We are a busy and dynamic general ultrasound department doing a wide variety of examinations ranging from general abdominal, small parts, paediatrics, breast, musculoskeletal, Gynae, DVT and carotid Doppler by a team of Sonographers and Radiologists. Sonographers have the opportunity to develop skills in Vascular, Paediatric and MSK ultrasound.

The department was recently praised in its QSI inspection for having a happy and patient-focussed team. We have 5 dedicated general ultrasound rooms and also support direct ultrasound services in Ambulatory & Emergency Care Unit. We have a fully integrated PACS system and voice recognition.

We support CPD and endeavour to part take in further training of internal candidates in Ultrasound from the Radiology Department. We encourage a learning environment and you will receive full support from our multidisciplinary team. You will need either a Diploma in Medical Ultrasound or a PG equivalent to join our busy, friendly team.

Main duties of the job

To scan and report examinations in general abdominal ultrasound. Paediatric, vascular and MSK ultrasound may also be performed depending on experience and training. Opportunities to rotate across other US areas such as Obs and Gynae and breast are available.

About us

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A& E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a �30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an �80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication and Relationship Skills

• To communicate with other staff members to ensure the smooth running of the Department.
• To communicate with patients and relatives in a professional and reassuring manner, especially in difficult or emotional circumstances.

Knowledge and Experience

• To undertake all ultrasound duties independently, efficiently and to provide a highly specialised clinical service.
• To produce accurate reports and formal diagnostic opinion in a timely manner based on examinations undertaken.
• To ensure that patients receive a high standard of care throughout all ultrasound specialties.
• To display competence and confidence to undertake intimate procedures including transvaginal scans ensuring relevant consent procedures have been adhered.
• To have the appropriate precise skills required for ultrasound techniques.
• To be able to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the use of highly specialised equipment.
• The post-holder will be expected to be proficient, and to teach, in the more specialised techniques practiced in ultrasound scanning. To be able to propose a review of clinical procedures and protocols in the department.
• To assist with the practical training and mentoring of more junior staff and student sonographers and to be capable of providing instructions/information to those staff in a motivational manner. They will also be required to train radiology registrars in ultrasound techniques.
• The weekly hours of the appointee will reflect the 7 day working pattern of the department. To participate in the on call and stand by rotas as required. To be able to work independently in all areas of the department during these times.
• To contribute to, and feedback from, meetings relevant to the imaging service i.e. to attend MDT meetings relevant to patients who have been in their care.

Judgment and Analysis

• To be able to offer good clinical judgment when assessing and interpreting images produced by themselves or more junior staff.

Organisational Skills

• To report and record all equipment faults. To be able to assist with the diagnosis and remedy of routine faults and assist with daily maintenance on all ultrasound imaging equipment.

Physical Skills and Requirements

• To demonstrate and employ the high degree of dexterity required to position complex equipment used in the acquisition of images. To be able to accurately manipulate and position patients to ensure most accurate diagnosis.
• To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques and apply those techniques to both patients and equipment.

Direct Patient Care

• To contribute to, and feedback from, meetings relevant to the imaging service i.e to attend MDT meetings relevant to patients who have been in their care.

Research

• To become involved in any on-going audit/research programmes as appropriate.

Service Development

• To monitor and propose amendments, where necessary, to policies and protocols in current area of work/supervision.
• To ensure that the local rules and protocols are strictly adhered to.
• To participate in the departmental quality assurance programmes as required.
• With appropriate training and experience, to oversee and manage the effective operation of any sub-modality within ultrasound. This will involve a close working relationship with the radiology team.
• To become involved in any on-going audit/research programmes as appropriate.

Personnel

• The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic performance appraisal, in accordance with the Trust guidelines.
• The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service.

IT Skills

• To become fully conversant with the hospital IT system and various reporting systems including the input and amendment of clinical data.

Autonomy

• With appropriate training and experience, to oversee and manage the effective operation of any sub-modality within ultrasound. This will involve a close working relationship with the radiology team.

Emotional and Mental Requirements

• The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service.

Working Environment

• To ensure that the rules and procedures of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are strictly adhered to, and that all working areas are kept clean and safe.
• To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques and apply those techniques to both patients and equipment

Other Requirements/ Responsibilities

• To strive to achieve competencies required to progress within their role and beyond.
• To maintain a commitment to, and take responsibility for personal development utilising principles of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the knowledge and skills

• The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic performance appraisal, in accordance with the Trust guidelines.

Communication

• Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
• Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• PgD in Ultrasound or international equivalent or DMU
• Interest in further study and CPD including research
• Post Grad qualification or commitment to study
• Voluntary register held by SOR for ultrasonographers

Desirable

• HCPC registration (NMC or GMC)

Experience

Essential

• Broad experience in ultrasound techniques including Abdominal, Small parts, Gynae and obstetrics

Desirable

• Supervisory experience
• Experience in Vascular and MSK ultrasound

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Organisational skills
• Interest in teaching/training
• Up to date technical knowledge.
• A good understanding and demonstration of Customer Service standards.
• Able to apply use of IT to principles of patient confidentiality
• Awareness and interest in developments in NHS
• Willingness to participate in departmental service development
• Able to supervise more junior staff including students

Desirable

• Willingness to extend role
• Proven ability to deputise for more senior members of the ultrasound team

Employer details

Employer name

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

West Middlesex University Hospital

Twickenham Road

Isleworth

TW7 6AF

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

289-CSS-1532-A