Sonographer

The post holder will be expected to provide an ultrasound service comprising of unsupervised scanning sessions. This may be at DHCs community sites for AQPcontracts or in hospitals for Trust contracts

For each examination undertaken, a comprehensive diagnostic report will be formulated for the referring clinician. The sonographer will be accountable fortheir own professional actions (including reporting) and expected to act as asource of expertise for external consultations by other clinicians.

Established in 2004, Diagnostic Healthcare is a trusted provider of medical diagnostic imaging services. From MRI, Ultrasound, and CT to X-ray and CBCT, we deliver over 300,000 scan appointments annually across 75 locations, serving both NHS and private patients. We offer a diverse range of imaging modalities and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge equipment as we continuously invest in our imaging fleet and static locations.

To undertake a range of ultrasound examinations in accordance with DHCs, Local, Regional and National Guidelines, practising unsupervised.

To provide a full ultrasound scanning and reporting service within your scope of practice. This will require the use of analytical and judgemental skills to provide interpretation of ultrasound images in order to provide independent written examination reports over a range of ultrasound examinations. Reports should make recommendations for further scans, assessment or referral where necessary.

When working on Trust sites be familiar with and adhere to Trust protocols and policies.

To request Radiologist review of proposed report where clinically appropriate, reviewing the final report as part of the commitment to CPD.

To provide high standards of patient care in a safe, clean and tidy working environment, observing all Diagnostic Healthcare/Trust policies (as appropriate dependent upon location) and to maintain the highest professional and personal standards.

To manage the clinic/session effectively, working with the Diagnostic Imaging Assistant to provide a timely and professional service for each patient.

To support the DIA with machine set up, PACS upload, and as required to ensure the smooth running of the clinic.

To manage unpredictable patient demands effectively patients/relatives may be difficult, emotionally distressed and potentially aggressive.

To contribute to the training in ultrasound of others, as agreed with the Clinical Regional Lead Sonographer. This includes radiographers, radiology registrars and other medical staff and HCPCs (on approved training programmes).

To play an active role in audit and clinical governance activities as directed by the Clinical Regional Ultrasound Manager.

To be committed to lifelong learning and produce evidence of CPD maintaining 'fitness to practice'.

To participate in the annual appraisal process.

To remain up-to-date with changes and current trends in medical ultrasound.

To maintain the highest personal, professional and ultrasonographic standards.

To adhere to Diagnostic Healthcare and NHS Health and Safety Policies, and to use any equipment or personal protective equipment provided safely.

To promote the DHC philosophy of equality and diversity.

To respond to the needs of the company and patients as necessary.

To be prepared to work flexibly to meet service demands.

Supplementary Information

Communication and Relationship Skills

To provide highly complex and sensitive information.

To impart this information in a sensitive and empathetic manner in terms that the patient can understand.

To act upon complex information received from referrers and to communicate effectively with them.

To deal sympathetically with distressed patients.

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Must hold a professional qualification, either the DMU or PGC/D in medical ultrasound imaging and relevant professional registration eg HCPC.

Professional/clinical specialist knowledge of ultrasound acquired throughout a post-graduate qualification and extensive clinical practice.

To have a degree of personal and professional autonomy.

To have the ability to make clinical judgements and critical decisions of the highest order, using knowledge, skills and experience.

Able to use company patient management databases and PACS.

Planning and Organisational Skills

Plans and priorities own workload, accepting urgent referrals and additions to list as required whilst maintaining an efficient throughput of patients and ensuring best patient care at all times.

Physical Skills

To scan patients of all sizes, shapes and dispositions, adapting techniques to suit.

Responsibility for Human Resources

Regularly responsible for providing training within own discipline to students and medical personnel.

Freedom to Act

To give professional advice to staff, health professionals and clinicians.

To adhere to national guidelines and to Diagnostic Healthcare and NHS Trust protocols.

Accountable for own professional actions including issuing of independent…