About this role
Job summary
We are pleased to offer two trainee opportunities for motivated and suitably qualified healthcare professionals to undertake formal Ultrasound training across Radiology and Women & Children's services at New Cross and Cannock Hospitals. Following the success of our training programme, trainees will complete the Obstetrics module and the Fundamentals of Ultrasound (Physics) module in their first year. Academic study will be undertaken through Salford University, with the programme commencing in January 2027.
Subject to funding, there may be further opportunity to complete the General Abdominal module.
Applicants must meet Salford University's entry requirements, including holding a relevant first- or second-class honours degree, or providing evidence of suitability for postgraduate study if applying with non-standard qualifications. Candidates whose first language is not English must meet the required IELTS standard.
Progression to a Band 7 Sonographer role is dependent on successful completion of training and professional qualification. Sponsorship for this post is conditional under the RWHT training policy and may require repayment under certain circumstances.
Main duties of the job
Once qualified, the post holder will be highly committed, enthusiastic and innovative with excellent clinical and communication skills and willing to join our expanding team of ultrasound professionals.
The post holder will work within the ultrasound department, to provide a high-quality ultrasound service, comprising of unsupervised scanning sessions across all ultrasound units within the trust - this will include cross site and cross specialty working.
To work as an independent practitioner, performing scans to a high diagnostic standard, prioritising workload, formulating a comprehensive, accurate report, and communicating the results via the agreed method to clinicians/patients.
To be accountable for your own professional actions, maintaining high standards of knowledge relevant to your specialty. To regularly undertake CPD and audit remaining up to date with current practices in line with professional registration standards.
To train, supervise and assess Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Apprentices and Clinicians, in the specialist field of Ultrasound.
About us
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve the quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.
We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.
The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.
Job description Job responsibilities
Upon qualification and re-banding to Band 7 .
Clinically justify/authorise ultrasound requests in accordance with agreed protocols and ultrasound specific guidelines. To give specialist and expert advice to a wide range of healthcare professionals in line with these guidelines and to make decisions on patient preparation to optimise scanning.
To give a clear explanation to patients regarding ultrasound examinations including risks, benefits, accuracy and limitations, in order to gain informed consent within an ethical and moral framework.
Perform general and specialised ultrasound procedures according to trust, departmental and statutory regulations. To position patients accurately, carefully, and respectfully for examinations, adapting technique to complement the patients ability or condition.
To use analytical and judgment skills to interpret highly complex images whose acquisition is operator dependent, accurately differentiating between normal and pathological findings.
To prioritise patients independently and to organise workload from a wide variety of referral pathways. To ensure that urgent patients receive a fast efficient service.
To be aware of the importance of complementing diagnostic investigations. To make recommendations when reporting for further imaging assessment and referral where necessary after consultation / discussion with a Radiologist.
Understand ergonomic principles relevant to scanning and promote their use.
Deal with a range of operational pressures and developments withinultrasound on a day to day basis providing specialist support to staff.
Accurately and sensitively communicate highly complex information regarding diagnosis / treatment directly with clinicians and patients and within a multidisciplinary team setting as required.
To ensure that a high standard of cleanliness of the environment and equipment is maintained. To adhere to Infection Control guidelines during high risk procedures involving bodily fluids.
Seek assistance when/where necessary to maintain a safe and effective service for patients and staff.
To maintain a flexible approach to working hours such as extended days and weekend working to promote a 7-day working ultrasound service.
To train, supervise and assess Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Apprentices and Clinicians, in the specialist field of Ultrasound. To make judgements about their competency and to escalate concerns where they arise.
To challenge, in a positive manner, current working practices and promote a culture of continuous improvement and development.
Maintain fitness to practice in line with the trusts Professional Code of Conduct and to assist in developing a learning environment within the Department by maintaining an up-to-date professional knowledge through CPD.
Be accountable for your own professional activities using a high degree of autonomy within the limitations of personal expertise and skill.
Promote best practice when advising and disseminating knowledge to the profession and beyond.
To be competent in the operation of the Radiology Information System /PACS System.
Act as a role model to all other staff.
The above is a summary of the main responsibilities of the role. For full details, please see the attached JDPS.
Person Specification
Personal Statement Essential
In less than 200 words, please tell me about any relevant personal and professional experience that would recommend you for this role.
Qualifications Essential
Graduate healthcare professionals with a first- or second-class honours degree in a relevant healthcare or science-related subject. Proficiency in English language with an IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (no element below 6.5).
Desirable
Work experience or work shadowing in an NHS Ultrasound Service Valid full driving license for the UK
Experience Essential
NHS experience or equivalent in a large organisation (500 bed capacity or more) Commitment to a 1 year learning program
Desirable
Good knowledge of anatomy and physiology
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 The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Address New Cross Hospital & Cannock Chase Hospital
Wolverhampton Road
Wednesfield
WV10 0QP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalwolverhampton.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)