About this role
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 everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see job description attached to see main duties and responsibilities of role.
Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development and compliance with relevant professional, regulatory and local requirements.
Support the delivery of a safe, effective, compassionate and patient-centred ultrasound service across all Trust locations as required.
In addition to clinical duties, the post holder will contribute to service development, quality assurance, audit, education and research activities, supporting the continued delivery of a safe, effective and compassionate ultrasound service.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications Essential
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.
Desirable
Additional qualifications or training in a specialist area of ultrasound practice (e.g. general, vascular or MSK ultrasound).
Experience and knowledge Essential
oDemonstrable experience as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner. oDemonstrable leadership experience within an ultrasound service. oUnderstanding of current challenges and developments within obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound services in the NHS. oExperience working within a busy hospital environment delivering a broad range of complex ultrasound examinations. oSignificant experience in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound practice. oCompetent in performing and reporting first, second and third trimester obstetric ultrasound examinations in accordance with national guidelines (FASP). oDQASS and FMF accreditation. oKnowledge of clinical governance, audit and quality assurance processes.
Desirable
oKnowledge and understanding of the Quality Standard in Imaging (QSI) process. oExperience supporting service development or quality improvement initiatives. oExperience supervising, mentoring or training staff and students.
Skills and abilities Essential
oExcellent written and verbal communication skills. oStrong organisational and leadership skills. oAbility to implement and promote evidence-based practice oProficient in the use of a range of clinical and administrative IT systems. oExcellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. oAbility to work calmly and effectively under pressure. oProfessional and trustworthy. oExcellent time management and prioritisation skills. oAbility to communicate complex or sensitive information with empathy and professionalism. oAbility to support and motivate colleagues within a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
oAwareness of current developments, emerging technologies and national initiatives within ultrasound practice. oExperience contributing to training, teaching or presentations.
Personal qualities Essential
oActs as an effective role model, consistently demonstrating WSFT values and behaviours. oHigh level of self-awareness, recognising personal strengths, limitations and development needs. oCommitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. oFlexible approach to working hours and duties. oPositive attitude towards change and continuous improvement. oAbility to work collaboratively and build effective working relationships. oWillingness and ability to work flexibly to meet service requirements. oAbility 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.
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 West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Address West Suffolk Hospital / Community Diagnostic Centre
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds / Newmarket
IP33 2QZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)