About this role
Job summary
Band 8a Deputy Superintendent Sonographer - with additional Recruitment & Retention Premium (RRP)
Our Ultrasound department consists of 16 rooms: 6 General, 6 Obstetrics, 1 EPAU, 1 ACU 1 ACU and 1 satellite clinic. All our rooms are all equipped with the latest GE machines. We are a busy and dynamic department doing a wide variety of examinations such as Obstetric, Gynae, General Abdominal, Small Parts, Vascular, Paediatric and MSK ultrasound.
We have a culture which fosters innovation and supports new ideas whilst also ensuring our people are well supported so that they have high rates of employee satisfaction and are professionally developing to be the leaders of tomorrow.
The successful candidate will work mainly at the Chelsea and Westminster site but may cover West Middlesex Hospital site when services require.
The minimum scanning requirements for this role: Obstetrics US (FASP & GAP knowledge and application), Gynaecology and general abdominal ultrasound is essential. This includes scanning, independent reporting and onward recommendation of all modalities in line with national and local guidelines and protocols. Small parts, MSK, vascular and paediatrics (including GRAF hips) ultrasound skills are desirable.
Previous candidates need not apply.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will be a sonographer who is keen to be part of an imaging service with a difference. Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust's (CWHFT) imaging directorate is going through a period of transformational change where innovation is at the forefront of what we do. We are seeking an experienced, sonographer who wishes to work at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital so that they are surrounded by people who put patients first but are also keen to invest in themselves and the organisation. The post holder will be responsible for assisting the US Superintendent in providing the operational management and coordination of the General Radiology Ultrasound service under Clinical Support Services. The post holder will partake in effective management and deployment of staff and will assist with all aspects of the day to day management. The post holder will be responsible for assisting the superintendent with coordination of the Quality Standards for accreditation. Operationally they will be responsible for coordinating continual improvement of Patient Experience and Quality of Care improvement projects including and reviewing patient pathways. We have a culture which fosters innovation and supports new ideas whilst also ensuring our staff are well supported so that they have high rates of employee satisfaction and are professionally developing to be the leaders of tomorrow.
About us
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London. Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. As part of our dedication to equity, we actively welcome applications from individuals from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to succeed.
If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful.
Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description Job responsibilities
Key responsibilities
To assist the Ultrasound Superintendent sonographer in day to day running of the ultrasound department to ensure the department operates smoothly and efficiently.
To maintain close communication with the Ultrasound Superintendent sonographer, the Services Manager, consultants and other staff members to develop the ultrasound service to excel.
To assist in planning and arranging ultrasound rotas of sonographers, healthcare assistants and Radiologists, to ensure all lists are covered
Active involvement in training of student sonographers.
To assist the Ultrasound Superintendent sonographer in inducing new staff and carrying out yearly PDRs
To communicate with patients and relatives in a professional and reassuring manner, especially in difficult or emotional circumstances. To deliver distressing news/results to patients with empathy. Proactively demonstrate interest in developing oneself professionally by proposing QI projects, collecting data and presenting at inter/national conferences. Participate in research studies conducted at CWHFT, including those as part of Imperial College. Comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques. Comply with and be able to demonstrate safe infection control measures. To demonstrate flexibility and adaptability with rostering requirements to ensure a robust and safe imaging service across the Trust. Maintain a high level of commitment to, and take responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD). The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic professional development review, in accordance with Trust guidelines. To undertake any other duties which may be appropriate to the post. To collaboratively work with their colleagues at West Middlesex site to continually improve patient care and pathways. Physical Skills and Requirements
To demonstrate and employ the high degree of dexterity required to position complex equipment used in the acquisition of images. To be able to accurately manipulate and position patients to ensure most accurate diagnosis. To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques and apply those techniques to both patients and equipment. To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques, with access to annual manual handling training. To manipulate complex machinery with speed and accuracy in routine and emergency conditions. The post holder will be required to organize the manoeuvring of heavy or non-ambulant patient using appropriate manual handling techniques, with the assistance of the multi-disciplinary team caring for these patients.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
PG dip Ultrasound or international equivalent or DMU Interest in further study and CPD including research. Post Grad qualification or commitment to study. Voluntary register held by RCT or other regulatory body (HCPC, GMC or NMC)
Experience Essential
Minimum of 6 months Broad experience in ultrasound techniques including Obstetrics, Gynae, Abdominal and Small parts
Clinical Skills Essential
Vast experience in US (MSK, Vascular, Paeds, Obs&Gynae, General)
Desirable
Post-grad certification (or equivalent) in a speciality area
Communication skills Essential
Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and effectively to both patients and staff and in challenging circumstances
Desirable
Evidence of E&D training, Conflict resolution training, communication training
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.
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 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Fulham Road
London
SW10 9NH
Employer's website https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)