[ref. p30442500] Sonographer
To communicate with patients to obtain a more detailed clinical history prior to ultrasound examination, to explain the findings of the examination relaying clinical condition related information which may include breaking bad news. To act in the patients best interests arranging urgent referral to the appropriate clinician.
To deal with body fluids e.g. sweat and blood. Cleaning and decontamination of patients and equipment in accordance with the Control of Infection Guidelines. To provide written and verbal explanation and advice for the investigation, patient preparation, and aftercare, ensuring that the patient fully understands complex information regarding the examination, consents to the procedure and knows how and when he/she will receive the results.
To be an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team maintaining and promoting effective working relationships and working practices and contributing to: Individual patients case discussions Evaluating developing and implementing changes to ultrasound sessions/practice Monitoring waiting lists and planning workloads to optimise resources Assessing the urgency of cases and prioritising and allocating appointments accordingly To participate in the development of multi-professional Clinical Care Pathways to improve patient care.
To establish working relationships with all other members of the health care team to develop clinical practice. To be responsible, in the absence of a Lead Sonographer, for the designated areas of work, as agreed. To plan, prioritise and organise the workload efficiently and effectively with regard to patient management, use of time and workload prioritization, including professional demands of the service.To liaise with service providers to arrange routine equipment servicing, maintenance and attendance for equipment breakdown. To be responsible for ensuring that any scheduled patient appointments are rescheduled according to clinical urgency.
Ensure that infection control procedures are adhered to in relation to personnel and equipment. Ensure that patient confidentially is maintained within the ultrasound department. To manage own time effectively whilst ensuring all patients are cared for to the highest of standards.
Be professionally accountable, flexible and autonomous with freedom to act and refer independently. To ensure a working knowledge of the trust incident reporting system and to report on near misses or incidents in a timely manner. We are also involved in actively teaching sonographer to other AHP colleagues , medic's ,midwifery and other students.