Sonographer (Band 7 or 75% Annex 21 Band 7)

Job summary

This is a new advertisement for qualified Sonographers (Band 7), who are experienced in performing and reporting ultrasound scans independently.

Majority of sonographers in the ultrasound department have a flexible working pattern. They benefit from weekly image review sessions for continuing professional development. Most of the Sonography work is expected to be patient facing. The Sonographer will have a non-patient facing role to develop other skills sets, such as being a student mentor, managing ultrasound equipment and disinfection devices etc.

Full time Sonographers (band 7) are expected to provide full level of service from week 4, at 20 minute appointment times, which will include inpatient and outpatient work (see job description). Annex 21 B7 (75%) allows the post holder up to 12 months to develop all these competencies and will benefit from an established preceptorship pathway.

All Sonographers will rotate to work in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre and other future developments.

Candidates must have registration with either HCPC or RCT.

Main duties of the job

The Ultrasound Department is an integral part of the Imaging Directorate, providing a comprehensive ultrasound service from different locations. The ultrasound rooms are mainly in the Imaging department, Xray West, within Derriford Hospital with additional rooms located in the Orthopaedic Outpatients, Children’s and Young People’s Outpatients, Surgical Assessment Unit, SDEC and 4 rooms in newly launched Plymouth Community Diagnostic centre – a modern health facility situated in the city centre.

The Sonographer is to carry out ultrasound investigations and procedures safely, according to patient’s clinical needs and departmental practice, and to produce a report on such investigations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A Postgraduate Diploma in Ultrasound as a minimum which must include general ultrasound and gynaecological ultrasound. This may require confirmation by UK ENIC to be a UK Level 7 qualification (Homepage | UK ENIC).
• The post holder should be able to perform abdominal and gynaecological scans and create these reports independently, recognising when to seek a second opinion
• Professional registration with the Health Professions Council or Register for Clinical Technologists.

Desirable

• Competency in DVT scans
• Competency in testicular ultrasound scans
• Competency in other ultrasound skills such as MSK, head and neck, paediatric etc
• Teaching qualifications
• Proven ability to travel between sites

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of working as a Sonographer performing non obstetric ultrasound scans for the past year.
• Familiarity with the common medical imaging techniques, practices and terminology.
• Proven knowledge of all standard ultrasound techniques in general and gynaecological ultrasound practice.
• Familiarity with the common generic features and controls of a modern mid-high end ultrasound system, including Doppler
• Proven knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy (normal appearances and associated common pathology) in the regions commonly examined by ultrasound.
• Able to perform and report ultrasound scans for outpatients.

Desirable

• Recent demonstrable working experience for last 2 years (including time as trainee sonographer) in Ultrasound department within a large clinical setting
• Able to manage own ultrasound list competently and with good time management
• Able to perform and report ultrasound scans for acute inpatients
• Demonstrable experience of training, appraising, supervising or managing trainees in a clinical environment
• Demonstrable experience working in Ultrasound Department in NHS Hospital.

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

• A kind, caring, respectful, and empathetic attitude.
• A good team player
• Able to manage your own workload and deliver a service to patients in a friendly, supportive and competent manner
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English, including proven ability to construct clear reports, convey bad news, communicate moderately complex clinical information at an appropriate level to both the public and fellow healthcare professionals

Desirable

• More advanced clinical judgement and communication skills.
• Proven ability to communicate in difficult circumstances where there are barriers to communication.

Closing Date: 17 August 2026