Reporting Ultrasonographer

Countess of Chester; Chester; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a skilled sonographer to join our ultrasound team. You will independently perform high quality diagnostic ultrasound exams across general, gynae, small parts and obstetric scanning, with mentoring and teaching responsibilities as needed.

We value flexible working within a supportive, high performance culture and offer development opportunities, a welcoming environment and clear pathways to advance clinical and leadership skills within

Qualifications

• Recognised ultrasound qualification (PgDip, or Direct-Entry Masters) and UK work eligibility (HCPC/NMC or equivalent).
• Experience in MSK ultrasound would be advantageous.
• Ability to perform high quality diagnostic ultrasound across a range of indications.
• Willingness to contribute to teaching and mentorship within the team.

Responsibilities

• Independently carry out high quality diagnostic ultrasound examinations following established protocols.
• Clearly communicate scan findings to clinicians, patients and stakeholders in writing and verbally.
• Interpret images with sound judgement, distinguishing normal from abnormal findings.
• Justify ultrasound requests and organise workload efficiently.
• Share knowledge by supervising, educating and training staff and students.
• Support ongoing development and contribute to service improvement.

Skills

Ultrasound expertise

MSK ultrasound

Gynae ultrasound

Obstetric ultrasound

Clinical communication

Education

PgDip in Medical Ultrasound

Job description

Main area Diagnostics Grade Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (across 7 days per week) Job ref 210-2026-712

Site Countess of Chester Hospital Town Chester Salary £49,387 - £56,515 pa Salary period Yearly Closing 25/10/2026 23:59

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, staff pride themselves on not only leading through clinical excellence, but also by creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. To achieve this, the Trust has embarked on an exciting new strategy focused on continuous improvement.

Our vision is to improve the lives of our community and provide excellence in healthcare, through partnership and innovation

Our High Performance Culture will support everyone to be the best version of themselves by being true to our Trust vision, values and behaviours.
We welcome applications from colleagues from our local and neighbouring communities of all backgrounds and identities, who are currently under-represented within our region such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and those with disabilities.

As a region we are reviewing the way we work, and exploring how new working practices that support flexible working can create a positive work-life balance. As part of our recruitment process we will explore how our inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, Trust facilities and services can be of mutual benefit.

Job overview

Working Full time: 37.5 hours per week

Are you a passionate and skilled sonographer seeking a fresh challenge? We invite you to become a valued member of our dynamic and supportive ultrasound team, known for its warmth, dedication, and commitment to clinical excellence. Whether you are newly qualified or bring a wealth of experience, you will find a welcoming environment where your growth and development are genuinely prioritised.

Why Join Us?

Supportive induction and mentorship tailored to your career stage, ensuring you feel confident from day one.

Continuous professional development, with structured opportunities to advance your clinical and leadership skills. We currently have sonographers carrying out advance practice roles in MSK injection, Neck FNA’s and CEUS.

Active involvement in teaching and mentoring as a clinical placement site for the University of Cumbria’s Direct Access MSc Ultrasound programme.

A collaborative culture where your expertise and ideas are valued and encouraged.

Main duties of the job

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from both experienced practitioners and recent graduates. You must hold a recognised ultrasound qualification (PgDip, or Direct-Entry Masters) and be eligible to work in the United Kingdom (HCPC/NMC or equivalent registration required).

The post holder will be supported in their work by a Radiology Support Worker; and the ideal candidate should be skilled in general, gynae, small parts ultrasound and obstetric scanning within FASP guidelines. Experience in MSK ultrasound would also be an advantage

Main Duties

Independently carry out high quality diagnostic ultrasound examinations, following established protocols to deliver the best possible care for our patients.

Clearly and compassionately communicate scan findings to clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.

Exercise critical thinking and sound judgement to accurately interpret images, confidently distinguishing between normal and abnormal findings.

Be responsible for the justification of Ultrasound request, undertake and organise workload.

Share your knowledge by supervising, educating, and training multidisciplinary staff and students in all aspects of ultrasound.

If you are ready to take the next step in your sonography career in a team that values your contribution and supports your ambitions, we would love to hear from you.

Working for our organisation

The Trust’s services are provided from three locations:

• The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 473 general and acute beds.
• Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 60 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility.
• Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust employs 5,964 staff (headcount) to provide care and treatment to a population of over 400,000 people living in Chester and West Cheshire which includes Ellesmere Port and Neston as well as the Deeside area of Flintshire.

The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System. Due to its location on the border with North Wales, the Trust also works closely with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The Trust treats patients from England and some parts of Wales. During 2024/2025, there were approximately 643,000 patient attendances (inpatient, A&E, outpatient and diagnostic) ranging from a simple outpatient appointment to major cancer surgery

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job Description for further details.

Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values. An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the ‘essential’ criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer ‘YES’ to the question: ‘Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?’

Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.

The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

If a DBS is required for your role, you are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee applies whcih is payable to the DBS Service.Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costswill be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants requiring sponsorship may wish to determine the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship for this position by assessing themselves against the criteria on the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

The Trust will not sponsor where the starting salary does not meet immigration rules

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

Person specification

Qualification

• Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, Pg Dip, Pg Certificate or equivalent (masters level)

Experience

• Possess high level, specialist anatomical and clinical knowledge over a wide range of ultrasound procedures.
• Be adaptable, fully competent and safe in the operation of a variety of technical equipment specific to ultrasound
• Remain flexible at all times to an altered workload and act to prioritise accordingly using sound clinical judgement.
• Desire for self-development and motivation to embrace change and learn new techniques outside the current scope of practice.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide guidance, support and mentorship to less experienced ultrasound practitioners and clinical staff.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
If the role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Enhanced DBS check applications that are submitted with omitted or incorrect information will be withdrawn. In the event errors are identified on your original application, a new application will need to be submitted and you will be required to pay the DBS application fee again.

The cost of the DBS application will be deducted from your salary over the first three months of employment.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Applicants requiring sponsorship may wish to determine the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship for this position by assessing themselves against the criteria on the gov.uk website - Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK

The Trust will not sponsor where the starting salary does not meet these immigration rules

For further details on skilled worker sponsorship, please consult the UK Home Office guidance: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK. Additionally, the New guidance for overseas applicants | NHS Employers provides helpful information on the recruitment process for candidates applying for roles in the UK.

Overseas candidates are responsible for their travel expenses.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependent's (over 18 years old) will also be subject to this requirement.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.