The post holder will receive the training required to independently perform comprehensive fetal echocardiograms following Fetal Anomaly Screening Program guidelines (FASP) and British Congenital Cardiac Association Fetal Cardiology Standards (BCCA Standards) as part of the fetal cardiology team constituting the fetal cardiology consultant, fetal cardiology fellow/registrar, clinical nurse specialist and fellow echocardiographers. They will also be required to work closely with colleagues in the Fetal Medicine department.
The post is predominantly patient facing and clinical, with admin and teaching/training time included commensurate to the role.
The post holder will also be trained to provide highly complex and accurate analysis and interpretation of results to the team and, at times, patients/parents. Results will be immediately reported on the appropriate database. Paper notes are to be updated to the computer database as soon as possible for the post holders own patients and that of colleagues when required.
The post holder will be required to provide technical support regarding ultrasound machines and image review software to the wider team and report any issues to the Senior Chief Fetal Echocardiographer.
The post holder carries responsibility for the management of their training schedule and documentation of their fetal echocardiography caseload as evidence. The post holder is responsible for appropriate self-directed learning and attendance to courses and online resources. There is an expectation to attend departmental training and the paediatric cardiology multidisciplinary meeting.
Fetal cardiology at the Evelina is a tertiary and quaternary referral unit for diagnosis and antenatal management of congenital heart disease, driven by referrals from network hospitals. The sonographer team are the cornerstones of the busiest departments in the UK, with sonographer led screening clinics that allow a large through-put of screening patients, as well as providing the primary scanning, diagnosis and reporting within consultant-led clinics.
We pride ourselves in providing a supportive learning environment across specialities within the team and have an open office and image review room to facilitate this. We work closely with our Fetal Medicine and Paediatric Cardiology colleagues to provide continuity of care and shared expertise for complex congenital heart disease cases.
1. Key Relationships
The post holder will have regular contact with Consultants, junior medical staff, nursing Matron, clinical nurse specialists, nursing staff, pediatric cardiology physiologists, administrative and clerical Support Staff, technical staff and the service and general managers.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical and Professional
Under the guidance of the Senior Chief Fetal Echocardiographer and supported by the senior sonographers in the Fetal Cardiology Team, follows the Fetal Cardiac Sonographer Training Guidelines and supports the development of the Fetal Cardiology service.
To meet minimum standards and ensure that these are maintained and any issues identified are reported to the Senior Chief Fetal Echocardiographer.
Commits to a structured personal and professional development plan, agreed with the Senior Chief Fetal Echocardiographer and the Head of Service for Paediatric and Fetal Cardiology.
To interpret and report results under guidance of senior sonographers. Report abnormal results to senior colleagues and consultant in a timely fashion. Identify and advise when the study is insufficient to answer the clinical question and refer to senior colleagues and consultants.
Maintain records and databases within Fetal Cardiology in accordance with confidentiality and information governance guidelines that can be used for audit and clinical governance purposes. To use discretion when sharing information.
Ensures that all clinical duties are carried out in such a manner as to ensure safety and compliance with departmental minimum standards.
Safe usage and maintenance of ultrasound equipment. Report to the Senior Chief Fetal Echocardiographer to ensure that adequate levels of stock are maintained.
Demonstrate skills in dealing with inter-professional conflict. Identify adverse incidents/situations and discuss with the departmental managers and initiate action to resolve these problems.
Education and Development
Follows the departmental training guideline as closely as possible to the outlined time-frame and commits to self-guided learning alongside provided material.
Participates in national and international courses and meetings to maintain Continued Professional Development (CPD) and good clinical practice.
Contributes and participates in teaching activities within the department.
