Vascular Sonographer - Bank position

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

London high cost area supplement

Staff benefits

Job summary

Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust is seeking an experienced ultrasound practitioner with postgraduate ultrasound qualifications and an advanced practice qualification at master’s level. You will perform and report ultrasound imaging across a wide range of procedures for in-patients, working alongside Consultant Radiologists to deliver high-quality patient care.

The post emphasizes professional autonomy, development of protocols, and mentoring of junior staff, within a supportive radiology team.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate ultrasound qualification (DMU/PgD) and an advanced ultrasound practice qualification at master’s level or equivalent.
• Experience as an advanced ultrasound practitioner with expert clinical practice.
• Evidence of NHS experience and the ability to operate with professional autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Sonographer in developing protocols and local policies.
• Safely operate ultrasound equipment following BMUS guidelines and NHS policies.
• Provide and report ultrasound imaging for acute in-patients and complex cases.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to service development and clinical governance.

Skills

Advanced ultrasound practice

Expert clinical practice

Communication with patients

Teamwork

Education

DCR/BSc Postgraduate Diploma Ultrasound or international equivalent (vascular)

Master’s level advanced ultrasound qualification

Tools

BMUS guidelines

Job description

As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination uptake as this remains the best line of defence against COVID19.

At Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, above all we value respect. We put respect at the heart of all we do, by living up to our shared behaviours of kindness, professionalism, positivity and teamwork. This enables us to provide great patient care and make ESTH a great place to work. When you sign up to work with us, you sign up to this and we welcome applicants who share our values

Job overview

Job Summary

The post holder will have a post graduate ultrasound qualification (DMU/PgD) and must hold an advanced ultrasound practice qualification at master’s level or equivalent. The post holder should have worked as an advanced ultrasound practitioner in ultrasound imaging with significant experience and knowledge to provide and facilitate an expert level of care to patients. The post holder will perform and issue ultrasound reports on a wide range of ultrasound procedures including acute in-patients, providing highly advanced clinical skills and opinion and diagnosis for patient centred care. They will exercise the highest degree of professional autonomy in the decision making process and required to liaise with Consultant Radiologists to improve overall patient outcomes. The post holder will liaise with a variety of staff throughout the trust, define scope of practice of others and continuously develop clinical practice within your own defined field. They will support the Lead Sonographer in developing the ultrasound service in line with best practice and national standards.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will have a post graduate ultrasound qualification (DMU/PgD) and must hold an advanced ultrasound practice qualification at master’s level or equivalent. The post holder should have worked as an advanced ultrasound practitioner in ultrasound imaging with significant experience and knowledge to provide and facilitate an expert level of care to patients. The post holder will perform and issue ultrasound reports on a wide range of ultrasound procedures including acute in-patients, providing highly advanced clinical skills and opinion and diagnosis for patient centred care. They will exercise the highest degree of professional autonomy in the decision making process and required to liaise with Consultant Radiologists to improve overall patient outcomes. The post holder will liaise with a variety of staff throughout the trust, define scope of practice of others and continuously develop clinical practice within your own defined field. They will support the Lead Sonographer in developing the ultrasound service in line with best practice and national standards.

Working for our organisation

The StaffBank for Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust are seeking enthusiastic play specialist to join our pool of Staff Bank workers, there are many full time roles available but as they are ever-changing - the exact roles available will be provided once your Hiring & Recruitment is complete. We can give you an idea of the type of roles available at the time of contact, but we cannot guarantee set roles as your hiring time may vary. Depending on previous relevant experience & previous NHS experience, higher banding/rates can be discussed.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To support the Lead Sonographer in developing and implementation of protocols within areas of expertise. To work with the management team to continue to develop the service including identification and development of local policies, procedures and guidelines. To ensure that facilities are utilised efficiently to provide the best possible patient care and to support the Lead Sonographer with implementing change where necessary To safely and effectively operate ultrasound equipment, adhering to British Medical Ultrasound (BMUS) guidelines 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 rearrange work lists in the event of equipment failure being responsive to the inconvenience caused to patients at short notice cancellations. 2 Participation with the co-ordination and implementation of a Quality Assurance programme and assist with planning of routine maintenance taking into account the effect on the normal running of the service. To organise room equipment and the working environment to minimise personal risk of work related upper limb disorders (RSI) and to be aware of the regulations governing the use of VDUs. To report any untoward incidents as appropriate and in line with department protocols and promptly assist in the solution of difficulties as they arise. To investigate and respond to complaints in accordance with Trust guidelines and contribute to clinical governance and clinical effectiveness by ensuring best practice guidelines in ultrasound. To actively participate in appraisals for junior sonographers and support staff working in ultrasound. As an expert practitioner to support, mentor and improve patient services in ultrasound and actively contribute to the strategic planning and development of professional practice.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

To work in a given area, being accountable for own professional actions, organisation of own workloads, vascular ultrasound examinations, diagnosis reporting within Unit protocols To demonstrate a depth of knowledge of ultrasound, performing assessment and diagnosis. Exercise a high degree of personal and professional autonomy, acting as a lead practitioner demonstrating advanced clinical competence, decision making and knowledge base. Work in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team and actively involve users of the service to gain their input to ensure continuous improvement in patient care. To ensure appropriate, consistent information is provided to the patient and maintain 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 To provide patients and their relatives with empathy and emotional support with abnormal, and potentially distressing, results/diagnostic findings. 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. 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 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 3 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 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

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

• DCR or BSc Postgraduate Diploma Ultrasound or International equivalent in vascular. Advanced ultrasound practice qualification at master’s level or equivalent. Recognised extended role in ultrasound – an area of specialist activity. Evidence of expert clinical practice
• Advanced Training in obstetrics /gynaecology, MSK and general ultrasound

Experience

• Post qualification experience Evidence of acting as an independent practitioner accountable for own diagnostic reporting. Management and supervisory skills.
• Evidence of training and supervision of junior staff. Have NHS experience

Knowledge and Skills

• Able to work effectively to an advanced level within ultrasound. In depth knowledge of routine and advanced ultrasound procedures. Methodical & analytical. Ability to prioritise own workload and that of others. Good communication skills with patients, colleagues and other trust workers. Good PC skills
• Awareness of the NHS agenda.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work under pressure and as a team member Ability to adapt to meet changing needs. Professional, empathetic, reliable and responsible. Ability to work safely, avoiding the hazards that may be encountered in ultrasound e.g. lifting. Dealing with bodily fluids.
• Further professional ambition.

Our mission: ‘to put the patient first by delivering great care to every patient, every day.’

There’s never been a better time to join the Epsom and St Helier team. Our hospitals are facing a bright and busy future, and our staff have a proven track record in providing high quality, compassionate care for our patients.

Boasting incredible staff benefits and dedicated training schemes, working for us will not only take your career forward, but could help to transform the lives of our patients and visitors.

We offer all employees some fantastic staff benefits, and are the only hospitals in Surrey to offer staff the London high cost area supplement. Our hospitals also benefit from great locations, so whether you're attracted to the bright lights of the city or the countryside of Epsom Downs, both are within easy reach.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For new entrants into the NHS, your pay under the Agenda for Change or Medical & Dental Pay Bands, will normally be set at the minimum of the pay band as advertised.

We offer all employees some fantastic staff benefits, and are the only hospitals in Surrey to offer staff the London high cost area supplement. Our hospitals also benefit from great locations, so whether you're attracted to the bright lights of the city or the countryside of Epsom Downs, both are within easy reach.

ESTH values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusionwill lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Internal applicants from underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to seek development support such as work shadowing and interview skills coaching. Please contact the recruitment team for more information.

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.