Sonographer

West Suffolk Nhs Foundation Trust; West Stow; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7% recruitment premium

Job summary

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is seeking Sonographers to join a supportive team delivering high-quality obstetric and gynecological ultrasound examinations across hospital and community sites. You will independently perform and report scans within your scope, contributing to patient-centred care in both acute and community settings.

The role may involve wider ultrasound activity such as general, vascular and MSK services where trained, with opportunities to lead, audit and participate in

Qualifications

• Qualified Healthcare Professional registered with a recognised regulatory body (e.g. HCPC, NMC, GMC or equivalent).
• Recognised CASE accredited postgraduate (Level 7) qualification in Medical or Clinical Ultrasound.
• Evidence of a comprehensive and up-to-date CPD portfolio demonstrating ongoing professional development in ultrasound practice and leadership activities.
• Demonstrable experience as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality ultrasound images and diagnostic reports across hospital and community settings within West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
• Undertake the full range of obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound examinations, working autonomously within scope of practice and in accordance with local and national guidelines.
• Where appropriately trained and competent, contribute to wider clinical activity, including general, vascular, MSK and inpatient ultrasound services.
• Provide clear, accurate and timely diagnostic reports, communicating findings appropriately and ensuring high standards of patient care.
• Manage and prioritise own workload, coordinating activities to support the efficient running of the ultrasound service.
• Participate in quality assurance, audit, governance, education, service development and research activities to support continuous improvement.

Skills

Autonomous ultrasound

Leadership

Ultrasound

Communication

Education

CASE Level 7 ultrasound qualification

HCPC/NMC/GMC registration

Tools

DQASS accreditation

FMF accreditation

Job description

Job summary

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for Sonographers to join our friendly, passionate and supportive team.

This position attracts a 7% recruitment and retention premium.

We are expanding our Sonography workforce to support the ultrasound service at West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The successful candidate will primarily undertake the full range of obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound examinations. Experience in general ultrasound is advantageous and would support wider clinical activity, including MSK, vascular and inpatient services, although this is not essential for all posts.

Ultrasound services are provided at the main West Suffolk Hospital site and across a number of community locations. Staff may be required to work at alternative sites to meet service needs, with the exact location and frequency to be agreed. Current community locations include Newmarket, Thetford and Sudbury.

We are seeking self‑motivated, diligent and enthusiastic Sonographers who are committed to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care. The post holder will be expected to independently perform and report ultrasound examinations within their scope of practice, producing accurate diagnostic reports in both hospital and community settings.

Main duties of the job

• Produce high-quality ultrasound images and diagnostic reports across hospital and community settings within West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
• Undertake the full range of obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound examinations, working autonomously within scope of practice and in accordance with local and national guidelines.
• Where appropriately trained and competent, contribute to wider clinical activity, including general, vascular, MSK and inpatient ultrasound services.
• Provide clear, accurate and timely diagnostic reports, communicating findings appropriately and ensuring high standards of patient care.
• Manage and prioritise own workload, coordinating activities to support the efficient running of the ultrasound service.
• Participate in quality assurance, audit, governance, education, service development and research activities to support continuous improvement.

The closing date for this vacancy may be brought forward if a high volume of applications is received. We therefore encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. Previous applicants need not apply.

Please note that shortlisted candidates may be required to attend a face‑to‑face interview, which may include a clinical and/or practical assessment of scanning competency.

About us

#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community

We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high‑quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.

The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.

Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.

We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.

With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.

We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyone’s voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.

Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?

Date posted: 19 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year Per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working
Reference number: 179-8070616-C

Essential qualifications and experience

• Qualified Healthcare Professional registered with a recognised regulatory body (e.g. HCPC, NMC, GMC or equivalent).
• Recognised CASE accredited postgraduate (Level 7) qualification in Medical or Clinical Ultrasound.
• Evidence of a comprehensive and up-to date CPD portfolio demonstrating ongoing professional development in ultrasound practice and leadership activities.
• Demonstrable experience as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner.
• Demonstrable leadership experience within an ultrasound service.
• Understanding of current challenges and developments within obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound services in the NHS.
• Experience working within a busy hospital environment delivering a broad range of complex ultrasound examinations.
• Significant experience in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound practice.
• Competent in performing and reporting first, second and third trimester obstetric ultrasound examinations in accordance with national guidelines (FASP).
• DQASS and FMF accreditation.
• Knowledge of clinical governance, audit and quality assurance processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to implement and promote evidence‑based practice.
• Proficient in the use of a range of clinical and administrative IT systems.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• Professional and trustworthy.
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex or sensitive information with empathy and professionalism.
• Ability to support and motivate colleagues within a multidisciplinary team.
• Acts as an effective role model, consistently demonstrating WSFT values and behaviours.
• High level of self‑awareness, recognising personal strengths, limitations and development needs.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care.
• Flexible approach to working hours and duties.
• Positive attitude towards change and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective working relationships.
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly to meet service requirements.
• Ability to travel between hospital and community sites as required.
• For CDC‑based roles, ability to work shifts covering service hours between 08:00 and 20:00.

Desirable

• Additional qualifications or training in a specialist area of ultrasound practice (e.g. general, vascular or MSK ultrasound).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Quality Standard in Imaging (QSI) process.
• Experience supporting service development or quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or training staff and students.
• Awareness of current developments, emerging technologies and national initiatives within ultrasound practice.
• Experience contributing to training, teaching or presentations.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such 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.

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 must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.