Operational Lead Sonographer - General Ultrasound

Come and join our team in this exciting time of change as we pride ourselves, our staff and our services on excellence.

At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision which is “Working together to provide outstanding care for our community.”

We are Compassionate in our thoughts, words and actions

We are Aspirational and have a true desire to be dynamic and to innovate

We are Resourceful and responsible in the way we work and live

We are Excellent in our development, fairness and sharing best practice

Amazing things happen at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; delivered by amazing people so why don’t you come and join us. We offer a range of learning and development for all employees may you be clinical or non-clinical.

Diversity is what makes us interesting… Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Job overview

There is extensive opportunity to expand management skills.

As an expert practitioner, the new post-holder will competently strengthen and develop great close working relationships with the departmental leads and other members of the wider team. The post holder will provide expert support and guidance to service users.

Effective delivery of training and education will also be a requirement of the role, ensuring all service improvements are delivered safely, efficiently and within budget where appropriate.

We look forward to welcoming prospective candidates and wish you all the success in your application to join the wonderful Radiology team at Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust.

• Function as an independent practitioner within the department with responsibility for the provision of a comprehensive, high quality, cost effective and efficient ultrasound service across 4 sites.
• Delegated financial resources and for the day to day operational management of the service
• Contribute towards the strategic development of the service, in conjunction with the Radiology Clinical Service Manager/Directorate Manager and Clinical Lead Radiologist. They will ensure all developments align with the overall objectives of the Radiology Department and with wider Trust strategy
• Recognised as a specialist in their field, maintaining the highest standards of care and will provide specialist diagnostic judgement with a thorough understanding of complex clinical conditions
• Provide leadership and engage in clinical supervision activities. Be a role model for the profession and will provide operational support within Ultrasound

Participate in the review and revision of scanning techniques and make recommendations regarding changes in practice and service improvements in conjunction with the Professional Lead Sonographer

The postholder will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries

Working for our organisation

The Trust is based in Reading, which sits on the river Thames, and is served by great road and rail links to London, Oxford and Southampton. With excelled leisure and shopping facilities, and a thriving cultural scene, Reading is a wonderful place to live and work.

The CQC recently rated the care provided by the Royal Berkshire Foundation Trusts as Good.

We have many opportunities for development and have been awarded University Status by the University of Reading.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical:

1. Independently performs and reports a wide range of complex ultrasound examinations. Recognises the sonographic characteristics of normal and abnormal tissues, structures and blood flow; adjusts scanning technique to optimise image quality
2. Demonstrates the specialist professional knowledge and skills necessary for the interpretation, reporting and diagnosis of a range of complex patient conditions; provides an authorised report of clinical findings to the referring clinician
3. Evaluates referrals with respect to appropriate clinical details and gathers relevant information from the patient or their representative. Uses such information to develop or adapt the procedure to optimise the diagnostic outcome
4. Identifies any contraindications to the procedure such as medication, insufficient patient preparation or any inability or unwillingness on the part of the patient to tolerate the procedure
5. Is responsible for the clinical management and care of the patient ensuring patient safety, privacy and dignity is maintained at all times
6. Communicates with the patient or their representative the purpose of the ultrasound examination and where applicable the significance of the results. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present and explain potentially complex clinical information
7. Participates in the vetting of ultrasound referrals by both manual and electronic processes. Prioritises the urgency of referrals and advises the administrative team with regard to scheduling requirements
8. Works in conjunction with the profession lead sonographer to act as a source of information and expert advice for colleagues, both internal and external to the department, with regard ultrasound
9. Contributes to the patient care pathway through participation in multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) as required

Managerial:

1. Supervises radiology staff working in own area of responsibility. Staff groups include Student and Qualified Sonographers, Health Care Assistants and Radiology Department Assistants
2. Prioritises and plans the daily activities of the unit ensuring patients are imaged in a safe, timely and efficient manner; works in cooperation/conjunction with other staff groups
3. Proactively contributes to the delivery of objectives and targets relevant to the Radiology service, in particular the Department of Health 6 week Diagnostic Waiting Time target (DM01). Monitors ultrasound waiting times and notifies the Senior Management Team of any issues likely to impact on performance
4. Performs appraisals for Qualified Sonographers under the Trust’s Values in Action process, with support from the Clinical Services Manager as appropriate; ensures that Trust targets for completed appraisals are met
5. In conjunction with the professional lead sonographer, performs Return to Work interviews in accordance with Trust policy; undertakes first stages of absence management notifying the Clinical Services Manager of any issues
6. In conjunction with the professional lead sonographer, participates in the recruitment and selection of staff within own area of responsibility; actively promotes diversity in the recruitment, management and development of staff. Ensures relevant paperwork is completed for new starters, leavers etc.
7. Is responsible for the management of annual leave within own area of responsibility; ensures that leave requirements are balanced against service needs and that Trust and departmental leave policies are followed
8. Is responsible for the efficient use of resources within own area of responsibility. Manages stock levels and submits orders via the eProcurement System
9. Ensures all ultrasound equipment is in safe working order and that regular checks and preventative maintenance is performed and recorded according to agreed schedules. Liaise with Clinical Engineering where appropriate
10. Oversees quality assurance and clinical audit within own area of responsibility
11. Has a sound knowledge of ultrasound equipment technology; is able to identify and rectify minor faults. Is fully conversant with processes for reporting faults, contacting engineers/suppliers and supervising engineers on site. Ensures all faults are appropriately logged
12. Is involved in the evaluation, procurement and implementation of new equipment in conjunction with the Clinical Services Manager and relevant Consultant Radiologists; this may include participation in the tendering process and in the preparation of business cases etc.
13. Contributes to strategic planning in conjunction with the Clinical Services Manager, and Medical Lead; works with the Clinical Services Manager to manage and implement changes relating to clinical service developments, changes in working practice or patterns of work
14. Contributes to the development and implementation of Clinical Governance processes relevant to own area of responsibility; attends the monthly Radiology Clinical Governance meetings
15. Ensures appropriateness and currency of documentation in own area of responsibility; is responsible for local documentation including Standard Operating Procedures, Safe Systems of Work, Risk Assessments etc. Ensures local risk assessments are incorporated into the Radiology Risk Register
16. Ensures local data compliance and IT security consistent with Trust policies and practices
17. Is responsible for the timely & effective investigation of PALS concerns or complaints relating to own area of responsibility. Prepares responses or reports as appropriate, in conjunction with the Clinical Services Manager and Deputy Clinical Services Manager.
18. Is responsible for identifying and reporting adverse incidents, near misses or potential risks; takes action in line with Trust and departmental procedures, informing the Clinical Services Manager and Deputy Clinical Services Manager as appropriate
19. Represents own specialist area of responsibility / subdivision at the monthly Radiology Leads meetings
20. In conjunction with the professional lead and practice education sonographer, holds responsibility for the development and implementation of local protocols within the Sonography Department
21. Is able to identify and apply data to decision making processes

Teaching, Training & Research:

1. Alongside the professional lead and practice education sonographer, assesses the knowledge and proficiency of staff, addressing training and development needs as appropriate and reporting any deficiencies to the Clinical Services Manager, as necessary
2. Develops and delivers formal and informal training relevant to own area of expertise. Ensures training is in accordance with local and national professional standards and policies
3. Participates in Research & Development initiatives, as appropriate
4. Undertakes clinical audits as appropriate, evaluating the outcomes and proposing changes to working practice

Professional Role Responsibilities:

1. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of Governing Body registration status.
2. Develops own skills, maintaining and developing competencies across the repertoire of the department as appropriate
3. Demonstrates highly developed specialist knowledge underpinned by theory and experience; has the ability to use this knowledge to provide highly specialist advice. Ability to apply evidence based practice to own area of responsibility
4. Exercises autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries, working independently and without supervision in the provision of services
5. Participates in the Trust appraisal programme ‘Values in Action’, and works towards identified development needs. To include attendance on mandatory training courses
6. Demonstrates active participation in Continuous Professional Development, ensuring personal standards of clinical proficiency are maintained
7. Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills
8. Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures which impact on own area of responsibility. Regular updating of policies and procedures in accordance with NICE guidelines
9. Participates in the Trust’s Service Improvement Strategy “Improving Together”

General Responsibilities:

1. Communicates effectively with staff groups from inside and outside the Trust, including clinicians and other healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, senior Trust management, external agencies, commercial suppliers, manufacturers, service engineers and visitors to the unit
2. Demonstrates and maintains a high level of IT skills; is fully conversant with the computerised systems within the Radiology Department
3. Accurately inputs details on to EPR / RadNet; is able to interrogate the system for patient details, updating and recording information as required. Maintains accurate, up to date and comprehensive documentation in line with legal and departmental requirements
4. Is conversant with departmental policies, and supports the Radiology management team in ensuring that staff performance complies with professional standards
5. Is aware of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Data Protection, Patient Confidentiality, IR(ME)R, COSHH and local and national Health and Safety Policies
6. Abides by current policies and procedures of the Trust and/or the Radiology Department, and complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act
7. Participates in departmental and team meetings as appropriate.
8. Undertakes other duties appropriate to grade, as delegated by the Medical Lead for Radiology, and the Clinical Services Manager

Person specification

Person Specification

• Extensive experience as a sonographer

• Management qualification or significant managerial experience within NHS

Person Specifification

• Experience of operational management within an acute healthcare setting

• Experience of audit

• Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on your work, life balance
• Annual leave – 27 days for new starters, plus bank holidays. Increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service. Pro rata for part time staff
• NHS pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Money Advice Service
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff
• On-site nursery (based at RBH)
• Full educational library services
• Cycle to work scheme, lockable storage for cycles
• Bus to work scheme
• Excellent rail and bus links
• A huge range of Health Service Discounts at hundreds of big brands from holidays to gadgets and restaurants to retail.

After applying via NHS Jobs, your submitted application will be imported into our preferred Third party recruitment system (TRAC). All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps.trac.jobs. You will not be able to track the progress of your application or receive messages through the NHS Jobs website, and furthermore, that as an employer, we will not be able to respond to any e-mails sent to us via the NHS Jobs website.

By applying for this post you are agreeing to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are appointed to a post information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

All new appointments to the Trust, with the exception of executive positions, are subject to a 6 month probationary period.

The Trust may close any vacancy prior to the advertised closing date due to the high level of responses we receive for some of our vacancies.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is committed to improving the health of its staff, patients and the wider community by providing a smoke free environment. A smoke free policy is in operation and smoking is not permitted on any of the Trust’s sites.

The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults.