Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Perform complex Ultrasound examinations, unsupervised and to a very high standard. Provide an efficient and responsive service to patients and users of the service.

Act as a source of specialist knowledge and clinical expertise in Ultrasound appearances, working autonomously & making clinical decisions, which may have a direct impact upon the patient’s diagnosis, management & treatment.

Interpret complex data in order to ascertain and identify any pathological or incidental findings, including those with diverse or complex presentations or pathologies, offering a diagnosis or differential diagnosis, where appropriate.

Promote excellent working relations with staff across the Trust.

Evaluate and prioritise examination request forms prior to appointments being made and advise on appropriate patient preparation.

Provide advice on Ultrasound referrals to colleagues across the multidisciplinary spectrum &/or alternative imaging recommendations, as appropriate.

Use analytical and judgemental skills to provide interpretation of ultrasound images in order to provide independent written report.

All examinations independently ‘hot reported’. Issue a comprehensive written report on all examinations requiring immediate review eg. In-patients, direct clinic referral.

Responsible for the organisation and management of ones own patient workload in a specific department or clinic and maintain accurate associated records. This will involve effective use of computerised Radiology information systems, Sectra  and CRIS

Assist when required in complex invasive procedures e.g. ascitic drain, pelvic biopsy, fine needle aspiration .

Assist in the clinical instruction, supervision and assessment of student sonographers / radiographers / doctors in conjunction with the training co- coordinators (for the university).

Mentor Advanced / senior Radiographers undertaking academic post graduate qualifications (Extended roles), specifically Ultrasound image interpretation & reporting.

Undertake clinical practice in satellite ultrasound clinics, working single handed.

Supervise support workers performing duties in the ultrasound department.

Ensure effective and efficient use of all resources including consumables. 

Participate in recruitment process for ultrasound team members, as required.

Undertake any duties assigned by the management team commensurate with the post.

Ensure all infection control standards are adhered to & high levels of cleanliness are maintained, including specific departmental protocols and the policy on uniform.

Ensure that equipment faults / safety hazards are reported promptly and appropriate action taken.

Participate in departmental audit programme; Quality assurance programmes and related areas of clinical governance.

Participate in new equipment evaluation, as requested.

Participate in clinical trials as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Comply with the implementation of National standards and policies such as:

Health &Safety, including risk assessment, adverse incident reporting and COSHH 
Ionisation Radiation Medical Exposures) Regulations 2000
IR (ME) R-2000
FASP National Standards

Observe & apply Trust policies, departmental protocols, care group risk management strategy, data protection, equal opportunities & Codes of practice.

Contribute to data collection for statistics on capacity, demand & backlog required for future service planning.

Specific requirement to identify areas for improvement in Ultrasound reporting turnaround times and improvements in the timely dissemination & communication of reports to referrers, such as G.Ps

Assist in developing departmental protocols and patient information leaflets- continuously updating and reviewing these in response to audit/ research based on evidence based practice.

Participate in service development initiatives designed to improve patient and departmental services.

Participate in the planning and implementation of new services and strategies to enhance patient experience e.g. pathways of care.

Provide sonographer led imaging/ diagnostic service to ‘one-stop’ clinics.

Actively participate in MDT meetings.