Band 7 Sonographer

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced Sonographerto join our friendly and supportive team based at Bedford Hospital.

Our dedicated Ultrasound Team includes experienced Sonographers, Midwife Sonographers, Radiologists and Clinical Support Workers, working collaboratively to provide high-quality care to our patients.

We currently have a team of11 Sonographers, including a Lead Sonographer and Deputy Lead, as well as a Senior Sonographer and Deputy. Two members of the team have specialist expertise inMusculoskeletal (MSK) and small-parts ultrasound scanning, providing opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience in these areas.

We are committed to supporting the ongoing learning and professional development of our staff. We have a robustin-house training and preceptorship programmedesigned to help colleagues develop their skills and progress in their careers.

We also supporttwo ultrasound trainees each academic year, reflecting our commitment to developing the next generation of ultrasound professionals and maintaining a strong learning culture within the team.

If you are an experienced Sonographer looking to join a collaborative team with excellent opportunities for learning and development, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for organising and coordinating the workload within the area to which they are assigned, ensuring that examinations are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.

The post holder will rotate across theMain Ultrasound Department, Obstetric Ultrasound Department and Community Diagnostic Centre, working autonomously to perform and report on a wide range of ultrasound examinations. These will include:

• General ultrasound examinations

• Gynaecological ultrasound examinations

• Obstetric ultrasound examinations

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) examinations

The role will involve undertaking examinations for bothinpatients and outpatients, ensuring that all scans are performed in accordance with departmental procedures and Trust-wide policies, protocols and guidelines.

The post holder will be responsible for producing accurate and timely reports usingCRIS and PACS.

For those undertaking obstetric ultrasound, the post holder must demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of theFetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP).

Obstetric growth scans will be performed in accordance with theGROW version 2.0 protocol, ensuring consistent and evidence-based practice.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain high professional standards, work effectively both independently and as part of the wider multidisciplinary team, and contribute to the delivery of a safe, efficient and patient-centred ultrasound service.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

• To make an accurate diagnosis from the ultrasound scan and to issue a factual report for each scan performed, collaborating with professional colleagues when necessary.
• To safely use all ultrasound equipment, to be able to resolve first lineproblems, recording accurate details of equipment faults and reporting faults, liaising with and supervising engineers.
• To accurately input details on to both the Radiology InformationSystem(CRIS) and PACS
• To interrogate the system(s) for patient details, updating and recording information as required.
• To understand the appointment system for the speciality/ area(s) in which the sonographer works.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma College of Radiographers or Bsc Radiography
• Professional registration e.g HCPC
• US Post Graduate Qualification

Experience

Essential

• General, Gynaecological and Obstetrics scanning experience

Desirable

• DVT scanning experience
• Small parts scanning experience
• MSK experience

Personal Skills

Essential

• Team player
• Good organisational skills
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Good Communication skills

Knowledge

Essential

• To be familiar with reporting software e.g CRIS, PACS, GROW
• Ability to independently analyse and make judgements on complex information relating to patient care.
• IT skills at an intermediate level with ability to use word, e-mail etc
• Ability to use own initiative maintaining judgement when under pressure
• Ability to resolve and manage conflicting demands on service resources.

Desirable

• To be familiar with Quality Assurance of the US equipment