Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be:

• A registered Radiographer or Sonographer with excellent competence and confidence in practice.
• Hold a Postgraduate qualification in Ultrasound from an accredited University or equivalent, or a recognised qualification.
• Has undertaken in depth practical ultrasound training, understands the technology and safety issues relating to diagnostic ultrasound, is familiar with normal and abnormal anatomy, has expert knowledge of abnormalities and is confident and competent to work autonomously.
• Have evidence of continuing professional development in ultrasound.
•  Have evidence of involvement in teaching and training.
• Knowledge of up to date developments in ultrasound policy and practice.
•  Provide expert ultrasound information and advice to trainees, colleagues and other health care professionals and agencies.
• Undertake a range of ultrasound scans within the Academy clinical environment.
• Interpret scan appearances, exercising judgement in the identification and assessment of complicated conditions and convey this information to their trainees.
• Direct training including teaching, image interpretation and report checking.
• Provide supervision of trainees during clinical training sessions.
• Contribute to the wider aims of the Academy which include innovation, collaborative partnership with academic institutions, industry and NHS Wales within the remit of their speciality which may include:

Contributing to teaching undergraduate students.

Participating and leading on research and innovation facilitated at the Academy.

Contribute to courses, conferences and CPD events hosted at the Academy.

Contribute to developments for NHS Wales Diagnostic Services, such as workforce planning or developing advanced practice training.

• Competent in using a variety of ultrasound equipment to obtain optimum images.
• Able to accurately acquire and interpret diagnostic information relating to anatomy, make decisions to modify diagnostic ultrasound examinations as appropriate.
• Report on and make recommendations on patient care, including referrals based on the interpretation of the ultrasound examinations to the appropriate professionals.
• Able to acquire precise measurements and interpret this information.
• Competent to undertake a range of ultrasound scans to include abdomen and pelvis.
• Able to obtain optimal anatomical views through the use of highly developed dexterity, co-ordination and sensory skills.
• Competent in the use of computer systems and IT packages to record their findings.
• An effective communicator, possessing the necessary skills to convey complex scan results to patients, relatives and trainees in a clear sensitive manner, and give evidence based information, support and advice as required.
• Able to teach Radiology trainees, student sonographers and other Allied Health professionals.
• Able to provide expert advice on ultrasound technique, good practice and governance.
• Professionally accountable for one’s own clinical and training practice and abide by the Academy and Host Organisations guidelines, policies and protocols.
• Up to date with ultrasound developments and innovation through maintaining their own professional development.
• Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people in a manner consistent with their level of understanding, culture and background to explore complex issues and decision making.
• Able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner, accountable for own ultrasound scan examination.
• Able to plan and prioritises own workload.
• Responsible for safe use of expensive specialist equipment.
• Responsible for data entry, utilising paper or computer based data entry systems.
• Contribute to research and clinical audit programmes, regularly undertake R & D activities.
• Undertake surveys or participate in occasional audits or research, as necessary to own role by assisting in collection of information upon request.
• Hold personal duty of care for any equipment used to undertake the role.
• Perform general housekeeping duties including maintaining stock levels, general cleaning and waste disposal in line with organisational policy and procedures.
• Implement NHS Wales and Health Board policies and clinical protocols ensuring that service provision is in accordance with these policies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary Academy team and training meetings.
• Follow existing policies and procedures; may comment on proposals for policies and procedures in own area, proposes changes to policies and procedures in own area.
• Ensure working conditions are safe, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act. Be aware of local infection control policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records protecting confidential information of patients and trainees obtained in the course of professional practice and compliance with Data Protection Acts.