Job summary
Are you looking to advance your career in obstetric and non-obstetric sonography?Join our dynamic and diverse team of experienced NHS sonographers at North Bristol NHS Trust.
We're offering an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified Registered Radiographer or Clinical Practitionerto join our ultrasound team and undertake aPostgraduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound.
As part of your training, you'll gain hands-on experience in a wide range of ultrasound specialties, including:
- Obstetrics (including early pregnancy)
- Gynaecology
- General abdominal ultrasound
- Small parts (included as credits or through in-house training)
- Testes
- Inpatient scans (including ITU)
- Same-day emergency care
- Renal transplant scans in theatre
You'll be supported by our highly skilled team of sonographers throughout your training.
Please note this is a Level 7 course and includes training in breaking bad news, as well as working in a senior role. Including the responsibility that comes with autonomous working once qualified.
Find out more about the team in our departmental video:
Imaging at North Bristol NHS Trust
Please note that the vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received
Main duties of the job
Successful post holders must hold:
- BSc in Radiography or equivalent.
- A current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration or be on the RCT (Register of Clinical Technologists).
- To have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 in English Language.
- This role requires you to have good hand eye coordination, the ability to process complex information, good written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work with colleagues from support staff to consultants, keeping the patient's best interest at the centre of what you do.
- Ultrasound lists take place at Southmead Hospital, as well as in community sites in Cossham Hospital, Clevedon Hospital and Yate Westgate Centre.
- You will undertake an18-24 month postgraduate training programme at master's level (Level 7), leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound.
- Training will be delivered in partnership with either:
- University of the West of England (UWE)
- The aim being to undertake and independently report general medical, gynaecology, small parts, obstetric and early pregnancy ultrasound examinations to a high standard.
- Provide direct care and facilitate patient management, seeking assistance when required.
- Participate in ultrasound audits and and quality assurance (QA).
- Attend clinical governance mornings for training and case review.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including attending relevant courses and events.
About us
We currently are a team of 40 Sonographers, 15 specialists in obstetric, 5 in MSK, 4 in head and neck and 5 in baby hips ultrasound, with 3 trainee sonographers. As well as our ultrasound Lead Practice Educator, who supports our ultrasound trainees through their learning and preceptorship.
Our award-winning Brunel Building includes a large rooftop terrace, staff only zone, with an outdoor seating area with views across the city. Working in a new modern building, we recognise that staff enjoy comfortable, light filled areas to work, and rest is important.
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For full details of the job description and responsibilities please see the attached job description.
- To undertake practical training in obstetric, gynaecological, small parts and general ultrasound ultrasound examinations.
- To complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound provided by University of the West of England ( UWE). This post is to start with obstetric ultrasound training in the first year at UWE, with abdominal and gynaecology in the second year.
- To attend the taught modules on the PgD in Medical Ultrasound
- To ensure that practice is carried out in accordance with Trust and departmental policies and protocols.
- To be a team player, supporting collegues, including working to have patient's safety and care as a priority
- To undertake all ultrasound procedures delegated by the Lead Practice Educator or Lead Sonographer to acquire a good level of skill and knowledge of ultrasound in all aspects of ultrasound encountered on the departmental rotation
- To use acquired skills and knowledge to influence your own practice.
- To support all members of the team within your direct span to assist the delivery of the service and achieve individual and group objectives.
- To ensure that patients receive a high standard of care.
- To communicate with other staff members to ensure the smooth running of the Department.
- To ensure that the rules and procedures of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are strictly adhered to, and that all working areas are kept clean and safe.
- To participate in the departmental quality assurance programmes as required.
- To report and record all equipment faults. To be able to assist with the diagnosis and remedy of routine faults.
- To undertake any other duties which may be appropriate to the post.
- To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques.
- To comply with and be able to demonstrate safe infection control measures.
- The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic performance appraisal, in accordance with the Trust guidelines.
- Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
- Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.
- The role requires individual accountability for independently performing and reporting routine and complex ultrasound examinations in accordance with the ultrasound departmental guidelines and relevant professional body's code of conduct.
- Understanding the clinical significance of ultrasound findings in the context of the clinical question and patients clinical history, reflecting this in the report.
- 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.
- Provide advice on future patient management to clinicians and / or relatives where appropriate.
- Ability to communicate scan findings directly to patients and clinicians in an empathetic and sensitive manner. Occasionally having to impart highly distressing information and unpleasant news sensitively and providing counselling and reassurance.
- As a Trainee in Ultrasound, you will take on the role of training within specific areas of ultrasound including obstetrics (NT and early pregnancy work), General, small parts and pelvic scans. You will be responsible for attending the designated University days and undertaking study days.
- Effectively using private study time allocated to participate in performing and collating the acquired course work, audit, and dissertations required. The aim is to develop your clinical work, examination reports and professional development.
- Upon gaining the ultrasound modules you will be expected to work and report independently producing reports for patients whilst still seeking advice and mentorship from other qualified members of staff within the ultrasound department. You will provide professional support, support service development and undertake reflective evaluation of practice, support clinical governance and work as part of a team with other disciplines towards shared objectives.
- As a trainee you will still be required to maintain and update professional skills and clinical knowledge as part of a continuous process of professional development and to provide evidence of this.
- The core hours will be Monday-Friday from 8.30-5pm, however the department operates an extended working day and weekend work is performed. Once qualified the post holder would be expected to participate in the extended working day.
Training Support and Commiment
North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to supporting your development. As part of this role:
- All university tuition fees will be fully funded by the Trust.
- You will receive afull salarythroughout your training period.
- Clinical capacity will be adjustedto ensure you have sufficient time for hands-on training and academic study.
To reflect this investment, the successful candidate will be required to sign alearning contract, agreeing to remain employed at North Bristol NHS Trust fora minimum of two years following the completion of training.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For full details of the job description and responsibilities please see the attached job description.
- To undertake practical training in obstetric, gynaecological, small parts and general ultrasound ultrasound examinations.
- To complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound provided by University of the West of England ( UWE). This post is to start with obstetric ultrasound training in the first year at UWE, with abdominal and gynaecology in the second year.
- To attend the taught modules on the PgD in Medical Ultrasound
- To ensure that practice is carried out in accordance with Trust and departmental policies and protocols.
- To be a team player, supporting collegues, including working to have patient's safety and care as a priority
- To undertake all ultrasound procedures delegated by the Lead Practice Educator or Lead Sonographer to acquire a good level of skill and knowledge of ultrasound in all aspects of ultrasound encountered on the departmental rotation
- To use acquired skills and knowledge to influence your own practice.
- To support all members of the team within your direct span to assist the delivery of the service and achieve individual and group objectives.
- To ensure that patients receive a high standard of care.
- To communicate with other staff members to ensure the smooth running of the Department.
- To ensure that the rules and procedures of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are strictly adhered to, and that all working areas are kept clean and safe.
- To participate in the departmental quality assurance programmes as required.
- To report and record all equipment faults. To be able to assist with the diagnosis and remedy of routine faults.
- To undertake any other duties which may be appropriate to the post.
- To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques.
- To comply with and be able to demonstrate safe infection control measures.
- The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic performance appraisal, in accordance with the Trust guidelines.
- Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
- Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.
- The role requires individual accountability for independently performing and reporting routine and complex ultrasound examinations in accordance with the ultrasound departmental guidelines and relevant professional body's code of conduct.
- Understanding the clinical significance of ultrasound findings in the context of the clinical question and patients clinical history, reflecting this in the report.
- 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.
- Provide advice on future patient management to clinicians and / or relatives where appropriate.
- Ability to communicate scan findings directly to patients and clinicians in an empathetic and sensitive manner. Occasionally having to impart highly distressing information and unpleasant news sensitively and providing counselling and reassurance.
- As a Trainee in Ultrasound, you will take on the role of training within specific areas of ultrasound including obstetrics (NT and early pregnancy work), General, small parts and pelvic scans. You will be responsible for attending the designated University days and undertaking study days.
- Effectively using private study time allocated to participate in performing and collating the acquired course work, audit, and dissertations required. The aim is to develop your clinical work, examination reports and professional development.
- Upon gaining the ultrasound modules you will be expected to work and report independently producing reports for patients whilst still seeking advice and mentorship from other qualified members of staff within the ultrasound department. You will provide professional support, support service development and undertake reflective evaluation of practice, support clinical governance and work as part of a team with other disciplines towards shared objectives.
- As a trainee you will still be required to maintain and update professional skills and clinical knowledge as part of a continuous process of professional development and to provide evidence of this.
- The core hours will be Monday-Friday from 8.30-5pm, however the department operates an extended working day and weekend work is performed. Once qualified the post holder would be expected to participate in the extended working day.
Training Support and Commiment
North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to supporting your development. As part of this role:
- All university tuition fees will be fully funded by the Trust.
- You will receive afull salarythroughout your training period.
- Clinical capacity will be adjustedto ensure you have sufficient time for hands-on training and academic study.
To reflect this investment, the successful candidate will be required to sign alearning contract, agreeing to remain employed at North Bristol NHS Trust fora minimum of two years following the completion of training.
Person Specification
Meet all essential requirments
Essential
- BSc acheiving 2:1 or higher from CASE accredited university
- Experiance working in healthcare setting for minimum 2 years
- Minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 in English Language, if English not 1st language
- Experiance working as part of a team
Desirable
- BSc in radiography from CASE accredited university
- Registration with the HCPC (or equivalent statutory regulator)
- Ability to understand basic cross-sectional imaging
- Experience working in an Imaging Department
Person Specification
Meet all essential requirments
Essential
- BSc acheiving 2:1 or higher from CASE accredited university
- Experiance working in healthcare setting for minimum 2 years
- Minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 in English Language, if English not 1st language
- Experiance working as part of a team
Desirable
- BSc in radiography from CASE accredited university
- Registration with the HCPC (or equivalent statutory regulator)
- Ability to understand basic cross-sectional imaging
- Experience working in an Imaging Department
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).
