Sonographer/Midwife Sonographer

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen to join Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust due to the expansion in urgent & emergency care services at the Trust. As a result of a widening catchment area of patients attending Walsall Manor ED, following the opening of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, WHT are seeking staff to continue to support the Trust's journey to be a leading provider of care for our community. The investment is part of a wider suite of investments across our Trust in recent years, including

The introduction of a new £40 million UECC. A £10 million capital development to include extension to the A&E Department, AMU, Hot Imaging Suite, Same Day Emergency Care Unit and Staff Support Facilities £ million/year investment to expand our workforce across ED, SDEC, Acute Medicine, and Emergency Surgery including roles for Doctors, Nursing and Advanced Practice

The Trust is also proud to deliver

Virtually no vacancies across Registered Nursing positions Formal recognition from NHS England's Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Urgent & Emergency Care Team, including for an "Outstanding culture", "Patient centred at all times", and "Exemplary Professionalism" Regionally and nationally leading performance across Ambulance Handovers and admitted patient flow Professional & personal development opportunities An environment encouraging innovation, with readily available access to an award-winning QI Team and R&D Dept.

We are looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join us

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work within the Obstetric and Imaging ultrasound departments, in line with competency, to provide a high quality ultrasound service, prioritising the workload and producing comprehensive independently written ultrasound reports. The post holder will communicate complex information to clinicians and patients, and will take part in the training of others in this modality. To ensure high standards of ultrasound provision in terms of quality, safety and access to services, providing the Ultrasound leadership with regular feedback regarding agreed key performance indicators for this service. To supervise junior staff and trainees within the department To be responsible for maintaining professional and technical standards relevant to ultrasound services To take part in the planning, coordinating and implementation of new services and strategies concerning patient care to develop and improve patient pathways To keep the Imaging leadership fully informed of issues within ultrasound and pertaining to the delivery of the service To attend relevant meetings as directed, both internally and externally to the Trust To establish and maintain effective communication with all members of theImaging and multidisciplinary team, in particular those associated with ultrasound. To challenge, in a positive manner, current working practices and promote a culture of continuous improvement . To participate with the recruitment and selection of staff.

About us

WALSALL HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST - Imaging

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is one of the largest employers in the local area with over 3,000 staff. The Trust supports Flexible Working Arrangements and Race Equality. We have a commitment to education, training and staff development.

Applications are invited for the post of Band 7 Sonographer. We are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals to become part of our team. They should have good communication skills and be willing to help lead the delivery of a high quality service. A flexible attitude to working is required and you will be expected to take part in the departments' seven day service.

A minimum Post Graduate Certificate Ultrasound qualification/DMU is mandatory. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to work within a versatile team. They should deliver a high standard of service whilst also being able to use their own initiative and work independently. The post holder would ideally be competent in a range of clinical areas including general, small parts, vascular, obstetric and gynaecology, and MSK, however any skill mix would be considered. They should have the desire to teach others, have good organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise tasks and effectively liaise with other departments. The successful candidate will be required to supervise and assess undergraduates, postgraduates and clinicians in the field of ultrasound.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To independently undertake and use analytical and judgmental skills to report on ultrasound examinations, differentiating between normal and pathological findings. To use analytical and judgemental skills to view the scan images taken, to assess their technical quality and to have the ability to identify reasons for performing additional views appropriately. To be aware of the importance of other diagnostic investigations. To make recommendations when reporting for further imaging assessment and referral where necessary after consultation / discussion with a Radiologist. Maintain fitness to practice with Professional Code of Conduct and through CPD To inform appointment scheduling and be responsible for ones own caseload. To prioritise patients independently and to organise workload from a range of referral pathways, within a pressurised environment. To receive telephone enquiries from patients, ward or medical staff regarding clinical procedures or results To maintain patients dignity whilst frequently undertaking examinations of an intimate nature, where there is a high risk of exposure to bodily fluids To deal with a range of operational pressures and developments within ultrasound on a day to day basis providing specialist support to staff To independently assess and justify examinations using department protocols / guidelines. Ensure the implementation of examination protocols Attend appropriate clinical meetings, feeding back to the team and informing service improvement as appropriate To maintain a flexible approach to working hours such as extended days and weekend working to promote a 7 day service. Acts as a role model to all other staff. To assist in developing a learning environment within the Department by maintaining an up to date professional knowledge through CPD and demonstrate a proactive commitment to improving standards of service and maintaining standards Train, supervise and assess Undergraduates, Post Graduates and clinicians in the specialist field of ultrasound and the use of high specification ultrasound equipment Provide guidance, support and mentorship to less , experienced sonographers Accountable for own professional activities using a high degree of autonomy within the limitations of personal expertise and skill To possess a high level of knowledge over a range of ultrasound procedures and /or a high level of expertise in a particular area of ultrasound To give specialist and expert opinion to a wide range of Health Care professionals. To give information that can directly affect diagnosis or treatment To supervise the activity of less experienced sonographers, assistants and trainees within the ultrasound workplace. To undertake prolonged periods of intense concentration to obtain, interpret and record suitable images in a dynamic environment. To maintain concentrations during frequent interruptions from patients and staff. To have well developed hand / eye coordination combined with special awareness which enables precise acquisition of diagnostic images To relate to and communicate with all patients and visitors in a sensitive and empathetic manner. To give clear explanations to patients about ultrasound examinations including risk, accuracy and limitations especially regarding procedures that require consent. To use appropriate levels of tact and persuasion when dealing with aggressive behaviour, cultural differences, special needs and those with newly diagnosed illnesses. To promote best practice when advising and disseminating knowledge to the profession and beyond. To be competent in the operation of the Radiology Information System / PACS System. Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Formal Post Graduate Ultrasound Qualification/DMU

Experience

Essential

12 months post graduate unsupervised experience in ultrasound. Evidence of Post Graduate development

Skills

Essential

Wide range of practical experience High level of enthusiasm Able to supply accurate, precise information Effective communication skills

Knowledge

Essential

Evidence of up to date technical knowledge Evidence of professional up to date knowledge

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