To support the Lead Sonographer in developing and implementation of protocols within areas of expertise.
To work with the management team to continue to develop the service including identification and development of local policies, procedures and guidelines.
To ensure that facilities are utilised efficiently to provide the best possible patient care and to support the Lead Sonographer with implementing change where necessary
To safely and effectively operate ultrasound equipment, adhering to British Medical Ultrasound (BMUS) guidelines
To adhere to the Health and Safety at Work Act and maintain a safe working environment To report and resolve problems promptly in accordance with Departmental and Trust policies.
To assist with the co-ordination of maintenance visits and rearrange work lists in the event of equipment failure being responsive to the inconvenience caused to patients at short notice cancellations.
2
Participation with the co-ordination and implementation of a Quality Assurance programme and assist with planning of routine maintenance taking into account the effect on the normal running of the service.
To organise room equipment and the working environment to minimise personal risk of work related upper limb disorders (RSI) and to be aware of the regulations governing the use of VDUs.
To report any untoward incidents as appropriate and in line with department protocols and promptly assist in the solution of difficulties as they arise.
To investigate and respond to complaints in accordance with Trust guidelines and contribute to clinical governance and clinical effectiveness by ensuring best practice guidelines in ultrasound.
To actively participate in appraisals for junior sonographers and support staff working in ultrasound.
As an expert practitioner to support, mentor and improve patient services in ultrasound and actively contribute to the strategic planning and development of professional practice.
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
To work in a given area, being accountable for own professional actions, organisation of own workloads, vascular ultrasound examinations, diagnosis reporting within Unit protocols
To demonstrate a depth of knowledge of ultrasound, performing assessment and diagnosis.
Exercise a high degree of personal and professional autonomy, acting as a lead practitioner demonstrating advanced clinical competence, decision making and knowledge base.
Work in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team and actively involve users of the service to gain their input to ensure continuous improvement in patient care.
To ensure appropriate, consistent information is provided to the patient and maintain confidentiality of all matters involving patient care.
To use analytical and judgement skills to interpret highly complex Ultrasound images, the acquisition of which is operator dependent, accurately differentiating between normal and abnormal findings
To provide patients and their relatives with empathy and emotional support with abnormal, and potentially distressing, results/diagnostic findings.
Where imaging reveals pathology which requires urgent medical attention, to bring such finding to the attention of the referring clinician and identify clinically appropriate onward care/treatment for patients.
To be able to refer patients appropriately for further clinical opinion, investigations and follow-up, seeking advice where necessary.
To be responsible for advising clinicians directly when a delay may have an impact on patient morbidity and mortality
To be able to communicate complex, sensitive information in an understandable form directly to patients. This may include giving information that is unwelcome or difficult to accept. The communication of distressing and unexpected news requires the use of persuasion, tact, empathy, diplomacy and counselling skills
3
To be able to deal effectively with unpredictable patient demands while maintaining the extremely high level of concentration required for performing and reporting ultrasound procedures
To take responsibility for handling patients notes and to ensure that a copy of the images and report is made available via the Hospital computer system and to be filed in the case notes where appropriate
To support and assist junior staff as appropriate and participate in the training of doctors, nurses, sonographers and students.
To have a high level of manual and mental dexterity required for ultrasound scanning
