About this role
Job summary This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a 24-month training post combining supervised clinical training with an accredited Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Medical Ultrasound at the department's chosen Higher Education Institution. Training will be delivered by an experienced team of sonographers and provide the knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours required to become a competent Reporting Sonographer. Modules will be determined by service needs and will include General Medical Ultrasound, Obstetric Ultrasound, Gynaecological Ultrasound, Testes/Scrotal Ultrasound and Ultrasound Physics. The successful applicant will take responsibility for their professional development and demonstrate a proactive approach to both academic study and clinical practice. Protected study time will be available where service demands allow, although self-directed learning outside working hours will be required. Attendance at all mandatory university teaching sessions, whether online or in person, is expected throughout the programme. During the second year, following successful competency assessments and an appropriate preceptorship period, the trainee will undertake independent practice in accredited modules contributing to the seven-day service delivery as a Band 7 Reporting Sonographer.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills within a supportive environment while working towards a recognised ultrasound qualification.
Main duties of the job
Working under the supervision of qualified sonographers, the post-holder will develop the clinical knowledge, technical expertise and practical skills required to perform and report ultrasound examinations developing the necessaryclinical decision-making skills to support diagnosis and patient management. The trainee will gain experience in coordinating the daily operational workload of the department, including referral vetting and patient prioritisation. They will be expected to provide high standards of patient-centred care, demonstrating effective communication skills and the ability to sensitively explain findings and onward care pathways. The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality seven-day ultrasound service . They will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across Radiology and Maternity Services, maintaining professional relationships and escalating concerns regarding training or competency appropriately. Following successful completion of the PgDip, the post holder will work autonomously as a Reporting Sonographer, undertaking and reporting examinations within their scope of practice. They will be responsible for the safe use of specialised ultrasound equipment valued between £20,000 and £120,000. The role also includes participation in audit, research, service development and teaching while maintaining professional accountability to ensure safe, effective patient care.
About us The Ultrasound Department comprises 12 WTE Radiographer and Midwife Sonographers delivering 30,000 examinations annually across Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. The service operates from 10 ultrasound rooms, including five within the Women's Health Unit, three within the Radiology Department at Torbay Hospital and two at Newton Abbot Community Hospital. We provide inpatient, ambulatory and outpatient services, supporting referrals from Acute Medicine, Surgery, Emergency Department, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, DVT pathways and General Practice. The department is proud to deliver a high-quality sonographer-led service with practitioners working in extended roles, including ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal steroid injections and fine needle aspiration procedures. Sonographers are encouraged to expand their scope of practice through specialist training opportunities, including developmental dysplasia of the hip screening, endometriosis imaging, 3D transvaginal ultrasound for recurrent miscarriage and fertility pathways, and HyCoSy examinations. A strong commitment to evidence-based practice, research and professional development underpins the service, fostering a culture of innovation, learning and improvement. The team is dedicated to delivering responsive, patient-centred care and supporting clinical pathways. Sonographers contribute to a seven-day service, including weekends and Bank Holidays, ensuring timely access to diagnostic ultrasound examinations.
Job description Job responsibilities
Full Vacancy details and the expectations on completion of the PgDip in Medical Ultrasound can be found on the attached Band 7 Reporting Sonographer Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Qualified Allied Health Professional/Nurse/Midwife
Desirable
Post-qualification experience of independent working i.e. 1> year post initial qualification
Experience Essential
Has recent relevant and current experience with an NHS provider Current state registration with a relevant body (i.e. HCPC, NMC)
Desirable
Awareness of the local area and demographics
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 Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Address Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay
TQ2 7AA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)