The South West Imaging Training Academy (SWITA) is committed to developing and enhancing training opportunities for all professionals involved in imaging. This role will work to improve the recruitment, retention, and training for the Sonography workforce by managing and facilitating the Taunton Sonography hub, supporting both trainee Sonographers and Radiologists. The post will involve responsibility for the clinical governance and day-to-day running of the hub in partnership with the Somerset FT protocols and guidelines, and Local Sonography Leads.
Main Duties of the Job
They will lead the delivery of clinical education, being responsible for organising and coordinating the educational and training requirements necessary for all staff in the Taunton Ultrasound Hub (TUH). It will involve maximising training and education capacity and resources in accordance with clinical governance, developing and maintaining a quality system for this purpose.
1. Provide a high-quality, timely service to patients by developing and educating a flexible, multi-skilled, professional workforce.
2. Perform and provide a diagnostic report for a wide range of examinations including, but not limited to General Medical, Gynaecology, DVT, and Testicular ultrasound, demonstrating expertise in the use of medical ultrasound techniques and showing a thorough understanding of their application.
3. High level of management and leadership is expected, working within the local SFT and SWITA Leadership teams and both in appropriate forums.
4. Contribute and lead the development of the ultrasound service within the TUH, in partnership with the Sonography Leadership team at SFT (Musgrove).
5. Create an Ultrasound Simulation Program using current simulation equipment, in partnership with the Academy Radiology team, Higher Education Institutes, and local trust Sonography teams to enhance learning and develop skills of trainees.
6. Supervise and structure practice-based learning, bringing together academic theory, workplace practice and help trainees to develop skills and competencies towards learning outcomes, assessment, and qualification.
7. Identify funding opportunities for sonographers, working with the SWITA Radiography Education Lead and SFT.
8. Signpost staff to educational and development opportunities and act as an advocate to ensure access to these opportunities.
9. Responsible for allocated trainee sonographers, radiologists, and student radiographers, assisting with their education and clinical appraisal.
10. Liaise with ultrasound leads and designated appraisers to report progress of trainee/preceptee.
11. Work collaboratively with trainees and educational providers to ensure students can access help and support.
12. Work with the other regional leads to create a simulation program to enhance and develop skills of trainees within the Taunton hub.
13. Review and develop the currently in place preceptorship programme and provide guidance on what is expected of sonographers as they develop in their career.
14. Support newly qualified sonographers during their preceptorship period.
15. Lead the Induction for new substantive staff within the Academy hub.
16. Teach and deliver specialist training in ultrasound, undertake lectures and presentations to groups of ultrasound trainees and practitioners within the specialist modality.
Essential
* Pg Dip or Masters Medical Ultrasound
Desirable
* Post grad Teaching qualification
* Leadership skills/qualifications
Experience Essential
* 4 + yrs clinical experience in NHS setting
* Experience teaching practical ultrasound skills
* Exceptional communication skills with both patients/carers and clinical teams, both verbal and written
Desirable
* Experience mentoring trainee sonographers/radiology Registrars
Additional Criteria Essential
* Driving licence with business use insurance
* Use of a vehicle for work-related travel
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer flexible working options to help you balance work and life, NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security, generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax, and a strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential.
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
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