Superintendent Sonographer

The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King’s College Hospital (KCH) sites at Denmark Hill in Camberwell and at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) site in the London Borough of Bromley.

We encourage all our staff to have a healthy work/life balance. In doing so, you can apply for flexible working from the beginning of your employment. We offer a range of options which are designed to suit different circumstances and priorities in line with service requirements.

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Job overview

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Superintendent Sonographer to lead our ultrasound service at King’s College Hospital – Denmark Hill Site. This pivotal Band 8b role is central to the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused ultrasound services within our busy and progressive Radiology department.

If you’re ready to make a real impact in a forward-thinking teaching hospital committed to excellence, equity, and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

A key part of your role will involve vetting referrals, maintaining robust clinical governance, optimising workflow, and ensuring adherence to local and national standards. You will work closely with radiologists, referring clinicians, and service users to support timely diagnosis and patient care.

Through strong communication, performance management, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will help shape a responsive, forward-thinking ultrasound service aligned with the Trust’s values and vision.

Working for our organisation

The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide timely, effective, and compassionate ultrasound imaging services.
• Independently report on examinations and communicate findings to patients and clinicians as appropriate.
• Justify imaging referrals and reject or escalate inappropriately requested examinations.
• Use expert clinical judgement to determine appropriate imaging techniques and adapt based on patient presentation.
• Communicate effectively with patients, including those with communication challenges or cognitive impairment.
• Explain procedures, obtain informed consent, and deliver sensitive findings appropriately.
• Take patient histories and extend or tailor examinations as clinically indicated.
• Ensure safe patient transfer and adherence to manual handling protocols.
• Liaise with referrers and consultants for integrated patient care.
• Supervise student sonographers and junior staff during clinical placements.
• Ensure accurate documentation in imaging systems, including updates to electronic patient records and worklists.
• Contribute to service improvement through protocol development and extended scope practices.
• Manage clinical incidents and ensure patient safety protocols are upheld.

• Oversee daily operations of the ultrasound department, ensuring a responsive and efficient service.
• Develop and implement local policies and procedures, aligning with Trust and national guidance.
• Lead on operational policy changes in response to service demand and innovation.
• Monitor and report equipment performance, faults, and coordinate maintenance or escalation.
• Ensure staff meet training and competency standards and maintain records of compliance.
• Represent the ultrasound service at internal and external meetings.
• Contribute to business planning, including capital equipment purchasing and service tenders.
• Investigate and manage complaints and incidents in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Ensure effective communication, patient flow, and high service standards within ultrasound and wider Radiology.
• Maintain oversight of third-party provider performance for any outsourced ultrasound services.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure service is delivered within allocated budgets and seek opportunities for cost-efficiency.
• Oversee procurement of consumables and manage stock levels to support operational needs.
• Monitor and manage service and maintenance contracts.
• Support development of business cases and capital bids for service investment and development.

• Use performance data to assess and improve service delivery.
• Lead capacity and demand analysis and make recommendations to optimise resource utilisation.
• Report regularly on performance metrics to the Radiology leadership team.
• Align service targets with Trust objectives and monitor progress.

• Maintain personal professional development and support CPD across the ultrasound workforce.
• Lead training sessions, run supervised clinical lists, and support induction of new staff.
• Support the training of students and contribute to the development of educational programmes.
• Ensure team compliance with statutory and Trust training requirements.
• Participate in appraisals both as reviewer and reviewee, ensuring team members have personal development plans.

• Participate in and lead clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic partners and contribute to research projects within the department.
• Ensure audit findings inform service delivery and changes in clinical practice.
• Support the development of research protocols and ethical practice within the modality.

• Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, carers, and staff.
• Liaise with referrers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate, timely diagnostics and care pathways.
• Maintain open channels of communication across the Radiology department and wider Trust.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and encourage feedback and collaborative problem-solving.
• Manage queries, complaints, or concerns from patients in a professional and compassionate manner.

• Maintain registration with the HCPC and uphold professional standards set by the Society of Radiographers.
• Demonstrate ongoing professional development and stay informed of policy, regulatory, and practice changes.
• Lead by example, promoting a learning culture and professional excellence in all areas of work.
• Comply with all Trust and legal requirements related to clinical governance and data protection.

• Comply with Trust policies, procedures, and standards including safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Promote and role model the Trust’s values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork.
• Take personal responsibility for health, safety, and wellbeing, and contribute to the safety of colleagues and patients.
• Contribute to departmental and Trust-wide initiatives, including sustainability, inclusion, and service innovation.
• Actively engage with Trust communication platforms, including the mandatory NHS.net email account.

Safeguarding

All staff must complete mandatory safeguarding training and be familiar with internal safeguarding processes. Concerns must be reported in accordance with Trust policy.

Infection Control

All employees are expected to follow infection prevention protocols and maintain high hygiene standards, in line with the Trust’s Infection Control Policy and National Code of Practice.

Person specification

Education, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Experience, Personal Characteristics

• BSc Diagnostic Radiographer (or equivalent)
• Current Health and Care Professions Council Registration
• MSc/PGDip in medical ultrasound or equivalent qualification
• Extensive clinical experience in ultrasound
• Extensive leadership experience in ultrasound
• Experience in supervision and training of less experienced radiographers/sonographers, students and departmental staff
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience in demand and activity management
• Knowledge of current policies and legislation affecting service delivery
• Good organisational and leadership skills
• Effective communicator and interpersonal skills
• The ability to multitask dealing with multiple problems and distractions while working

• Postgraduate level management qualification
• Membership of Special Interest Group

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Click here to see the range of benefits we offer
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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