Advanced Practitioner Sonographer

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1.     To work effectively as an individual and as part of a team, and to participate in a multi-professional approach to the continuing care of patients.

2.     To assist in providing an efficient, high quality ultrasound service, in a manner that meets the Directorate’s professional, technical, medical, and legal requirements and standards.

3.     To ensure patients receive the highest standard of care, maintaining the patients’ dignity, privacy and confidentially at all times

4.     To ensure that all reasonable care and precautions are taken to prevent the occurrence of accidents to patients, visitors and other members of staff and to comply with Health and Safety and Welfare at Work Act policy of the Trust. To ensure that those working under his/her supervision do likewise.

5.     To interpret clinician’s requirements and ensuring that the appropriate imaging technique, and areas are performed, in order to meet the service commitments.

6.     To perform unsupervised ultrasound examinations effectively, within the competencies already achieved, to include obstetrics, trans-vaginal scans, pelvic, general abdominal, in-patients, GP patients, and out-patients, under their own initiative to a high level of responsibility and commitment.

7.     To assist in any interventional procedures e.g. Amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Biopsies, ascitic taps etc.

8.     To provide a written report, in line with the departmental protocols, using judgement and interpretational skills to formulate differential diagnoses and liaise with appropriate clinician for future patient management. To assist with the foetal medicine clinic and interventional procedures.

9.     To communicate effectively highly sensitive information that requires empathy and reassurance e.g. cancer/serious illnesses, foetal demise, foetal abnormalities to clients and their relatives.

10.  Take a proactive role in minimising unpleasant aspects of working conditions and the risks of manual handling and work related upper limb disorders (WRULD), associated with physical aspects of performing the ultrasound examination. Aspects of working conditions that are frequently unpleasant include use of coupling gel, working in low level artificial lighting, working with VDUs, invasive vaginal scans, dealing with bodily fluids such as early pregnancy, bleeding/miscarriage and occasional verbal abuse from clients /relatives either face to face or over the telephone.

11.  To assist in the day-to-day organisation of workload, appointments, and staff supervision as required.

12.  To perform all administrative tasks required, including data entry on the Radiology Information and PACS systems.

13.  To be aware of waiting list pressures and budgetary pressures, taking part in budgetary decisions involving their own specialised area.

14.  To be able to work in all units attached to the Directorate, including the community hospitals located in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Frome.

15.  To maintain professional standards defined by the College of Radiographer’s polices and maintain professional registration with the HPC at all times.

16.  To ensure that all reasonable care and precautions are taken to prevent accidental damage to the equipment, and to report any faults to a more senior member of staff, or to the RUH if within the district. Ensure that all equipment is safe and clean prior to use.

17.  To work in such a way that accidents to them and to others are avoided, and to co-operate in maintaining their place of work in a tidy and safe condition. Apply Local Rules and general patient/staff safety policies. Ensure that up to date policy and procedures are available.

18.  To use appropriate channel of referral for matters not within his/her sphere of competence and referral of abnormalities to the relevant clinical consultant as per department protocol.

19.  To communicate with GP’s, consultants, other medical and non-medical staff, patients, and visitors in a professional and caring manner and comply with the Patients Charter.

20.  To demonstrate the ability to communicate and liaise effectively with all Health Care Professionals and staff, to ensure optimum continuity of patient care and efficiency of the Directorate 

21.  To maintain a high standard of appearance and hygiene, which conforms to that expected of a member of the radiographic staff.

22.  To assist in maintaining the needs of the department, a flexible approach is required.

23.  To participate in, QA, clinical audit, willingness to participate in research.

24.  To assist in development of protocols, to propose appropriate changes to them, to improve patient care, and efficiency of service.

25.  To assist in teaching trainee radiographers and other staff as appropriate. E.g. Supervision of Registrars in Obstetrics/ gynaecology, support workers, and less experienced Sonographers.

26.  To provide clinical training to student Sonographers.

27.  To attend clinical case meetings, and to be able to present case studies and short talks to small groups from various disciplines if required.

28.  To maintain professional standards, and competency, in accordance with the College of Radiographers policy.

29.  To take responsibility for personal development and education, including keeping a record of your continuous professional development. To be aware of developments and advances in imaging procedures, particularly within the field of Ultrasound Technology

30.  To inform other members of staff of new developments within the field and take active role in the training of colleagues in new or supplementary techniques.

31.  To ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, procedures, and codes of practice.