Obstetric Sonographer

Job overview

The post holder will be an experienced obstetric sonographer who is a high profile, accessible and responsive leader within staff, service, and resource responsibility. You will be able to make informed decisions within your own area and scope of professional practice and will support the other midwifery sonographers in the provision of a professional ultrasound service.

The role of the post holder is to perform and report independently on all scans undertaken. This will include the whole range of obstetric scans including viability, dating and 1st trimester screening, anomaly scans, growth, liquor volume and doppler, uterine artery doppler, placentography including transvaginal scanning and any obstetric scan necessary during the course of pregnancy.

You will be required to communicate potentially distressing diagnosis directly to expectant parents and refer these patients appropriately. You will be responsible for writing reports for the medical profession and keeping appropriate records.

You will be involved in the clinical training of ultrasound trainees and junior doctors or medical students. You will supervise newly qualified members of staff. You will maintain your CPD and take part in other developmental activities as required.

Main duties of the job

Clinical

• The sonographer provides a highly specialist technical service using ultrasound scans to carry out diagnosis. The sonographer analyses complex data and is expected to obtain maximum possible diagnostic information considering any anatomical or pathological limitations.
• The sonographer must possess a high level of specialist knowledge over a wide range of ultrasound procedures and the highest level of in-depth expertise in a particular area of ultrasound comparable to senior clinicians.
• The sonographer is required to have the appropriate technical skill to operate the ultrasound machinery safely and effectively.
• The sonographer is expected to scan in a variety of settings and locations: scans are performed in the main and satellite departments

Please be advised there is a proposed interview date of 1st November.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

• The sonographer must carry out and report on obstetric ultrasound scans. These are unsupervised but consultation with peers and referring consultants may be necessary in some difficult cases. These scans may arise from in-patients, out-patients, or obstetric referrals.
• The sonographer exercises independent judgement during the ultrasound examination to accurately differentiate between normal and pathological findings. The sonographer then analyses the scan information and the medical history to write a report for the relevant physician.
• The sonographer has responsibility for the safety and well-being of the patient undergoing the ultrasound examination and must ensure that equipment including transducers are cleaned after use and to maintain a tidy work environment.
• To monitor the cleanliness and safety of the department and liaise with estates as necessary.
• The sonographer will support the Superintendent in leadership and management.

Communication

Excellent communication skills are essential to this role when liaising with the MDT and caring for our patients.

With patients:

• To help them to feel at ease and able to cooperate.
• To provide verbal reports to all maternity patients to try and alleviate any anxiety.
• To communicate complex, sometimes distressing, and emotional information to patients clearly, with empathy, sensitivity and in a professional manner.

With staff:

• To provide a clear, written report for the referring clinician to assist with patient management plans.
• To liaise when required with colleagues and clinicians to discuss potential problems seen on scan.
• To liaise with doctors and clerical staff re further appointments.
• Act in a professional manner at all times

Leadership/management

Leadership and management skills in the following:

• Accountable for own actions in accordance with code of professional conduct. Will contribute to corporate objectives and performance targets, acting within local, trust and statutory guidelines and policies always.
• Ensure that appropriate clinical examinations are carried out within the department.
• To be aware of and undertake management responsibilities within the role to support the Superintendent.
• To use the maternity computer system for recording, entering, and tracking information.
• Promote and monitor adherence to health and safety and trust policy designed to protect healthcare staff and service users from known hazards.
• To participate in clinical incident reporting, investigation, and clinical audit

Educational and training

The sonographer is expected to:

• Supervise and train student sonographers in obstetric ultrasound over the course of their training period.
• Train and advise consultants, and junior doctors.
• Undertake training courses to keep abreast of good practice and latest developments to support revalidation and CPD.
• Contribute and participate in team meetings.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.