.
Work well within a multi-disciplinary team.
A broad expectation to sacrifice breaks, lunches and stay beyond the normal working hours when needed.
OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILTIES:
To assist and advise the superintendent sonographer in all clinical aspects of the role including formulation of service provision and adjustment to workload and staffing priorities whenever necessary.
To arrange appointment scheduling and be responsible for ones own caseload. To prioritise patients independently and to organise workload from a wide variety of referral pathways. To ensure that urgent patients receive a fast and efficient service.
Contribute to financial initiatives via income generation and cost improvement programmes e.g. training locum staff, providing patients with scan pictures of their baby when requested.
Share responsibility for the appropriate and cost effective use of resources within the Ultrasound Department.
Promote effective multi-disciplinary collaboration and working relationships by communicating interactively with all staff members/departments and wards contributing to providing a high quality Ultrasound service. E.g. Obstetric MDT.
Maintain effective communication and dissemination of information verbally and electronically within the ultrasound team and other medical specialist teams.
Participation in performance review/appraisal of staff undergoing training in Ultrasound Department.
Take an active role in developing new evidence-based practices/services.
Take lead in specified areas of delegated responsibility within the Ultrasound department and Department of Clinical Imaging. E.g. Ultrasound paediatric hip scanning in association with Southampton paeds/local physiotherapy services.
Promote the safety and well-being of patients and other persons at all times by using manual handling guidelines and risk assessment.
Active involvement in service development, redesign, improvement and promotion.
Assist in ensuring safe equipment and a safe working environment at all times.
Be involved in authoring, developing and updating departmental protocols and procedures to ensure best practice is maintained.
Perform regular quality assurance testing of equipment ensuring all results are documented and reported, recognising trends and proposing action required to effect change.
Undertake basic fault finding of equipment problems and follow the appropriate reporting and documentation of such faults.
Report clinical, non-clinical and radiation incidents in line with H&SC and departmental risk management policies.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ROLE:
Be an expert with specialised skills required in Ultrasound and teach, inform and coach others as appropriate.
Act as a teacher, assessor and mentor to all staff undergoing training in ultrasound.
Participation in Departments audit programme.
Attendance at all mandatory training.
Development of specialised skills in ultrasound.
Training and development as identified through the appraisal.
Continued Research and Development programme crossing all professional areas within Department to ensure that Ultrasound Department procedures and protocols are evidence based and patient centric.
