About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Sonographer to join our friendly Ultrasound Department within Radiology, providing a high-quality, patient-centred diagnostic ultrasound service across a range of specialties.
This rotational post covers Maidstone Hospital, Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury, and the Community Diagnostic Centre at Hermitage Court.
You will join a well-established and progressive team of Sonographers. Across our three sites, we have 14 ultrasound rooms and provide a wide range of examinations, including obstetric, abdominal, gynaecological, head and neck, musculoskeletal (MSK), vascular, and paediatric ultrasound examinations.
The department offers sonographer-led interventional procedures and opportunities to develop into advanced clinical practice roles.
Our department has recently been awarded the BMUS Certificate of Preceptorship Endorsement, recognising our commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for ultrasound practitioners at all stages of their careers.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will perform and independently report a wide range of diagnostic ultrasound examinations within their scope of practice, including abdominal, pelvic, gynaecological, obstetric, small parts and vascular ultrasound. They will assess and prioritise referrals, interpret clinical information, adapt scanning techniques as required, and communicate significant findings appropriately.
The successful candidate will deliver high-quality, patient-centred care, ensuring accurate record keeping and compliance with professional and Trust standards. They will work closely with radiologists, consultants, midwives, GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals to support patient pathways and clinical decision-making.
The service operates across Maidstone Hospital, Tunbridge Wells Hospital and the Community Diagnostic Centre at Hermitage Court and includes extended working hours from 8:00am to 8:00pm, Monday to Sunday.
We are committed to staff development and offer excellent Continuing Professional Development opportunities, including access to external courses and a well-established in-house training programme.
Following successful completion of agreed competencies and demonstration of extended practice skills as outlined within the job description, the post holder will have the opportunity to progress to Band 8a.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Click here to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff). Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits Blue Light card eligibility And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Educated to a minimum standard of DMU, PgC, PgD or a UK recognised ultrasound qualification.
Desirable
Masters or UK recognised equivalent in Ultrasound
Experience/Knowledge Essential
Experience in Ultrasound Obstetrics and Gynaecology scanning and reporting. Working towards or holding qualification in General Abdominal Ultrasound. Experience working in an Ultrasound department
Desirable
Evidence of additional training and courses attended.
Skills Essential
Excellent understanding of Medical English Able to evaluate ultrasound requests to understand the clinical question posed and be able to interrogate with ultrasound to answer the question Excellent telephone manner Excellent verbal communication IT literate
Desirable
Evidence of Audit skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had 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 dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Address Maidstone Hospital
Hermitage Lane
Maidstone
ME16 9QQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)