The successful candidate for this key role will be responsible for the operational management of the general ultrasound services across multiple sites. You will manage and support the team of sonographers and trainees. Key highlights will also include the leadership and coordination of service developments, in line with our departmental vision and NHSE Strategy. There is extensive opportunity to expand management skills.
As an expert practitioner, the new post-holder will competently strengthen and develop great close working relationships with the departmental leads and other members of the wider team. The post holder will provide expert support and guidance to service users.
Effective delivery of training and education will also be a requirement of the role, ensuring all service improvements are delivered safely, efficiently and within budget where appropriate.
We look forward to welcoming prospective candidates and wish you all the success in your application to join the wonderful Radiology team at Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust.
Main duties of the job
1. Function as an independent practitioner within the department with responsibility for the provision of a comprehensive, high quality, cost effective and efficient ultrasound service across 4 sites.
2. Manage delegated financial resources and the day-to-day operational management of the service.
3. Contribute towards the strategic development of the service, in conjunction with the Radiology Clinical Service Manager/Directorate Manager and Clinical Lead Radiologist, ensuring all developments align with the overall objectives of the Radiology Department and with wider Trust strategy.
4. Recognised as a specialist in their field, maintaining the highest standards of care and providing specialist diagnostic judgement with a thorough understanding of complex clinical conditions.
5. Provide leadership and engage in clinical supervision activities, acting as a role model for the profession and providing operational support within Ultrasound.
Participate in the review and revision of scanning techniques and make recommendations regarding changes in practice and service improvements in conjunction with the Professional Lead Sonographer.
The postholder will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries.
Job responsibilities
Clinical:
1. Independently performs and reports a wide range of complex ultrasound examinations, recognising the sonographic characteristics of normal and abnormal tissues, structures and blood flow, and adjusting scanning technique to optimise image quality.
2. Demonstrates the specialist professional knowledge and skills necessary for interpretation, reporting, and diagnosis of a range of complex patient conditions, providing an authorised report of clinical findings to the referring clinician.
3. Evaluates referrals with respect to appropriate clinical details and gathers relevant information from the patient or their representative.
4. Identifies any contraindications to the procedure such as medication, insufficient patient preparation, or any inability or unwillingness on the part of the patient to tolerate the procedure.
5. Responsible for the clinical management and care of the patient, ensuring patient safety, privacy, and dignity is maintained at all times.
6. Communicates with the patient or their representative the purpose of the ultrasound examination and, where applicable, the significance of the results.
7. Participates in the vetting of ultrasound referrals by both manual and electronic processes, prioritising the urgency of referrals.
8. Works in conjunction with the professional lead sonographer to act as a source of information and expert advice for colleagues.
9. Contributes to the patient care pathway through participation in multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) as required.
Managerial:
1. Supervises radiology staff working in own area of responsibility, including Student and Qualified Sonographers, Health Care Assistants, and Radiology Department Assistants.
2. Prioritises and plans the daily activities of the unit, ensuring patients are imaged in a safe, timely, and efficient manner.
3. Proactively contributes to the delivery of objectives and targets relevant to the Radiology service.
4. Performs appraisals for Qualified Sonographers under the Trust's Values in Action process.
5. In conjunction with the professional lead sonographer, performs Return to Work interviews in accordance with Trust policy.
6. Participates in the recruitment and selection of staff within own area of responsibility.
7. Responsible for the management of annual leave within own area of responsibility.
8. Ensures all ultrasound equipment is in safe working order and that regular checks and preventative maintenance are performed.
9. Oversees quality assurance and clinical audit within own area of responsibility.
10. Involved in the evaluation, procurement, and implementation of new equipment.
11. Contributes to strategic planning in conjunction with the Clinical Services Manager and Medical Lead.
12. Ensures appropriateness and currency of documentation in own area of responsibility.
13. Responsible for the timely & effective investigation of PALS concerns or complaints relating to own area of responsibility.
14. Identifies and reports adverse incidents, near misses, or potential risks.
15. Represents own specialist area of responsibility at the monthly Radiology Leads meetings.
16. In conjunction with the professional lead and practice education sonographer, holds responsibility for the development and implementation of local protocols.
Teaching, Training & Research:
1. Assesses the knowledge and proficiency of staff, addressing training and development needs.
2. Develops and delivers formal and informal training relevant to own area of expertise.
3. Participates in Research & Development initiatives, as appropriate.
4. Undertakes clinical audits as appropriate, evaluating the outcomes and proposing changes to working practice.
Professional Role Responsibilities:
1. Accountable for own practice and maintenance of Governing Body registration status.
2. Develops own skills, maintaining and developing competencies across the repertoire of the department.
3. Demonstrates highly developed specialist knowledge underpinned by theory and experience.
4. Exercises autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries.
5. Participates in the Trust appraisal programme and works towards identified development needs.
6. Demonstrates active participation in Continuous Professional Development.
7. Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.
8. Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures which impact on own area of responsibility.
General Responsibilities:
1. Communicates effectively with staff groups from inside and outside the Trust.
2. Demonstrates and maintains a high level of IT skills.
3. Accurately inputs details on to EPR / RadNet.
4. Is conversant with departmental policies and supports the Radiology management team.
5. Is aware of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Data Protection, Patient Confidentiality, and local and national Health and Safety Policies.
6. Abides by current policies and procedures of the Trust and/or the Radiology Department.
7. Participates in departmental and team meetings as appropriate.
8. Undertakes other duties appropriate to grade, as delegated by the Medical Lead for Radiology and the Clinical Services Manager.
Person Specification
Essential
* Extensive experience as a sonographer.
* Experience of operational management within an acute healthcare setting.
Desirable
* Management qualification or significant managerial experience within NHS.
* Experience of audit.
Employer details
Employer name
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Berkshire Hospital
Craven Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
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