Reporting Sonographer

Overview

We are seeking a qualified Reporting Sonographer to join the Torbay South Devon Foundation Trust team. This role involves leading improvements in the Ultrasound service and working within the Radiology senior management to drive quality improvements. You will work independently to acquire and interpret diagnostic ultrasound images and issue clinical reports to referring clinicians. The role includes acute and elective general ultrasound scans and obstetric work, with some weekend working.

• Perform designated ultrasound scans to required departmental standards and follow departmental protocols and national guidance/best practice.
• Acquire and interpret ultrasound images, provide independent clinical opinions via the CRIS system, and seek senior colleague advice as needed for patient care pathways.
• Contribute to a high-quality ultrasound service by cooperating with Radiology support workers, other sonographers, the lead sonographer and consultant radiologists, undertaking delegated tasks and engaging in all four pillars of practice.
• Deliver an efficient, patient-focused ultrasound service as part of a team on an improvement journey.
• Ensure safe and efficient use of equipment, including managing fragile transducers and complex machinery within budget considerations.
• Provide sonographer-led diagnostic ultrasound imaging for the TSDFT Radiology department.
• Offer specialist training, mentoring and supervision for trainee advanced practitioners in postgraduate clinical ultrasound education.
• Assist in training and supervision for Ob/Gyn Registrars, radiology registrars and student radiographers in relevant scanning techniques.
• Supervise and assist clerical staff, support workers and student practitioners; provide clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary team of midwives, doctors and nurses.
• Assist the superintendent in the appraisal and selection of ultrasound equipment for the Trust.
• Participate in a 7-day service, including emergency obstetrics and gynaecology scans on bank holidays.
• Be aware of the scope of the Sonographer team: 12 WTE Radiographer and Midwife Sonographers, with around 30,000 examinations per year.

• There are 11 ultrasound rooms: 6 in the Women’s Health Unit, 3 in the main Radiology Department, and 2 at Newton Abbot Community Hospital. Scanning support covers Acute medical/surgical, DVT, paediatric, Obstetric-Gynaecology teams, GP, outpatient and inpatient services.
• Clinical teams include MSK specialists providing a wide range of diagnostic scans and therapeutic ultrasound-guided injections; head and neck scanning and fine-needle aspirations are also undertaken by a dedicated sonographer.
• General Sonographers also scan paediatric patients, including baby hip screening, and there is specialist training in Gynaecology service with endometriosis investigation to improve detection and reduce waiting times for treatment.
• All general Sonographers participate in weekends and Bank Holidays to meet service demands.

Full vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification. This description reflects the responsibilities and expectations of the role at TSDFT.