Job summary
Sonographer - Band 7 and Band 6-7 Development Role
Department Imaging
Band 6-7 £37,338 - £52,809 per annum, pro rata if part-time
Hours 37.5 hours all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Location: Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) & CDC Sites (Whitehouse Park and Lloyds Court)
MKUH is a district general hospital operating across three sites in Milton Keynes. Our Imaging Department delivers a vital diagnostic service for the Trust, encompassing ultrasound, CT, MRI, DEXA, mammography, general x-ray, and interventional radiology.
Band 7 Sonographer (Full Time)
We invite applications from experienced sonographers looking to expand their clinical and leadership skills in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team across our acute hospital and Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) sites, delivering high-quality, patient-centred ultrasound services.
Band 6-7 Sonographer Development Post (Trainee Opportunity)
We are also offering a rare and exciting opportunity for individuals looking to train as a sonographer. This developmental post is aimed at midwives, nurses, radiographers, other allied health professionals, and individuals with a suitable degree and a genuine interest in ultrasound.
Applications are welcome from qualified professionals and those eligible to undertake a postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound.
Interview 23, 24 July 2025
Main duties of the job
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
o To work as a qualified sonographer who is a state registered healthcare professional confident and competent to autonomously produce high quality ultrasound images and reports in two or more areas below:
General abdominal ultrasound (including small parts)
Vascular ultrasound (i.e., DVT scanning)
Musculo-skeletal ultrasound? Breast ultrasound
Ultrasound guided interventional procedures
Gynaecological ultrasound (Transabdominal and Transvaginal)
Obstetric ultrasound (including 20-week anomaly scans and Nuchal Translucency scans for the Fetal anomaly screening programme and Growth scans, Early pregnancy scans and Dating scans)
o 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.
o 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.
o When required, the post holder 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.
About us
'Allied Health Professionals experience a high diverse and equal work environment, supporting this with 8.33 out of 10.' (NHS Staff Survey 2024).
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 refreshments
- 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
The post holder will be 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. The post holder will 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. The post holder will participate in the review and revision of scanning techniques and make recommendations regarding changes in practice and service improvements The post holder will exercise autonomy within professional boundaries.
Communication and relationship building
The post holder will:
Communicate with all referring clinicians to ensure that imaging requests are justified and appropriate.
Provide clear, concise and accurate ultrasound reports.
Responsibilities for analysis
The post holder will:
Use a high level of analytical of judgemental skills in this role.
Assess information about the patients condition, symptoms, laboratory test results and previous imaging, pulling the information from multiple electronic sources in order to understand the relevance and suitability of the test and to determine the most likely findings indicated by the clinical question.
Responsibilities for planning and organisation of activities
The post holder will:
Coordinate and organise own workload.
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
The post holder will:
Be responsible for identifying patients (adults and children) at risk under the safeguarding principles and referring patients to the safeguarding team where appropriate.
Provide the highest level of patient care, ensuring the patient experience is optimised, with specific reference to the hazards posed by cross infection and similar risk.
Development of policies and services
The post holder will:
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
Adhere to all departmental guidelines, policies and protocols
Financial responsibility
The post holder will:
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.
Carry out and record daily quality assurance, in line with the departmental protocol.
Managing people
The post holder will:
Be responsible for his/her actions and patient workload and be able to work unsupervised as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrate involvement in day to day, clinical supervision and practical training
Responsibility for information resources
The post holder will:
Use a variety of IT systems which are essential to the performance of their day-to-day work including CRIS, PACS, Cerner and Viewpoint.
Ensure the correct procedures are followed regarding the input of patient data and images onto CRIS, INSIGNIA and Viewpoint.
Research and development
The post holder will:
Maintain professional competence and confidence, identifying training needs in self and others, learning new techniques and technology as required and meeting the requirements of appropriate professional bodies in respect of continued professional development.
Share best practice, actively searching for evidence of new developments and technological advances in medical imaging procedures and technology, particularly within own speciality field.
Freedom to Act
The post holder will:
Have a very high level of autonomy and independent working. The post-holder works as part of a team but also regularly as a lone worker (weekends, out of hours, community diagnostic centre sites). Managing their patient list independently and confidently making decisions about workflow and prioritisation of urgency and accommodating priority ad-hoc referrals.
Be responsible for own Professional Accountability
Other Responsibilities
The post holder will:
Have a flexible approach to how contracted hours of work are scheduled and work location.
Be prepared to participate in 7-day ultrasound service delivery model.
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
The post holder will be 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. The post holder will 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. The post holder will participate in the review and revision of scanning techniques and make recommendations regarding changes in practice and service improvements The post holder will exercise autonomy within professional boundaries.
Communication and relationship building
The post holder will:
Communicate with all referring clinicians to ensure that imaging requests are justified and appropriate.
Provide clear, concise and accurate ultrasound reports.
Responsibilities for analysis
The post holder will:
Use a high level of analytical of judgemental skills in this role.
Assess information about the patients condition, symptoms, laboratory test results and previous imaging, pulling the information from multiple electronic sources in order to understand the relevance and suitability of the test and to determine the most likely findings indicated by the clinical question.
Responsibilities for planning and organisation of activities
The post holder will:
Coordinate and organise own workload.
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
The post holder will:
Be responsible for identifying patients (adults and children) at risk under the safeguarding principles and referring patients to the safeguarding team where appropriate.
Provide the highest level of patient care, ensuring the patient experience is optimised, with specific reference to the hazards posed by cross infection and similar risk.
Development of policies and services
The post holder will:
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
Adhere to all departmental guidelines, policies and protocols
Financial responsibility
The post holder will:
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.
Carry out and record daily quality assurance, in line with the departmental protocol.
Managing people
The post holder will:
Be responsible for his/her actions and patient workload and be able to work unsupervised as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrate involvement in day to day, clinical supervision and practical training
Responsibility for information resources
The post holder will:
Use a variety of IT systems which are essential to the performance of their day-to-day work including CRIS, PACS, Cerner and Viewpoint.
Ensure the correct procedures are followed regarding the input of patient data and images onto CRIS, INSIGNIA and Viewpoint.
Research and development
The post holder will:
Maintain professional competence and confidence, identifying training needs in self and others, learning new techniques and technology as required and meeting the requirements of appropriate professional bodies in respect of continued professional development.
Share best practice, actively searching for evidence of new developments and technological advances in medical imaging procedures and technology, particularly within own speciality field.
Freedom to Act
The post holder will:
Have a very high level of autonomy and independent working. The post-holder works as part of a team but also regularly as a lone worker (weekends, out of hours, community diagnostic centre sites). Managing their patient list independently and confidently making decisions about workflow and prioritisation of urgency and accommodating priority ad-hoc referrals.
Be responsible for own Professional Accountability
Other Responsibilities
The post holder will:
Have a flexible approach to how contracted hours of work are scheduled and work location.
Be prepared to participate in 7-day ultrasound service delivery model.
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
- BSc (Hons) Radiography, DCR(D) Diploma of the College of Radiographers, Science based BSc (Hons) or equivalent
- Registered under a professional body (i.e., GMC, NMC, HCPC, RCT), if not, a willingness to register on course completion
- 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)) - Band 7
- RCOG/ RCR diploma in obstetric ultrasound, Advanced Training skills module or subspecialty training in maternal fetal medicine - Band 7
- Must have specialist knowledge across a range of procedures and practices with ultra-sonography that is underpinned by theoretical study. - Band 7
- Knowledge of a wide range of diagnostic imaging procedures
- 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)
- Evidence of keeping informed of the current imaging agenda within NHS
Desirable
- 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)) - Band 6
- RCOG/ RCR diploma in obstetric ultrasound, Advanced Training skills module or subspecialty training in maternal fetal medicine - Band 6
- Must have specialist knowledge across a range of procedures and practices with ultra-sonography that is underpinned by theoretical study. - Band 6
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) - Band 7
- Must hold experience of working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- 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 - Band 7
- Knowledge of relevant national imaging standards (e.g., BMUS, IR(ME)R 2017, IRR '17 and associated codes of practice)
Desirable
- 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) - Band 6
- Experience at writing protocols / guidelines and patient care pathways using research-based evidence of best practice - Band 6
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. - Band 7
Desirable
- Aspires to develop leadership and management potential. - Band 6
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
- Fit to move patients, chairs, beds, trolleys. Able to stretch upwards over-head height, push, bend, pull, kneel
- Able to move equipment involved in imaging procedures and stock.
- Satisfactory pre-employment checks. Occupational Health and Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and references spanning 3 years.
- Has an acceptable attendance and punctuality record at work.
- Ability to travel to all trust sites including community diagnostic centres
- Good understanding of COSHH, manual handling and basic life support
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Radiography, DCR(D) Diploma of the College of Radiographers, Science based BSc (Hons) or equivalent
- Registered under a professional body (i.e., GMC, NMC, HCPC, RCT), if not, a willingness to register on course completion
- 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)) - Band 7
- RCOG/ RCR diploma in obstetric ultrasound, Advanced Training skills module or subspecialty training in maternal fetal medicine - Band 7
- Must have specialist knowledge across a range of procedures and practices with ultra-sonography that is underpinned by theoretical study. - Band 7
- Knowledge of a wide range of diagnostic imaging procedures
- 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)
- Evidence of keeping informed of the current imaging agenda within NHS
Desirable
- 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)) - Band 6
- RCOG/ RCR diploma in obstetric ultrasound, Advanced Training skills module or subspecialty training in maternal fetal medicine - Band 6
- Must have specialist knowledge across a range of procedures and practices with ultra-sonography that is underpinned by theoretical study. - Band 6
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) - Band 7
- Must hold experience of working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- 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 - Band 7
- Knowledge of relevant national imaging standards (e.g., BMUS, IR(ME)R 2017, IRR '17 and associated codes of practice)
Desirable
- 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) - Band 6
- Experience at writing protocols / guidelines and patient care pathways using research-based evidence of best practice - Band 6
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. - Band 7
Desirable
- Aspires to develop leadership and management potential. - Band 6
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
- Fit to move patients, chairs, beds, trolleys. Able to stretch upwards over-head height, push, bend, pull, kneel
- Able to move equipment involved in imaging procedures and stock.
- Satisfactory pre-employment checks. Occupational Health and Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and references spanning 3 years.
- Has an acceptable attendance and punctuality record at work.
- Ability to travel to all trust sites including community diagnostic centres
- Good understanding of COSHH, manual handling and basic life support
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).
