Principal Sonographer - Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ultrasound
Construction of the new integrated critical care unit was completed in 2018, extension of a Neonatal Unit and an approved plan to build a brand new, state of the art Emergency Department which commenced in 2021
We provide high quality, friendly and effective community health services from multiple sites covering Walsall. Our multidisciplinary services include rapid response and homebased care, so that those with long term conditions and the frail elderly can remain in their own homes.
We are recommended by colleagues as a place to work which is supported by the trusts values to work as part of a team, being respectful, compassionate and professional. We are committed to investing in our workforce
Following our recent CQC visit the Trust was rated as outstanding for care and this has been recognised by NHS Improvement.
The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including: salary sacrifice scheme; car leasing scheme; on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability); the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme; and the opportunity to develop and implement your expertise in an encouraging yet challenging environment
We would particularly welcome applications from people from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background and from people with a disability; these groups are currently under-represented at senior level, we value diversity within our Trust and are working to achieve equality in our recruitment.
COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment at this time, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated.We will be checking the vaccination status of all new starters so that we can manage individual and environmental risks, and so that we can support those who may be undecided about vaccination. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at COVID-19 Vaccination | How to access your vaccine in the Black Country and West Birmingham (blackcountryandwestbirmccg.nhs.uk) where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.
There is a current Government consultation underway which will determine whether some new starters may need to be vaccinated.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Trust currently holds the Bronze Award which underlines the Trust’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community. As an organisation, we are aiming to achieve the next level Silver award, with our sights firmly on Gold.
RESPECT - COMPASSION - TEAMWORK - PROFESSIONALISM
Job overview
An exciting new opportunity arisen to work in the Walsall Healthcare Trust's imaging service. The Principal Sonographer will be responsible for maintaining a high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ultrasound service at Walsall Healthcare.This includes effective management of staff, facilities, and resources to ensure optimal service delivery. The post holder will work within the Obstetrics and Gynaecology ultrasound departments, providing regular feedback to the Radiology Services Manager and the Clinical Support Services Care Group leadership regarding key performance indicators and any service-related issues.
Additionally, the role encompasses leading regular audits, ensuring adherence to national screening standards, and contributing to clinical governance, risk management, and research initiatives to continuously improve service quality and patient outcomes.
Main duties of the job
This role involves both clinical and managerial responsibilities within the Obstetrics and Gynaecology ultrasound departments. The post holder will work closely with the Superintendent Sonographer for Ultrasound, supporting effective cross-cover arrangements and ensuring the seamless delivery of services across all ultrasound specialties.The post holder must ensure that all operations align with clinical governance and risk management frameworks, while actively contributing to the continuous improvement of patient outcomes and service delivery.
Working for our organisation
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is one of the largest employers in the local area with over 3,000 staff. We have a friendly and vibrant Imaging department and we have new and exciting opportunities coming up. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- Oversee and perform a comprehensive range of obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound examinations, including early pregnancy assessments, anomaly scans, and growth monitoring.
- Maintain high levels of specialist expertise in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ultrasound, applying advanced professional skills in practice.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and patient-centred Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ultrasound services.
- Lead and support the development of new clinical pathways and service improvements.
- Ensure all guidelines, policies, and procedures are adhered to in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ultrasound and are updated in line with legislative guidance and best practice.
- Act as a clinical expert, advising on highly complex Obstetrics & Gynaecology cases and liaising with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient care.
- Participate in direct patient care, including performing ultrasound scans and providing second opinions on highly complex cases.
- Perform line management functions, including recruitment, staff appraisals, competency assessments, and management of sickness absence and leave entitlement.
- Act as the first point of contact for complaints or concerns related to the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ultrasound service, investigating incidents and implementing action plans where necessary.
- Lead regular audits and act as the Lead Screening Sonographer, ensuring adherence to standards, including FASP 18+0-20+6 weeks foetal anomaly scan and NSC standards for the first trimester screening programmes
- Ensure that all aspects of clinical governance, risk management, and audit are delivered and progressed
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- DCR/BSc Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent
- Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound
- Recognised management/ leadership qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
- Master’s level in healthcare related subject or evidence of working to that level
Experience
Essential criteria- Extensive experience in performing and interpreting obstetric and gynaecology ultrasound examinations
- Evidence of Post Graduate development
- Experience of working in the NHS
- Ability to lead a team or supervisory experience
Skills
Essential criteria- Demonstration of managerial skills
- Evidence of Post Graduate development
- Plan, organise and manage workload and a multidisciplinary team within their modality.
- Ability and judgement to act independently to resolve complex problems
Please note your application will be transferred from the NHS Jobs system to internal Walsall Healthcare Trac System. All correspondence will be sent via Trac
Following our recent CQC visit the Trust was rated as outstanding for care and this has been recognised by NHS Improvement.
** Please Note that this post may be identified as suitable and a preference given for Internal at Risk Employees**
We would particularly welcome applications from people from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background and from people with a disability; these groups are currently under-represented at senior level, we value diversity within our Trust and are working to achieve equality in our recruitment.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON COMPLETION OF REFERENCE SECTION OF APPLICATION FORM
References from current and previous employers will be sought and must cover a minimum of 3 years employment. When completing the reference section of your application form, please give the address, telephone number and work email address of each of your current/previous line managers that cover this period.Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.
Please review the attached Job description and person specification carefully before applying to ensure that you meet the essential job requirements.
Candidates should be aware that, regardless of country of origin, their ability to communicate in written and spoken English to the standard required to carry out the post, will be assessed during the selection process.
Referee email addresses should be provided on your application form.
Following the closing date, if you have not heard from us within 6 weeks you may assume your application has been unsuccessful.
We reserve the right to close this job early. Interested applicants are therefore advised to apply as early as possible.
If a large number of applicants meet the essential criteria then random selection will be applied.
We are committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible and committed to equal opportunities.