Job summary
Advanced Practitioner in Ultrasound / Sonographer
Department: Imaging / Lloyds Court CDC
Band 7, Full-time & Part-time, £46,148 to £52,809 per annum (pro rata if Part-time)
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Milton Keynes University Hospital is a district general hospital which operates across three sites in Milton Keynes. The imaging department at MKUH provides an essential service to the trust and includes ultrasound, CT, MRI, DEXA, mammography, as well as a general x-ray and interventional radiology service.
Due to the expansion of services, we are currently inviting applications from enthusiastic individuals for a full-time or part-time band 7 sonographer post to be based across all MKUH sites, to include the acute hospital site, 2 MKUH CDC locations of Whitehouse Park & Lloyds Court. The postholder must hold at least a UK postgraduate certificate in obstetric & gynaecological ultrasound &/or general ultrasound. The post holder will work autonomously, performing high quality imaging and issuing reports on all ultrasound examinations including obstetrics, gynaecology (including TA and TV), & abdominal as a minimum.
Interview date: 4th and 5th June 2025
Main duties of the job
- To be part of a team that provides diagnostic ultrasound scanning and reporting services for referrals made to the acute hospital site and the community diagnostic centres operated by MKUH NHS FT.
- To assist in the day to day running of the ultrasound department by working collaboratively with the ultrasound section head sonographers, wider sonographer team, clinical support and admin and clerical teams.
- When required, you will need to deputise for a specific section head sonographer. This will encompass line management responsibility for operational service delivery, human and financial resource management.
- Recognised as an advanced practitioner in their field, interpreting and reporting a range of ultrasound examinations. They will maintain the highest standards of patient care and will provide specialist diagnostic judgement with a thorough understanding of complex clinical conditions.
- Provide leadership to other ultrasound practitioners and engage in clinical supervision activities to support them in that role. They will be a role model for the profession and will have delegated responsibility for staff induction, training and development in their areas of ultrasound specialism.
- Participate in the review and revision of scanning techniques and make recommendations regarding changes in practice and service improvements.
- Exercise autonomy within professional boundaries.
About us
"We Care We Communicate We Collaborate We Contribute"
"A staggering 94.2% of nurses and midwives feel the impact of their roles of patients, underlining their integral contribution to healthcare" (NHS Staff Survey 2023).
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication & relationship building:
- Communicate with all referring clinicians to ensure that imaging requests are justified and appropriate.
Responsibilities for analysis:
- Use a high level of analytical of judgemental skills in this role.
Responsibilities for planning & organisation of activities:
- Be able to operate multiple scanning lists in order to ensure work is carried out following principles of urgency and priority in a rapidly changing workflow setting.
Responsibility for patient care management:
- Be responsible for identifying patients (adults and children) at risk under the safeguarding principles and referring patients to the safeguarding team where appropriate.
Development of policies and services:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of Clinical Governance processes relevant to own area of responsibility and when necessary, attends the monthly Clinical Governance meetings
Financial responsibility:
- Use equipment which is both of high value and complexity and be responsible for using it safely, ensuring it is not treated in a way which is likely to cause damage.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication & relationship building:
- Communicate with all referring clinicians to ensure that imaging requests are justified and appropriate.
Responsibilities for analysis:
- Use a high level of analytical of judgemental skills in this role.
Responsibilities for planning & organisation of activities:
- Be able to operate multiple scanning lists in order to ensure work is carried out following principles of urgency and priority in a rapidly changing workflow setting.
Responsibility for patient care management:
- Be responsible for identifying patients (adults and children) at risk under the safeguarding principles and referring patients to the safeguarding team where appropriate.
Development of policies and services:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of Clinical Governance processes relevant to own area of responsibility and when necessary, attends the monthly Clinical Governance meetings
Financial responsibility:
- Use equipment which is both of high value and complexity and be responsible for using it safely, ensuring it is not treated in a way which is likely to cause damage.
Please refer to the job description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Post graduate certificate in medical ultrasound validated by HEI and CASE accredited with relevance to obstetric ultrasound practice or equivalent accreditation for ultrasound (i.e., CMU or DMU (CoR))
- RCOG/ RCR diploma in obstetric ultrasound, Advanced Training skills module or subspecialty training in maternal fetal medicine
- State registered healthcare professional (i.e., GMC, NMC, HCPC, RCT)
- Must have specialist knowledge across a range of procedures and practices with ultra-sonography that is underpinned by theoretical study.
- Quality Improvement, transformation, and innovation training
- Evidence of keeping informed of the current ultrasound techniques & practices via short courses & study days to underpin knowledge development (i.e., FMF accreditation)
- Knowledge of relevant national imaging standards (e.g., BMUS, IR(ME)R 2017, IRR '17 and associated codes of practice)
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of a sound level of computer literacy (MS Teams, word, outlook, power point and excel)
- Familiarity with hospital information systems (HIS-Cerner), radiology information systems (CRIS), Viewpoint (SBLv3) and picture archiving communications systems (Insignia PACS)
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements
- Sound awareness of data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality issues within NHS
- Must have specialist expertise underpinned by theory and extensive practical experience in the range of ultrasound techniques which are required by trust (i.e., obstetrics, gynecology, generals, MSK, ultrasound guided interventional procedures, vascular ultrasound)
- Must hold experience of working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and be competent to write a concise and accurate ultrasound report
- Evidence of up-to date-CPD
- Ability to undertake audit or R&D
- Required to participate in trust quality assurance and clinical governance programmes
- Experience at writing protocols / guidelines and patient care pathways using research-based evidence of best practice
Skills
Essential
- Good organizational and time management skills
- High level of self-motivation and ability to learn and develop.
- Logical approach to decision making and problem solving.
- Ability to work to agreed protocols and standards of good/ best practice.
- Accountable for own professional actions.
- Ability to prioritize own workload and work effectively under pressure.
- Flexible attitude to service provision and enthusiasm for change
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently as part of a team.
- Ability to cope with the physical demands of the role which will include manual support/ lifting of patients and equipment safely and efficiently.
- Ability to work using own initiative but also to know when to seek assistance and guidance from peers
- Proven ability to assess clinical situations & indications and act appropriately (i.e., vetting process).
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness.
- Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure.
- Interest and willingness in teaching / training less experienced staff & students when in ultrasound and help attending students in their training and development.
- Maintain continued professional development as required by HCPC.
- Patient centered and customer focused.
- Aspires to develop leadership and management potential.
Communication
Essential
- Good written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
- Consistently demonstrates a friendly professional attitude and approach in the workplace.
- Good empathic skills and the ability to manage issues in a caring, compassionate, and considerate manner.
- Ability to work across disciplines and with a wide range of professional groups.
- Keep all records up to date in a clear, accurate and concise manner on a day-to-day basis.
- Professional in appearance and conduct
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
- To participate in the departmental shift system across 7 days of the week including out of hours
- Satisfactory pre-employment checks. Occupational Health and Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and references spanning 3 years.
- Ability to travel to all trust sites including community diagnostic centres
- Has an acceptable attendance and punctuality record at work.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Post graduate certificate in medical ultrasound validated by HEI and CASE accredited with relevance to obstetric ultrasound practice or equivalent accreditation for ultrasound (i.e., CMU or DMU (CoR))
- RCOG/ RCR diploma in obstetric ultrasound, Advanced Training skills module or subspecialty training in maternal fetal medicine
- State registered healthcare professional (i.e., GMC, NMC, HCPC, RCT)
- Must have specialist knowledge across a range of procedures and practices with ultra-sonography that is underpinned by theoretical study.
- Quality Improvement, transformation, and innovation training
- Evidence of keeping informed of the current ultrasound techniques & practices via short courses & study days to underpin knowledge development (i.e., FMF accreditation)
- Knowledge of relevant national imaging standards (e.g., BMUS, IR(ME)R 2017, IRR '17 and associated codes of practice)
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of a sound level of computer literacy (MS Teams, word, outlook, power point and excel)
- Familiarity with hospital information systems (HIS-Cerner), radiology information systems (CRIS), Viewpoint (SBLv3) and picture archiving communications systems (Insignia PACS)
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements
- Sound awareness of data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality issues within NHS
- Must have specialist expertise underpinned by theory and extensive practical experience in the range of ultrasound techniques which are required by trust (i.e., obstetrics, gynecology, generals, MSK, ultrasound guided interventional procedures, vascular ultrasound)
- Must hold experience of working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and be competent to write a concise and accurate ultrasound report
- Evidence of up-to date-CPD
- Ability to undertake audit or R&D
- Required to participate in trust quality assurance and clinical governance programmes
- Experience at writing protocols / guidelines and patient care pathways using research-based evidence of best practice
Skills
Essential
- Good organizational and time management skills
- High level of self-motivation and ability to learn and develop.
- Logical approach to decision making and problem solving.
- Ability to work to agreed protocols and standards of good/ best practice.
- Accountable for own professional actions.
- Ability to prioritize own workload and work effectively under pressure.
- Flexible attitude to service provision and enthusiasm for change
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently as part of a team.
- Ability to cope with the physical demands of the role which will include manual support/ lifting of patients and equipment safely and efficiently.
- Ability to work using own initiative but also to know when to seek assistance and guidance from peers
- Proven ability to assess clinical situations & indications and act appropriately (i.e., vetting process).
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness.
- Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure.
- Interest and willingness in teaching / training less experienced staff & students when in ultrasound and help attending students in their training and development.
- Maintain continued professional development as required by HCPC.
- Patient centered and customer focused.
- Aspires to develop leadership and management potential.
Communication
Essential
- Good written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
- Consistently demonstrates a friendly professional attitude and approach in the workplace.
- Good empathic skills and the ability to manage issues in a caring, compassionate, and considerate manner.
- Ability to work across disciplines and with a wide range of professional groups.
- Keep all records up to date in a clear, accurate and concise manner on a day-to-day basis.
- Professional in appearance and conduct
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
- To participate in the departmental shift system across 7 days of the week including out of hours
- Satisfactory pre-employment checks. Occupational Health and Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and references spanning 3 years.
- Ability to travel to all trust sites including community diagnostic centres
- Has an acceptable attendance and punctuality record at work.
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).
