Qualified or Trainee Sonographer

Job overview

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated Sonographers qualified in either Vascular, MSK, General, Gynae and Obstetrics to join our Ultrasound team.   We will consider providing training opportunities for enthusiastic, motivated health care professionals that are willing to work towards a PgD in Ultrasound, this would be paid at a band 6 during the trainingand preceptorship  period, increasing to a band 7 once fully qualified and assessed as being able to independently scan and report.

The Ultrasound department operates a 7 day service from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon Primary Care Centre and the new Community Diagnostic Centre located within the Metrocentre.

For a qualified sonographer position you must have a CASE accredited PgC in either General Medical and Gynaecology, Vascular, MSK or Obstetrics.  For a trainee sonographer position must have at least two years postgraduate experience in your profession.   For both positions you must be willing to work within the shift rota to cover the 7 day service at all ultrasound locations.

For the academic component of a training position, you will be required to register for the Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound provided by Cumbria University commencing March 25 or Teesside University commencing September 2025.

Main duties of the job

Our ultrasound department carries out advanced practice and a wide range of specialities including; obstetrics, gynaecology, general ultrasound, head and neck including FNA’s, core biopsies, drainages, paediatrics, MSK and contrast.  We deliver services across the hospital and outlying sites and as such you will get the opportunity to build and develop your skills in ultrasound over the course of your training.  Applicants must be highly motivated with a high level of professionalism, excellent communication skills, ability to work within a team and independently.

You will be responsible for producing high quality ultrasound images within the radiology service both at QEH and satellite diagnostic sites; delivering a first class service meeting the needs of referrers and patients.

You will be required to perform and independently report on a comprehensive range of ultrasound protocols in accordance with departmental protocols while maintaining the highest quality of patient care and imaging.

This vacancy is part of our ‘refer a friend’ scheme, this means if a friend who currently works for us has told you about this vacancy you could both receive a cash payment.  The full scheme details are included with the additional documents for this role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To work as part of the ultrasound team performing a comprehensive range of ultrasound examinations without supervision.
• To independently interpret ultrasound images, produce comprehensive clinical reports and communicate information regarding diagnosis directly to referrers and patients in accordance with departmental protocols.
• To support the Ultrasound Services to deliver a first class ultrasound service.
• Contribute to Service Development, Quality Improvements and take an active role in Safecare (Clinical Governance) activities.  Support Lead Radiographer in improving quality of service whilst working towards the Imaging Services Accreditation Scheme.
• To contribute towards the efficient deployment of resources enabling patients to receive safe, accurate and timely examinations.
• To prioritise patients and organise workload from a variety of referral pathways to meet the needs of the service.
• To contribute towards finding solutions that will meet the changing demands on the ultrasound service.
• To be competent in the safe use of complex ultrasound equipment.
• To maintain a high standard of patient care and professional conduct.
• To be responsible for the implementation of Trust and Radiology policies and procedures within the ultrasound department.
• To provide services in a manner that supports the Trust’s Equality and Diversity ethos.
• To have a flexible approach to work to support trust objectives and departmental plans.
• To contribute towards finding solutions to meet the rapidly changing demands on the ultrasound service.