About this role
Job summary
The post holder will be a qualified sonographer ideally holding a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent and a postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound. Experience in obstetric or MSK ultrasound is desirable. They will work autonomously within a busy general ultrasound department interpreting complex findings, identifying pathological and incidental abnormalities and escalating appropriately.
They will vet and prioritise ultrasound referrals to ensure safe, timely imaging. They will produce high-quality diagnostic reports in accordance with local and national guidelines, providing clear recommendations for management or follow-up. Strong communication skills are essential, including explaining procedures and communicating findings sensitively.
They will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across Trust and community services. They will support supervision and development of junior staff and trainees and contribute to audit, quality improvement, and service development while maintaining professional accountability.
They will demonstrate strong technical, analytical, communication and patient-centred skills, delivering specialised sonographic imaging to a high professional standard. They will ensure timely and accurate diagnostic input through effective decision-making, actively manage ultrasound requests, provide clinical advice and reporting, and may deputise in the absence of senior staff.
RRP OF £5000
Main duties of the job
Although this role is essentially within the ultrasound department at University Hospital Lewisham, there may be opportunities to work cross- site within the Trust. Patient population will be from a diverse background, which can include those from high dependency units and the critically ill.
To independently undertake and report diagnostic ultrasound procedures, maintaining high professional standards of technical competence and ensuring excellent standards of care at all times. To be accountable for own professional actions and work within codes of practice and professional guidelines. To work within multi-disciplinary team and hold strong communication /team work skill sets.
About us
1 The Ultrasound Department at Lewisham Hospital has a staffing model comprising Lead Sonographers, Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Sonographers, Trainee Sonographers and Radiology Department Assistants. This framework supports governance, accountability and multidisciplinary working across hospital and community sites.
The department delivers a full range of ultrasound services including obstetric, gynaecology, abdominal, vascular, MSK, Head and Neck and paediatrics, supporting a diverse patient population across inpatient, outpatient, acute and community pathways.
Advanced Clinical Specialist Sonographers provide leadership across various areas of practice including including ultrasound-guided FNAs and biopsies in head and neck.
There is a strong culture of learning supported by CPD, audit and service improvement.
The department works with radiologists, clinicians, nursing and admin teams to ensure timely reporting, efficient pathways and quality patient-centred care.
We are committed to workforce development through expanding sonographer-led services.
The department promotes an inclusive culture where staff feel valued. Patient-centred care, dignity and compassion underpin practice. Continuous improvement and innovation support clinical excellence
Job description Job responsibilities
1 Performance
Although this role is essentially within the ultrasound department at University Hospital Lewisham, there may be opportunities to work cross- site within the Trust. Patient population will be from a diverse background, which can include those from high dependency units and the critically ill.
Workforce
To ensure accurate use, including recording and reporting on the Trusts computerised radiology information systems (RIS).
To take responsibility for maintaining and sharing knowledge through regular CPD activity and undertaking regular departmental audits to help identify and close gaps in service and areas for improvement.
To train new staff, student sonographers, specialist registrars, medical students and work experience students in specialist areas.
To be responsible for leading and co-ordinating the team in an allocated area in the absence of the lead sonographer. This will involve being able to cope with frequent interruptions from both colleagues and other medical and non-medical staff of the Trust.
To make proposals for, assist and/or lead in the implementation of changes in working practice as agreed by departmental working groups.
To be able to continually prioritise the imaging of patients within the department throughout the day.
To identify and act in accordance with local guidelines, any potential high-risk diagnosis either whilst imaging or directly following completion of an examination.
To maintain a clean working environment. This may include disposing of blood and body fluids in accordance with Trust policy.
2. Finance
To be continually mindful of using resources in an efficient manner.
To use and supervise the use of very expensive, specialist equipment with care and due diligence.
Assist in ordering, checking and monitoring of stock and escalating concerns appropriately with the lead sonographer in the area.
To sign timesheets and vouch for the hours worked by Agency and Bank staff engaged in the department.
There is no budgetary knowledge required other than to have a general awareness that any increase in use of consumables will increase the cost of service provision.
3. Partnerships
To offer advice and guidance to patients, carers and other health professionals on sonographic and specialised procedures, taking due consideration of the patients condition. To inform and promote radiology guidelines and departmental policies to other healthcare professionals
To obtain informed consent from patients or their carers prior to undertaking procedures as appropriate to individual circumstances and barriers.
To communicate the results of normal and abnormal scans to patients and relatives and ensuring that information is clearly understood.
To use communication skills to impart bad news to distressed patients and relatives sensitively, and with empathy, and assist in determining appropriate referral pathway to other health care professionals
Be able to use computer hardware/software proficiently whilts processing images , e.g. reporting; processing of images on specialised equipment to create 3D images needing a high level of dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
To promote good relations with other directorates and hospitals
To attend any meetings as required by the Radiology Business Manager, Head of Radiography or a Superintendent Radiographer/Sonographer.
4. General
To attend any relevant study days and in-house lectures and training afternoons, including all compulsory staff training courses.
To provide assistance and be actively involved in departmental projects and audits
To take part in the departments personal appraisal scheme (PDR).
To apply performance management of staff supported by the Trusts policy
To deliver and take part in CPD
To deliver and take part in 1-1 coaching.
To take every opportunity for self-development in extended sonographic roles
To give lectures and presentations within the Trust and to outside organisations on areas of special interest.
To carry out all responsibilities with regard to all Trust Policies and relevant legislation
Person Specification
Qualification Essential
DCR, BSc in Radiography or equivalent State Registered with HPC Pg Dip in medical ultrasound or equivalent
Desirable
oRelevant post grad certificate
Knowledge and Experience Essential
oAble to demonstrate a responsible attitude to teamwork oProgressive attitude and evidence of CPD oAble to plan and prioritise workloads oCompetent in the use and care of a range of US Equipment
Skills and Ability Essential
Excellent communications skills, both verbally and in writing Confident to act on own initiative Excellent interpersonal, persuasive and motivational skills Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines Good problem solving skills Able to demonstrate an aptitude for training and developing staff in specialist areas Ability to give effective feedback to other Clinical staff
Personal Qualities Essential
Professional & responsible attitude Demonstrate effective leadership qualities Reliable, stable & self motivated Able to promote a high standard of customer care Ability to carry out moderate physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the service including cross site working Able to cope with all types of patients coming with particular reference to A&E patients Able to work alone Able to personally reflect on own performance and ability
Desirable
Innovative approach to department working practice
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 Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
Address University Hospital Lewisham
High Street
London
SE13 6LH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)