We are looking to recruit a sonographer to join our team at Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (St Helens & Knowsley sites). Applicants must hold a recognised ultrasound qualification (PgCert, PgDip or DMU), and be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
A wide range of obstetric and non-obstetric examinations are undertaken across two hospital sites (Whiston Hospital and St Helens Hospital). We also provide ultrasound services at four community sites (St Helens Millennium Centre, Newton Community Hospital, Widnes Urgent Care Centre, and St Helens Lowe House). We act as a clinical placement site for the University of Cumbria’s Direct Access MSc Ultrasound programme and there are opportunities to engage in the training and mentorship of student sonographers.
Mersey & West Lancashire Trust fully supports role extension and we have sonographers undertaking HyCoSy examinations, ultrasound guided joint injections and breast interventional procedures. The department also undertakes seven-day working and the successful candidate will be expected to undertake evening and weekend duties.
KEY DUTIES
1. Perform obstetric, gynaecological, abdominal, vascular and small parts Ultrasound examinations.
2. Report all Ultrasound examinations by clinically interpreting images and providing a written report in accordance with the scheme of work and departmental protocols.
3. Liaise with referring clinicians to discuss the Ultrasound findings if the need arises.
4. To deputise in the absence of the Lead Sonographer to ensure the smooth running of the department.
5. Abide by scanning protocols developed within the Ultrasound department.
6. Undertake patient referrals to specific clinics with reports where appropriate.
7. Maintenance of a good working relationship with all other departments and staff, providing an effective and efficient Ultrasound service to all users and patients.
8. Assist in the day-to-day running of the unit, to include administrative, clerical duties; booking of scans at appropriate times.
9. Be competent in the use of all Ultrasound machines and their associated equipment.
10. Perform regular QA checks on all Ultrasound equipment.
11. To perform weekly and daily checks on emergency equipment e.g. cardiac arrest box.
12. To report all equipment malfunctions to the Lead Sonographer and if necessary undertake any further action to ensure the safe operation of a faulty unit.
13. To maintain and recommend improved standards of technique in association with the Lead Sonographer.
14. Maintain electronic records/ ultrasound films, updating patient electronic records as necessary.
15. Provision of reporting of Ultrasound scans as per departmental policy on role development of Sonographers.
16. Responsible for data collection and interpretation of information.
17. Promote quality initiatives, ensuring the quality of patient care and compliance of quality standards.
18. Ensure effective communication within the Ultrasound department, and throughout other departments within the Trust and other agencies.
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To be responsible for adhering to Ultrasound examination protocols.
2. Provide clinical support and advice to staff within the Trust and other agencies.
3. Ensure clinical and professional standards are met at all times.
4. To perform all aspects of clinical/ technical procedures within the Ultrasound department as per departmental policy, providing specialist knowledge when necessary.
5. Responsible for audit of personal reporting activities and participation in clinical audit.
6. Responsible for breaking bad news to obstetric patients and their relatives when a foetal death or abnormality is found, and formulating the report.
7. Responsible for performing invasive procedures. (Transvaginal/transrectal scanning).
8. Responsible for musculoskeletal health whilst scanning, aware of posture and scanning position to reduce the effects of known WRULD (work related upper limb disorders).
9. Establish and maintain effective communication with various individuals and groups on complex matters overcoming and potentially stressful topics in a range of situations.
10. Maintain a patient, courteous manner in all aspects of communication with patients and staff.
11. To ensure delivery of a patient focussed service including care comfort and dignity of all patients.
12. To take an active role in the general cleanliness and professional image of the department.
13. To be responsible for assuring the safety of him/herself and others in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols e.g. COSHH, Radiation Protection etc.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for accurate data entry on the Radiology Information System.
2. To ensure the accuracy of data quality in line with departmental policies and procedures (i.e. name, date of birth, address, postcode, GP and telephone number) are all current and correct.
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for the training and clinical assessment of postgraduate students.
2. To supervise and teach Radiology Specialist Registrars Ultrasound scanning, technique and interpretation of images.
3. Contribute to the continuing education programme by attending courses and keeping abreast of current medical developments.
4. Contribute to the departments’ CPD programme by the presenting of lectures.
5. Provide highly specialist knowledge and support to the wards, departments and clinical staff within the field of Ultrasound.
6. To attend other training courses relevant to the post.
RESEARCH & AUDIT
1. Participate in the audit of current techniques; keep up to date with the research and development of new techniques.
2. Ensure compliance with all Trust research governance procedures.
3. To support the Trusts clinical governance agenda by understanding the key priorities for change and ensuring that new developments utilise the objectives within the governance agenda.
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