ROLE SUMMARY (short summary of the role including accountability)
Provide an ultrasound service to patients attending the general and antenatal departments at the Countess of Chester and Ellesmere Port Hospitals as part of the mullti-disciplinary team.
Scan and independently report own workload of patients, providing written reports to the referring clinician.
Perform ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedures as per written protocols and procedures
Participate in research, audit, quality control and equipment testing as part of the wider healthcare team as required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (6-12 broad areas)
· Work autonomously within guidelines and reporting protocols, performing high quality diagnostic ultrasound examinations in order to aid appropriate / necessary patient management.
· Clinically decide if diagnostically suitable for FNA examinations based on ultrasound findings and proceed to undertake ultrasound guided FNA examinations adhering to written protocols and procedures
· Effectively communicate information regarding diagnosis from scan findings either verbally or in writing directly to clinicians and patients.
· To use analytical and judgmental skills to interpret ultrasound images, accurately differentiating between normal and pathological findings.
· Use knowledge and understanding of other diagnostic investigations and act to initiate or extend patient care for further clinical procedures and / or referral when necessary.
· Act as deputy superintendent to support superintendent and in absence of superintendent.
· Use clinical knowledge and experience to prioritise ultrasound examination requests for both in and out patients, thus assisting Clerical and radiographic support workers in organising and pre-booking scan lists onto the electronic resource scheduling system, offer advice on correct preparation for ultrasound examinations when required.
· Supervise, educate and technically train multidisciplinary under- and post-graduate staff in all designated aspects of ultrasound.
· Assist radiologists with interventional procedures / biopsies performed under ultrasound control using recognised aseptic techniques.
· To be competent with the Trust’s Meditech System to access appropriate demographic, resource scheduling and clinical information on patients prior to reporting. Input all required clinical details onto the maternity reporting module (Meditech) for all obstetric ultrasound examinations.
· Ensure patient confidentiality is observed at all times and abide by the Data Protection Act.
· Maintain patient dignity at all times, particularly whilst performing examinations of an intimate and / or unpleasant nature, where there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids.
· Handle first line complaints diplomatically and provide necessary paperwork / statements as required by line manager / Trust policy.
· Assist the Superintendent with issues relevant to the professional and personal wellbeing of the ultrasound team when requested.
· Ensure high quality and continuous improvement of service , maintaining productive relations with all stakeholders
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (to be agreed with manager against broad key responsibilities which are outcome focused and appropriate to the banding level). This can be used as part of objective setting and discussed and agreed between Manager and post holder. For the purposes of A4C desktopping it is not necessary to complete this section.
e.g. all direct reports have an up-to-date and appropriate development plan
e.g. performance of department against key performance indicators
e.g. overall responsibility for ensuring compliance against the quality/risk/governance agendas within the function.
e.g. management audit in place including use of continuous improvement methods
e.g. Responsibility for process design
· Accurately record all relevant patient data during the examination and reporting process.
· Report all suspected foetal abnormalities onto the North -West (Mersey Region) Congenital Anomaly Survey database
· Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and clinical guidelines for self and others.
· Take responsibility for infection control implications and safe operation of ultrasound equipment used during each examination, particularly during high-risk procedures involving bodily fluids.
· Be responsible for taking appropriate action in an incident ensuring policies are adhered to and documented appropriately.
· To participate in Individual Performance Review and ensure compliance with mandatory training requirements.
· Actively take part in appropriate audit and departmental meetings whenever possible to aid service development.
· Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others. Participate in continuous professional development in line with HPC requirements
· Respond to and report any equipment faults to the Superintendent Radiographer with accurate details of malfunction. When necessary reporting directly to the EBME Department / manufacturer when Superintendent unavailable, and co-ordinating service / repair as necessary.
PERSON SPECIFICATION /
Desirable
/ Essential / Method of AssessmentQUALIFICATIONS.
/ Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, Pg Dip, Pg Certificate or equivalent.Post graduate education in ultrasound guided biopsy procedures (negotiated work based learning masters module). / University confirmation of certificated study
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE. / Desire for self-development and motivation to embrace change and learn new techniques outside the current scope of practice.
Demonstrate the ability to provide guidance, support and mentorship to less experienced ultrasound practitioners and clinical staff. / Possess high level, specialist anatomical and clinical knowledge over a wide range of ultrasound procedures.
Be adaptable, fully competent and safe in the operation of a variety of technical equipment specific to ultrasound.
Remain flexible at all times to an altered workload and act to prioritise accordingly using sound clinical judgement.
JUDGEMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL SKILLS / Previous experience on high level autonomous clinical reporting. / Ability to collate and interpret anatomical / clinical data and independently assimilate / communicate a wide range of patient reports.
Participate in / influence service development when requested.
PERSONAL QUALITIES / Willingness to promote ultrasound and educate other staff members in this field. / Possess a high level of verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work autonomously and as a strong team player.
Demonstrate empathy, tact and understanding of patient’s clinical and emotional situation.
Proven ability to work under pressure or in an acute situation.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
DESIRABLE / ESSENTIAL / METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Health Screening – Paper screening / Minimum requirement / Occupational Health Department
Health Screening – Medical Appointment / Occupational Health Doctor
Immunisations Required / Occupational Health Nurse
Hepatitis B / Occupational Health Nurse
VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS TO BE ADHERED TO BY ALL STAFF
VALUES / BEHAVIOURS
We put patients at the heart of everything we do / § I recognise that there is a patient behind everything we do.
§ I will strive to provide a quality service at every stage of the patient journey.
§ I will deliver the service and care I would expect to receive myself.
§ I will listen carefully to what patients tell me, I will act on it and I will keep the patient informed.
We have a ‘can do’ attitude / § I will look for solutions to issues rather than accepting that nothing can be done.
§ I will strive to do my best at all times and assist others in, and outside my service area.
§ I will offer to participate where my skills and experience will be of value.
§ I will take responsibility for making things happen.
We take pride in the service we provide / § I will promote our service positively to others and stand up for the service if it is unfairly criticised.
§ I will take personal responsibility for my role in the service.
§ I will do my job to the best of my ability.
§ I will take pride in my surroundings and appearance.
We strive for improvement / § I will keep an open mind to new ideas, make the most of opportunities and accept when change is necessary.
§ I will continually look for ways to improve how we work.
§ I will use feedback to identify improvement opportunities.
§ I will use effective communication to keep everyone informed.
We are welcoming, friendly and caring / § I will treat all patients, visitors and staff with respect and dignity.
§ I will make a good and lasting impression.
§ I will be approachable.
§ I will acknowledge you when you arrive and make time to understand your needs.
We respect each other / § I will respect your opinion even if it is different to my own.
§ I will treat everyone as an equal.
§ I will respect the role of everyone and their contribution to the Trust.
§ I will take responsibility for my timekeeping and absences, understanding the impact it has on the service and others.
CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU
This post may be subject to clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau. Users of Contact point will be required to have an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check every three years.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
As an employee of the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the post holder has a duty, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to:-
· take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and all other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
· co-operate with their employer to ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation and the Health and Safety policies and procedures of the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
· not intentionally or recklessly interfere with, or misuse, anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare, in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions.
CONTROL OF INFECTION
It is the personal responsibility of each employee to comply with the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s infection control policies and procedures at all times in order to maintain the safety of patients, staff and all other visitors to the Trust. Strict adherence to effective hand hygiene practices plus the standard principles of infection control are of the utmost importance.
RISK MANAGEMENT
It is the responsibility of all staff to practice in a safe and efficient manner and to participate in the reporting, assessment and management of risk within their individual work area.
Staff must not intentionally or recklessly, interfere with, or misuse any equipment provided for the protection of safety and health.
Staff must be aware of emergency procedures e.g. resuscitation, evacuation, and fire precaution measures appertaining to their particular Division/Ward/Department.
Risk awareness/assessment training will be provided and will be supported by Interactive CD-ROM. Training via the Intranet to ensure that staff are conversant with the principles of risk management and the application of those principles to their particular work and area of responsibility.
q Report incidents/accidents and near misses in accordance with the Trust procedure for the Reporting and Management of incidents
q Participate in the risk assessment process
q Provide safe standards of clinical practice through compliance with the regulations of the appropriate professional bodies
q Be familiar with, and comply with, all appropriate policies and procedures, including clinical and health and safety procedures, designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of anyone affected by the Trust’s business
q Attend such training as required by the Trust
Completion of the incident form does not constitute any admission of liability. It is merely used to gather all the facts relating to an incident so it can be analysed and lessons learned and where appropriate, action taken to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.
Exceptions must apply however and where certain incidents occur, disciplinary action may be necessary following investigation. Some examples are:-
q Criminal activities, for example assault, fraud and theft.
q Acts of Gross Misconduct such as treating patients whilst under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
q Malicious activities which include malicious reporting of untrue allegations against a colleague
q Repeated unreported errors or violations
q Intentionally unsafe and repeated error or not complying with hospital policies and procedures
To this end, all employees have a responsibility to inform their Manager of any unsafe practice or hazard they identify within the working environment as a whole.
COMPETENCE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
‘Competent’, in the professional sense, refers to someone who has been educated and trained to practise successfully by using his or her knowledge and skills flexibly, but within their ability and acknowledging any limitations i.e. exercising judgement.
In order to work within the Clinical Governance framework, and all UK and EU legislation, the Trust has procedures in place to ensure that staff recognise their levels of competence and are educated and trained to develop their abilities. The Trust expects you to comply with these procedures at all times and work within your competence. These procedures encompass the competent use of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. At all times, your actions must be in the best interests and well-being of patients and in consideration of other members of staff. If a situation arises where you have concerns about your own competence or ability to perform your duties to an acceptable level you must inform your immediate manager.
The Manager will treat you with fairness and in accordance with the Trust’s Policy “Managing Job Performance” or, in the case of medical and dental staff, its policy, “Reporting, Investigative and disciplinary procedures for medical and dental staff” which contains the current guidance set out in the Department of Health Circular, “Maintaining high standards in the NHS”.
CLINICAL DIRECTORS AND DIVISONAL MANAGERS
The Clinical Directors and Divisional Managers are responsible for implementing risk management within their Divisions and for engaging all staff in this process. Clinical Directors and Divisional Managers will also be responsible for ensuring that their staff receive the necessary level of risk management awareness/training in order to ensure that they are competent to identify, assess and manage risk within their working environment. Further they are responsible for the development and ongoing maintenance of Divisional Risk
Registers which in turn will inform the overall Trust-wide Risk Register and for ensuring:
q there are appropriate and effective risk management processes in place and that all staff are made aware of the risks within their work environment and of their personal responsibilities
q there are effective systems in place for the identification, management (control) monitoring and review of risks (particularly in regards to standards set by Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) and Controls Assurance ) that risks are evaluated using the Trusts Framework for the Grading of Risks and that the appropriate level of management action is initiated and completely appropriately