Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

· To work in a given area, being accountable for own professional actions, organisation of own workloads, ultrasound examinations and diagnosis reporting within unit protocols

· To demonstrate a substantial depth of knowledge of ultrasound, performing assessment and diagnosis to a consistently high standard.

· To accurately perform and independently report medical ultrasound imaging to the agreed departmental standards

· To ensure confidentiality of all matters involving patient care

· To use analytical and judgement skills to interpret highly complex ultrasound images, the acquisition of which is operator dependent, accurately differentiating between normal and abnormal findings

· Communicating results / diagnostic findings of ultrasound scans, which may be abnormal and potentially distressing, to patients with empathy.

· To provide patients and their relatives with empathy and emotional support with abnormal, and potentially distressing, results/diagnostic findings.

· To be able to communicate complex, sensitive information in an understandable form directly to patients. This may include giving information that is unwelcome or difficult to accept. The communication of distressing and unexpected news requires the use of persuasion, tact, empathy, diplomacy and counselling skills

· To be able to deal effectively with unpredictable patient demands while maintaining the extremely high level of concentration required for performing and reporting ultrasound procedures

· To be able to refer patients appropriately for further clinical opinion, investigations and follow-up, seeking advice where necessary.

· To be responsible for advising clinicians directly when a delay may have an impact on patient morbidity and mortality

· To take responsibility for handling patients notes and to ensure that a copy of the images and report is made available via the Hospital computer system and to be filed in the case notes where appropriate

· To support and assist junior staff as appropriate and participate in the training of doctors, nurses, sonographers and students

· To have a high level of manual and mental dexterity required for ultrasound scanning

· To ensure appropriate, consistent information is provided to the patient and maintain confidentiality of all matters involving patient care.

· Where imaging reveals pathology which requires urgent medical attention, to bring such finding to the attention of the referring clinician and identify clinically appropriate onward care/treatment for patients.

· Ensure accurate and clear records are kept and that all examinations and images are fully documented as per agreed departmental policy

Leadership and Management

· To ensure that facilities are utilised efficiently to provide the best possible patient care and to support the Superintendent Sonographer with implementing change where necessary

· To safely and effectively operate ultrasound equipment, adhering to British Medical Ultrasound (BMUS) guidelines

· To be responsible for effective management of own clinical caseload and that of the department in the absence of the superintendent Sonographer

· To adhere to the Health and Safety at Work Act and maintain a safe working environment. To report and resolve problems promptly in accordance with Departmental and Trust policies.

· To assist with the co-ordination of maintenance visits and communication with engineers as necessary

· Participation with the co-ordination and implementation of a Quality Assurance programme

· To support all other departmental staff with their duties

· To organise room equipment and the working environment to minimise personal risk of work related upper limb disorders (WRULD) and to be aware of the regulations governing the use of VDUs.

· To authorise and vet requests for ultrasound imagine using departmental guidelines as required

· Provide reports to the departmental manager on all health and safety issues, incidents, accidents and complaints in line with Trust policy.

· To be familiar with the use of computers for record keeping, respecting confidentiality in line with the requirements of data protection

· Active involvement in the development of protocols and service development and improvement, in conjunction with the advanced practice sonographers

· To be responsible for effective management of own clinical caseload and that of the department

· To report problems, incidents and complaints promptly and assist in the solution of difficulties as they arise.

· Carry out tasks delegated by superintendent Sonographer

Education, training and personal development

· To possess Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration (or equivalent relevant professional registration) and to act at all times to the standards required to maintain registration.

· To be proactive in own personal development and maintain an up to date CPD log

· To comply with performance related monitoring and participate in regular audit and review

· Take part in an individual performance review, reviewing personal development and performance in consultation with line manager

· To achieve, hold and maintain a level of competency in general ultrasound scanning

· Identify training opportunities for self as appropriate and keep abreast of current relevant research.

· To participate in research and audit as necessary and to be prepared to feedback results to other team members

· Participate in, and plan for, staff induction and training

· To attend mandatory training and meet trust compliance for training.

Communications and Engagement

· To continuously liaise with key personnel within the diagnostic imaging department

· To maintain good working relationships with colleagues and personnel from other service areas

· To actively participate in departmental meetings related to the on-going review and evaluation of the service.

· To liaise with individuals or groups, giving information as required to maintain good communications with the general public and other interested groups