Job summary
This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic Sonographer to join our team in a full time or part time role on a permanent basis.
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust new Community Diagnostic Centre is due to open in February 2025. As part of the workforce requirements the Imaging department are recruiting qualified staff to join our team.
The CDC will have two ultrasound scan rooms in addition to our existing obstetric and general US service, and we need to grow our current Ultrasound team with qualified Sonographers to support this.
The NNUH Ultrasound Department currently consists of five general ultrasound rooms and five obstetric ultrasound rooms and a Vascular Lab. In addition, we provide a general ultrasound service in Cromer and a smaller outreach clinic and support one-stop clinic provision within the Trust.
The Imaging Department at the NNUH has recently been re-accredited with the QSI and is undergoing a significant asset replacement programme.
Main duties of the job
Ultrasound/Radiology is committed to offering the best possible care to our patients and this requires dedication from all our staff and this role will be no exception. We will expect you to share our passion for achieving excellence in the care of our patients.
You will work as part of the broader ultrasound team and will rotate through the department; independently perform and report on Obstetric, Gynae and General Abdominal ultrasound scans.
This will include performing unsupervised sessions in off-site locations and working in the newly developed Community Diagnostic Centre, when it opens in early 2025.
This is a busy role with varying demands, so building an effective rapport with patients and colleagues and being ready to take guidance and offer your support will be really important.
You will be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and patients. Including discussing the findings of the ultrasound examination with the patient, and interpreting, reporting, recording and referring on as required all within the protocols of the department.
You will be able to plan your own workload and organise others in the work area.
Mentoring and supervising the work of newly qualified staff, students and assistants undergoing formal ultrasound training and participate in the training of medical staff as required is expected.
Work autonomously undertaking different shift patterns at NNUH, and at other locations, as required in the provision of a 7 day ultrasound service.
About us
Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!
The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.
We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
1. Flexible working hours
2. Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
3. Multi Faith prayer room
4. Discounted gym memberships
5. Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
6. Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
7. Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH site
8. Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
9. On-site Nursery
10. On-site cafes offering staff discounts
11. Support in career development
12. Flexible staff bank
13. Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Job description
Job responsibilities
14. You will be registered on the appropriate part of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register, or other relevant professional register.
15. Relevant post-graduate qualification Ultrasound PgD/DMU incorporating Obstetric and Gynae Module (clinical and academic) and Abdomen Module (clinical & academic) or equivalent.
16. Hold a relevant first degree or diploma DCR, BSc Radiography/ Midwifery or equivalent.
To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service, all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NNUHs PRIDE values of People focused, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence and demonstrate behaviours that support and encourage an inclusive culture.
17. To provide a high quality obstetric, general abdominal, pelvic, small parts ultrasound scanning service in conjunction with other sonographers and health care professionals.
18. To independently perform ultrasound scanning duties to the required standards and protocols of the NNUH and to produce a precise diagnostic written clinical report for each ultrasound scan undertaken. Using the relevant Trust database/systems (eg RIS, Astraia, E3) the report should include the clinical diagnosis, possible differentials and any further recommendations or follow ups.
19. Verbally discuss at an appropriate level clinical findings with the patient, including breaking bad news within the protocols of the department in an empathetic and caring way
20. Liaise effectively with clinicians concerning urgent scan findings and patient management. Seek appropriate help if further imaging is appropriate.
21. Have a high level of concentration during the examination when there may be background distractions from accompanying partners or equipment.
22. To actively participate in matters concerning clinical governance, clinical audit, and assessment.
23. To undertake any administrative duties that may be necessary for speedy progression of patients and patient results.
24. To adhere to Trust policy and procedures in terms of health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
25. To give full co-operation in any investigations of a complaint or untoward incident and comply with company procedure to that effect. Provide a detailed written account of the event.
26. Ensure a full working knowledge of all the ultrasound equipment and IT systems relevant to the post. To actively report faults in line with department policy.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
27. Post Grad Certificate or Diploma in medical ultrasound, gynae, obstetrics and abdominal ultrasound
28. Registration with Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) - radiographer or other professional body.
Desirable
29. CASE accredited qualification in Obstetric ultrasound
30. CASE accredited qualification in General Medical ultrasound
Experience
Essential
31. Some experience within dedicated ultrasound department/facility, as your primary role including as a trainee Sonographer
32. Some experience using Ultrasound Machines, including as a trainee Sonographer
Desirable
33. Previous NHS experience in ultrasound
Skills
Essential
34. Report ultrasound examinations in a range of locations. Correctly interpreting findings, Potential differential diagnosis and appropriate follow up in line with department protocol.
35. Excellent communication skills with staff and patients including breaking bad news.
36. Supervisory skills, including teaching and mentoring trainee sonographers and other levelled staff and students.
37. Excellent team and personal organisational skills
38. High self awareness, understanding own strengths, emotions limitations.
Attitude, aptitude
Essential
39. Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH's PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence