Job summary
This is a Rheumatology ultrasound training post and as such, specific, funded Rheumatology ultrasound /guided injection training will be given, building on top of previous musculoskeletal ultrasound experience. Once the relevant academic qualifications and practical competencies are successfully achieved to allow independent practice, the band will progress from band 7 to 8a.
To work as part of a professional multidisciplinary team providing independently reported diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and giant cell arteritis (GCA) scans and guided injection services within Rheumatology.
To achieve and maintain quality care and high standards in independently performing and reporting a wide range of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations in accordance with local ultrasound guidelines and communicating scan findings to the referring clinician and patient (if appropriate).
Main duties of the job
An elevated level of concentration and mental effort is required to undertake the ultrasound examination satisfactorily and interpret the findings.
To be able to perform ultrasound guided procedures ensuring optimum standards of patient care, safety and infection control are maintained at all times.
To assist the Consultant Sonographer in the day to day planning of the operational workload of the Rheumatology ultrasound department taking responsibility in their absence.
To contribute to the clinical education, training, support and mentorship of other staff, in a wide range of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations and guided injections and assist in the assessment of appropriate staff.
To provide information and advice to patients, relatives and other healthcare professionals about the limitations and the safe use of ultrasound.
To share responsibility with the Consultant Sonographer in the appropriate use of resources and consumables including the use, maintenance and quality assurance testing of highly specialist equipment, which requires careful use and attention to detail.
To work using own initiative but be aware of own limitations and seek guidance when necessary.
Ability to analyse relevant clinical information including other test results and use this to perform and / or adapt the techniques required to undertake a satisfactory examination and diagnosis.
About us
By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;
- Supporting your career development and progression
- Excellent NHS Pension scheme
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Options for flexible working
- Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) and the opportunity to purchase additional leave
- Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources
- If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients
- Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate
- Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, milage paid at business rates
- Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k
- Free car parking at all trust sites
- Free flu vaccinations every year
- Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met)
And more. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To ensure safe and effective clinical practice
- Be state registered with the Healthcare Professions Council as a Radiographer and maintain fitness to practice within the Professional Code of Conduct and through CPD in order to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards of work.
- Independently undertake and report on a wide range of Rheumatology ultrasound examinations including giant cell arteritis, using specialist knowledge in line with local, regional, and national guidelines giving a differential diagnosis where applicable.
- Once appropriately training and qualified, independently undertake ultrasound guided musculoskeletal interventions where appropriate, which includes counselling these patients in possible risks and alternative procedures and using aseptic techniques.
- Refer patients for additional procedures based on your reports, discussing these reports with clinicians as necessary and providing patients with comprehensive and understandable information about their results.
- Use analytical and judgemental skills to interpret highly complex images, which are real time echoes in 2 dimensional slices and accurately differentiate between normal and pathological findings. To advise clinicians directly when a delay in follow up may have a direct impact on morbidity and mortality.
- Contribute to the clinical governance framework for those undertaking ultrasound examinations within Rheumatology, in line with guidelines produced by the Royal College of Radiologists.
- Provide expert evidence of theoretical knowledge of clinical and technical procedures in all areas of Ultrasound including, image acquisition and archiving and report writing.
- Be able to use all high specification ultrasound equipment within the department in order to gain maximum clinical information and enhance diagnostic accuracy and to be able to convey that knowledge to appropriate staff.
- Contribute to the evaluation, procurement and commissioning of new equipment appropriate to the clinical need. This will include ergonomic and clinical evaluation.
- Be accountable for own professional activities using a high degree of autonomy within the limitations of personal expertise and skills.
- Give clear explanations to patients regarding ultrasound examinations they are having, including risks, benefits, accuracy and limitations in order for them to give informed consent.
- Give specialist advice to a wide range of healthcare professionals. Evaluate which ultrasound requests have the appropriate clinical history to require an ultrasound examination and ensure the correct preparation is carried out for the patient.
- Be capable of working within a pressurised environment and manage unpredictable workloads and patient demands.
- To be competent and accurate with the inputting of any patient information or reports onto the computer system.
- To evaluate ultrasound images for technical quality and use sound judgement to utilise imaging equipment and accessories to optimise image quality.
- Support the management team in the strategic direction of the ultrasound department within Rheumatology, ensuring a safe, effective environment for patients and clinical staff.
- Contribute to service planning. This will include monitoring of the waiting times for patients to ensure that Trust and relevant targets are being met.
- Assist in documentation of information as requested for various requirements i.e. Capacity and demand, audit, research
- To contribute towards the production of information on ultrasound and interventions for departmental protocols and guidelines in line with current ultrasound developments and national recommendations.
- Use IT systems effectively and efficiently within the remit of the Trust IT policy.
Teaching Training and Research
- Share the outcome of national or international research projects with colleagues, implementing new techniques or equipment to enhance patient care.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of clinical ultrasound training programs for internal. This will encompass high levels of supervision and clinical instruction whilst maintaining service delivery standards.
Management and Staff Development
- To pursue and provide evidence of your personal educational and professional development, following your professional code of conduct.
- Ensure appropriate training and clinical competency assessment of appropriate medical and non-medical colleagues using ultrasound in their role.
- Have an understanding of ergonomic principles and promote the same to all Sonographers to minimise the risk of ill health in yourself and others.
- Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and attend multidisciplinary meetings as required. Provide a professional standard of communication to all staff and ensure that this is effective and efficient.
- Support all members of the Rheumatology team with the day to day running of the service when appropriate.
Flexibility
- To work hours in keeping with the needs of the department. May be occasionally required to work outside the normal working hours of the department.
- Perform other appropriate duties which may be required by service colleagues
Physical effort
- There is frequent requirement for long periods of standing when support patients attending for scans, this involves helping and positioning patients in readiness for scans to be performed.
- Wheelchairs and trolleys are required to be moved from other areas to support the patient, this can sometimes be in enclosed spaces.
- Scanning requires repetitive movements of the arm and shoulder.
Mental effort
- Depending on complexity of the USS on occasions there will be requirement for concentration for extended periods of time.
- Responsible for the data entry of patient reports in the Radiology Information System for each patient.
- Constant interruption/visits from clinicians in person and by phone to discuss complex patient cases.
Emotional effort
- Occasional exposure to emotional situations when completing assessments and discussing findings which may impact on lifestyle.
Working conditions
- Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions when operating scanning equipment in confined space and positioning patient.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To ensure safe and effective clinical practice
- Be state registered with the Healthcare Professions Council as a Radiographer and maintain fitness to practice within the Professional Code of Conduct and through CPD in order to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards of work.
- Independently undertake and report on a wide range of Rheumatology ultrasound examinations including giant cell arteritis, using specialist knowledge in line with local, regional, and national guidelines giving a differential diagnosis where applicable.
- Once appropriately training and qualified, independently undertake ultrasound guided musculoskeletal interventions where appropriate, which includes counselling these patients in possible risks and alternative procedures and using aseptic techniques.
- Refer patients for additional procedures based on your reports, discussing these reports with clinicians as necessary and providing patients with comprehensive and understandable information about their results.
- Use analytical and judgemental skills to interpret highly complex images, which are real time echoes in 2 dimensional slices and accurately differentiate between normal and pathological findings. To advise clinicians directly when a delay in follow up may have a direct impact on morbidity and mortality.
- Contribute to the clinical governance framework for those undertaking ultrasound examinations within Rheumatology, in line with guidelines produced by the Royal College of Radiologists.
- Provide expert evidence of theoretical knowledge of clinical and technical procedures in all areas of Ultrasound including, image acquisition and archiving and report writing.
- Be able to use all high specification ultrasound equipment within the department in order to gain maximum clinical information and enhance diagnostic accuracy and to be able to convey that knowledge to appropriate staff.
- Contribute to the evaluation, procurement and commissioning of new equipment appropriate to the clinical need. This will include ergonomic and clinical evaluation.
- Be accountable for own professional activities using a high degree of autonomy within the limitations of personal expertise and skills.
- Give clear explanations to patients regarding ultrasound examinations they are having, including risks, benefits, accuracy and limitations in order for them to give informed consent.
- Give specialist advice to a wide range of healthcare professionals. Evaluate which ultrasound requests have the appropriate clinical history to require an ultrasound examination and ensure the correct preparation is carried out for the patient.
- Be capable of working within a pressurised environment and manage unpredictable workloads and patient demands.
- To be competent and accurate with the inputting of any patient information or reports onto the computer system.
- To evaluate ultrasound images for technical quality and use sound judgement to utilise imaging equipment and accessories to optimise image quality.
- Support the management team in the strategic direction of the ultrasound department within Rheumatology, ensuring a safe, effective environment for patients and clinical staff.
- Contribute to service planning. This will include monitoring of the waiting times for patients to ensure that Trust and relevant targets are being met.
- Assist in documentation of information as requested for various requirements i.e. Capacity and demand, audit, research
- To contribute towards the production of information on ultrasound and interventions for departmental protocols and guidelines in line with current ultrasound developments and national recommendations.
- Use IT systems effectively and efficiently within the remit of the Trust IT policy.
Teaching Training and Research
- Share the outcome of national or international research projects with colleagues, implementing new techniques or equipment to enhance patient care.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of clinical ultrasound training programs for internal. This will encompass high levels of supervision and clinical instruction whilst maintaining service delivery standards.
Management and Staff Development
- To pursue and provide evidence of your personal educational and professional development, following your professional code of conduct.
- Ensure appropriate training and clinical competency assessment of appropriate medical and non-medical colleagues using ultrasound in their role.
- Have an understanding of ergonomic principles and promote the same to all Sonographers to minimise the risk of ill health in yourself and others.
- Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and attend multidisciplinary meetings as required. Provide a professional standard of communication to all staff and ensure that this is effective and efficient.
- Support all members of the Rheumatology team with the day to day running of the service when appropriate.
Flexibility
- To work hours in keeping with the needs of the department. May be occasionally required to work outside the normal working hours of the department.
- Perform other appropriate duties which may be required by service colleagues
Physical effort
- There is frequent requirement for long periods of standing when support patients attending for scans, this involves helping and positioning patients in readiness for scans to be performed.
- Wheelchairs and trolleys are required to be moved from other areas to support the patient, this can sometimes be in enclosed spaces.
- Scanning requires repetitive movements of the arm and shoulder.
Mental effort
- Depending on complexity of the USS on occasions there will be requirement for concentration for extended periods of time.
- Responsible for the data entry of patient reports in the Radiology Information System for each patient.
- Constant interruption/visits from clinicians in person and by phone to discuss complex patient cases.
Emotional effort
- Occasional exposure to emotional situations when completing assessments and discussing findings which may impact on lifestyle.
Working conditions
- Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions when operating scanning equipment in confined space and positioning patient.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognized degree level qualification in radiography. Hold current HCPC registration
- CASE accredited, M level qualification in medical ultrasound.
Desirable
- Accredited course in joint and soft tissue injections
Experience
Essential
- Experience in performing a wide range of MSK ultrasound examinations level.
- Experience in working independently and producing concise and accurate clinical reports from highly complex diagnostic testing.
Desirable
- Have knowledge of / previous experience in joint and soft tissue injections.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognized degree level qualification in radiography. Hold current HCPC registration
- CASE accredited, M level qualification in medical ultrasound.
Desirable
- Accredited course in joint and soft tissue injections
Experience
Essential
- Experience in performing a wide range of MSK ultrasound examinations level.
- Experience in working independently and producing concise and accurate clinical reports from highly complex diagnostic testing.
Desirable
- Have knowledge of / previous experience in joint and soft tissue injections.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Haywood Hospital / Bradwell Hospital
High Lane
Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 7AG
Employer's website
https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
