Deputy Superintendent Sonographer

Key responsibilities To assist the Ultrasound Superintendent sonographer in day to day running of the ultrasound department to ensure the department operates smoothly and efficiently. To maintain close communication with the Ultrasound Superintendent sonographer, the Services Manager, consultants and other staff members to develop the ultrasound service to excel. To assist in planning and arranging ultrasound rotas of sonographers, healthcare assistants and Radiologists, to ensure all lists are covered Active involvement in training of student sonographers. To assist the Ultrasound Superintendent sonographer in inducing new staff and carrying out yearly PDRs To communicate with patients and relatives in a professional and reassuring manner, especially in difficult or emotional circumstances. To deliver distressing news/results to patients with empathy. Proactively demonstrate interest in developing oneself professionally by proposing QI projects, collecting data and presenting at inter/national conferences. Participate in research studies conducted at CWHFT, including those as part of Imperial College. Comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques. Comply with and be able to demonstrate safe infection control measures. To demonstrate flexibility and adaptability with rostering requirements to ensure a robust and safe imaging service across the Trust. Maintain a high level of commitment to, and take responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD). The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic professional development review, in accordance with Trust guidelines. To undertake any other duties which may be appropriate to the post. To collaboratively work with their colleagues at West Middlesex site to continually improve patient care and pathways. Judgement and Analysis To offer an assessment, interpretation and report from images produced by themselves or junior staff. Offer education and support with relation to image interpretation and primary diagnosis. The post holder will be expected to analyse information pertaining to clinical issues and resource management within their own modality. Organisational Skill To escalate the fault to the suppliers service department if fault not rectified by simple troubleshooting. To ensure safe practice and operation of ultrasound equipment by all users. To report and record all equipment faults and co-ordinate engineers. Physical Skills and Requirements To demonstrate and employ the high degree of dexterity required to position complex equipment used in the acquisition of images. To be able to accurately manipulate and position patients to ensure most accurate diagnosis. To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques and apply those techniques to both patients and equipment. To comply with, and be able to demonstrate and instruct, safe manual handling techniques, with access to annual manual handling training. To manipulate complex machinery with speed and accuracy in routine and emergency conditions. The post holder will be required to organize the manoeuvring of heavy or non-ambulant patient using appropriate manual handling techniques, with the assistance of the multi-disciplinary team caring for these patients. Direct Patient Care The post holder will be accountable for the delivery of clinical care in their area To maintain high professional standards of clinical skill and patient care. To work with the Radiology Services Manager to identify improvements within their area keeping the needs of the patient central as per department / Trust philosophy. To assist the Radiology Services Manager and the Clinical Director of Obstetrics in ensuring that all national programmes involved in improving patient care and the patient environment are implemented. Service Development To lead or assist in service audit within the modality and implement recommendations from audit To ensure that all agreed Local Rules and protocols (including the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme) are adhered to and updated as required. To ensure that an ultrasound specific quality assurance (QA) program is in operation and to audit this program. To work with departmental staff, equipment suppliers and the manufacturers engineers to ensure that all imaging equipment is safe and meets all required standards. To participate in Clinical Governance and to maintain a programme of risk assessment and clinical incident reporting. Where necessary to assist with incident review with the aim to improve service provision. Budgetary Responsibilities To deliver a high quality service within budgetary constraints. The Professional Modality Manager will be heavily involved with the procurement of capital equipment and is expected to assist with the development, and presentation of a business case pertaining to this. To be responsible for the monitoring of all supplies / consumables and ensure adequate stocks to meet service demands at all times. Personal To set and monitor standards of performance of the ultrasound and associated technical staff. To be actively involved in recruitment and retention for the ultrasound department, performing interviews and raising the profile of the department. To be responsible for the day-to-day management of ultrasound staff To undertake annual staff appraisal / independent performance reviews, for staff whom the post holder has responsibility. Take responsibility for the rostering of staff to ensure that staffing levels are adequate to meet service requirements at all times. To plan effective modality specific induction programs for all new staff and monitor these programs. The post holder will be required to actively participate in a periodic performance appraisal, in accordance with the Trust guidelines. The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service. IT Skills To ensure that all staff training records are maintained and up to date. To have the skills required to operate highly complex, software driven, imaging equipment. Develop skills to use departmental reporting systems. Basic to intermediate skills in excel, word and power point. Research To initiate, coordinate and facilitate research activity among the Ultrasound staff. To support and actively contribute to departmental research programs. Autonomy To offer an assessment, interpretation and report of images produced by themselves or junior staff. The post holder must have the ability to adapt and modify procedures and examinations based on initial scan findings and clinical information. It is imperative that the post holder can operate independently and without supervision taking full responsibility for all aspects of their service. Emotional and Mental Requirements To assist in the investigation of complaints, incidents or accidents within any area of the department. Ability to deal with frequent clinical and managerial interruptions in order to maintain service delivery. To be able to maintain service delivery at times of disruption due to equipment failure or increased demand. To deal with highly complex, sensitive and emotional situations, and to react calmly and professionally under pressure. To demonstrate empathetic skills and to teach those skills in sensitive areas, such as breaking bad news. Working Environment To be able to work with a range of patients and conditions. To communicate with patients and relatives in a professional and reassuring manner, especially in difficult or emotional circumstances. To ensure that the rules and procedures of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are strictly adhered to, and that all working areas are kept clean and safe and in accordance with H&S regulations. Other Requirements/Responsibilities 1. To strive to achieve competencies required to progress within their role and beyond. 2. To maintain a commitment to, and take responsibility for personal development utilising principles of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the knowledge and skills framework (KSF). The post holder is encouraged by the department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service. Key Working Relationships All members of the Imaging Department. Clinicians, patients and members of the public that they come into contact with during the course of their work He/she will develop a particularly close relationship with the Ultrasound Superintendent Sonographer, Services Manager, consultants and senior nursing and administrative staff ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The post holder is required to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself/herself and other persons who may be affected by their action or omission at work Co-operate with the employer in ensuring that all statutory and other requirements are complied with.