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Detailed job description and main 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 one’s 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.