The Obstetric Clinical Lead Sonographer is responsible for the daily operational management, clinical leadership and professional oversight of the Obstetric Ultrasound Service at Lewisham Hospital. They will lead and support a team of sonographers to deliver a safe, effective, high quality and patient centred service in line with national screening standards, Trust policies and professional guidance. The post holder will ensure that antenatal ultrasound examinations and screening pathways are delivered within national timescales and comply with the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme and other national standards. They will ensure sonographers maintain the required competencies, accreditation and continuing professional development. Working autonomously, the post holder will provide operational leadership for the obstetric ultrasound service and Early Pregnancy Unit, with responsibility for workforce planning, rota management, service capacity, clinical governance, quality improvement and staff development. They will work closely with the Cross-Site Ultrasound Modality Lead to support service development and respond to increasing demand. The post holder will work collaboratively with obstetricians, fetal medicine specialists, radiologists, midwives and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure the timely, safe and effective delivery of ultrasound services and will provide cross-cover for the General Ultrasound Clinical Lead Sonographer during periods of leave or absence.
The post holder will:
Provide operational and clinical leadership for the obstetric ultrasound service at University Hospital Lewisham.
Lead the day-to-day management of the sonography workforce, ensuring safe staffing levels and effective rota management.
Ensure compliance with national screening programmes, including FASP standards, quality assurance requirements and screening timelines.
Maintain high standards of clinical practice, governance and patient safety across the obstetric ultrasound service.
Lead recruitment, induction, appraisal, supervision and professional development of sonographers.
Support education, competency assessment and specialist training of sonographers and students.
Monitor service capacity and implement service improvements to maximise productivity and patient access.
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver responsive, patient-centred care.
Support service planning, workforce development and continuous quality improvement.
Act as budget holder for the obstetric ultrasound service at Lewisham Hospital, ensuring effective use of resources and value for money.
Deputise for the Cross-Site Ultrasound Modality Lead where appropriate and provide cross-cover for the General Ultrasound Clinical Lead Sonographer.
Please refer to the Applicant Guide via the link below for key information: - Applying to LGT Guide - Key Information for Applicants
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
Improving the experience of staff with disability
Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
Making equalities mainstream
Clinical Leadership
Provide professional and operational leadership for the Obstetric Ultrasound Service.
Ensure delivery of high-quality ultrasound examinations in accordance with national guidance, Trust policies and professional standards.
Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement, patient safety and compassionate care.
Act as a clinical expert and role model within obstetric ultrasound.
Operational Management
Manage the day-to-day operation of the obstetric ultrasound service.
Develop and maintain staff rotas to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.
Work closely with booking and administrative teams to optimise appointment utilisation and minimise unused capacity.
Monitor activity, waiting times and service performance against local and national targets.
Plan additional clinical capacity during periods of increased demand.
Ensure appropriate cover for annual leave, sickness and unforeseen staff absences.
Provide operational support to the Early Pregnancy Unit ultrasound service.
Provide cross-cover for the General Ultrasound Clinical Lead Sonographer during periods of leave or absence.
Workforce Management
Line manage sonographers within the obstetric ultrasound team.
Lead recruitment, induction and retention initiatives.
Conduct appraisal, performance reviews and personal development planning.
Manage sickness absence, annual leave and wellbeing in accordance with Trust policies.
Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive working environment.
Clinical Governance and Quality
Ensure compliance with FASP standards, national screening guidance and local clinical protocols.
Ensure screening examinations are undertaken within required national timescales.
Maintain oversight of sonographer competencies, accreditation and licensing requirements.
Lead audit, incident investigation and implementation of learning.
Support risk management and ensure appropriate escalation of clinical concerns.
Promote adherence to infection prevention and control standards.
Ensure ultrasound equipment is used safely and defects are appropriately escalated.
Education and Workforce Development
Lead the education and professional development of the obstetric ultrasound workforce.
Supervise trainee sonographers, students and newly qualified staff.
Assess and maintain clinical competencies.
Support specialist upskilling and extended scope practice.
Work collaboratively with Higher Education Institutions and professional bodies to support ultrasound education.
Service Development
Contribute to strategic service planning with the Cross-Site Ultrasound Modality Lead.
Identify opportunities to improve patient pathways and operational efficiency.
Support implementation of new technologies, clinical protocols and service developments.
Participate in quality improvement projects and transformation initiatives.
Financial and Resource Management
Act as budget holder for the obstetric ultrasound service.
Monitor expenditure and ensure effective use of financial resources.
Maintain appropriate stock levels and consumables.
Work with EBME and procurement teams to ensure equipment is maintained and replaced appropriately.
Partnership Working
Develop effective working relationships with obstetricians, fetal medicine consultants, radiologists, midwives and wider multidisciplinary teams.
Work collaboratively with administrative teams and RDAs to ensure efficient patient pathways.
Liaise with other NHS organisations, professional networks and external partners where required.
Communication
Act as the principal point of contact for the obstetric ultrasound service.
Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and multidisciplinary colleagues.
Lead team meetings and contribute to wider radiology and Trust meetings.
Support the implementation and communication of service changes.
