Detailed job description and main responsibilities

· To work autonomously performing and reporting a wide range of transabdominal and transvaginal obstetric ultrasound examinations across all trimesters. Including Doppler assessment and assessing for intrauterine death.

· Use the necessary documentation, reporting and image storage systems. Adhering to departmental and ultrasound SOPs.

· To provide accurate dating based on fetal ultrasound measurements in the pregnant woman, crucial to the calculation and confirmation of the expected date of delivery, and for the planning of antenatal care and tests.

· Carry out a range of clinical examinations related to midwifery, independently interpreting and acting upon the findings in adherence with trust guidelines.

· Participate in the provision of screening service in line with departmental and national protocols to assess for fetal abnormalities.

· Monitor growth in the “at risk” fetus and management of the multiple pregnancy.

· To have responsibility for obstetric ultrasound examinations and reports, and to liaise directly with the obstetric clinician, midwife or multidisciplinary team where appropriate.

· To use analytical and judgement skills to interpret high complex images, accurately differentiating between normal and pathological findings. To advise the clinicians directly when delay may have a direct impact on morbidity and mortality.

· Discuss the findings or scan results with the expectant parents, including delicate and/or sensitive information (fetal demise, fetal abnormalities) and give advice on appropriate follow-up or referral.

· To prioritise, organise and plan patient workload. To assess the urgency and appropriateness of an ultrasound referral given the clinical history. Where necessary, have direct discussions with clinicians/patients as to additional relevant information.

· Be accountable for own actions and omissions and may need to advise other members of the team regarding their actions and omissions.

· The post holder may be required to identify and diffuse areas of potential conflict. Investigate and respond to incidents and complaints within midwifery and ultrasound.

· Lead in developing, maintaining, implementing and reviewing ultrasound provision policies and guideline in collaboration with the radiology department and working with the senior managers.

· To audit and evaluate own practice with peers, and work within and contribute to, the multidisciplinary team. To audit activity against standards required.

· To possess excellent communication and counselling skills. To impart distressing information and discuss complicated issues, when necessary, with patients and their relatives in a clear and empathetic way.

· To take responsibility for the implementation and outcome of own professional decisions/actions.

· To be willing to collect and have an active role in audit and clinical governance activities, as directed by the Deputy head of service and/or consultant from other clinical service units, where applicable.

· To maintain patient’s dignity and confidentiality whilst frequently undertaking examinations of an intimate and often highly unpleasant nature, where there is a high risk of exposure to bodily fluids.

· Communicate effectively and professionally, including when dealing with emotionally distressed, challenging, or potentially aggressive patients and their relatives, using de-escalation techniques and ensuring a compassionate approach to care.

· To ensure that information is organised and recorded in a legible, concise manner when issuing own reports. To acquire adequate IT skills to document procedures and protocols where necessary.

· To accurately record data to comply with The Data Protection Act / General Data Protection / Regulations 2018 and NMC standards.

· To perform quality assurance checks on equipment and troubleshoot potential equipment problems. To document equipment malfunctions in a timely manner and notify the clinical manager.

· To take part in evaluation and selection of ultrasound equipment appropriate to the clinical need.

· To be willing to embrace change and comply with duties outside the normal scope of practice after the appropriate training and assessment.

· To be involved with the training and mentoring of other healthcare professionals including trainee sonographers and midwives. Provide supervision and support to students and promote a positive learning environment and ensuring safe, high-quality care

· Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, and escalate any concerns appropriately in line with local and national guidance.