Clinical Specialist Sonographer (Paediatrics & DDH)

Position Summary:

The Paediatric Clinical Specialist Sonographer will deliver a high-quality child-centred ultrasound service across Medica Diagnostics Ireland sites. Working autonomously within Medicas clinical governance framework and agreed protocols the post holder will independently undertake a wide range of paediatric ultrasound examinations and produce accurate comprehensive provisional ultrasound reports to support timely clinical decision-making.

The role carries specialist responsibility for maintaining excellence in paediatric imaging practice including referral vetting oversight of ultrasound equipment performance and the consistent application of quality assurance measures. The post holder will contribute to protocol development and review clinical audit service evaluation and continuous improvement activity while acting as a key point of escalation for complex clinical operational or equipment-related issues within the paediatric ultrasound service.

As a senior clinical practitioner the post holder will also play a central role in education training and mentorship. This includes supporting the development of trainee and junior sonographers student radiographers and wider imaging colleagues through formal teaching supervision and day-to-day professional guidance. They will help foster a positive learning culture that promotes clinical excellence professional growth and safe paediatric practice.

The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility and leadership in supporting service development cross-site working and future expansion of paediatric ultrasound provision ensuring delivery remains aligned with Medica Diagnostics Irelands strategic and operational priorities.

Key responsibilities:

Clinical Responsibilities

• To be responsible for independently performing a wide range of high-quality paediatric diagnostic ultrasound examinations in accordance with Medica Diagnostics Ireland procedures policies and clinical protocols.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of clinical and technical developments in paediatric sonography ensuring evidence-based practice is reflected in scanning protocols and contributing to the development review and refinement of local examination techniques and service standards.

• Vet ultrasound referrals to ensure clinical appropriateness and justification in line with professional legislative and local guidance. Clarify referral details where required and prioritise patients appropriately according to clinical urgency to support safe and timely care.

• Apply advanced clinical judgement and specialist paediatric ultrasound expertise in image acquisition interpretation and reporting. Produce high-quality preliminary ultrasound reports as locally agreed and escalate urgent unexpected or significant findings without delay to support safe patient management.

• Maintain accurate timely and complete patient records using Medicas RIS/PACS and associated clinical systems. Ensure all examinations are correctly annotated documented and archived in accordance with organisational standards professional requirements and data protection legislation.

• Adhere to all Medica Diagnostics Ireland policies and procedures relevant to clinical practice including safeguarding infection prevention and control consent chaperoning health and safety clinical record-keeping and communication protocols.

• Practise within the limits of personal competence and scope of practice. Seek advice second opinions or escalate appropriately to the Head of Ultrasound Services senior clinical colleagues or reporting radiologists where clinical complexity uncertainty or risk requires.

• Carry out daily equipment quality checks and basic troubleshooting of ultrasound systems ensuring equipment remains safe and fit for purpose. Promptly report faults or malfunctions to the Head of Ultrasound Services and vendor support services and communicate any potential service impact to relevant operational leads.

• Ensure a child-centred compassionate and professional approach adapting communication and examination techniques to meet the needs of infants children young people and their families or carers.

• Act as a clinical specialist resource within paediatric ultrasound supporting safe decision-making consistent practice and high standards of care across the service.

Quality Education and Training

• Contribute to Medica Diagnostics Irelands clinical audit and quality assurance activities including peer review image quality checks and documentation review supporting high standards in paediatric ultrasound practice.

• Support the development and review of paediatric ultrasound protocols quality control processes and documentation standards to promote consistency safety and best practice across the service.

• Participate in clinical governance activities including audit feedback incident review and service improvement initiatives helping to promote a culture of learning accountability and continuous improvement.

• Report incidents near misses and patient safety concerns promptly through the appropriate reporting systems supporting effective risk management and safe service delivery.

• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to trainee and junior sonographers and other relevant staff contributing to their development and helping to foster a positive learning environment.

• Contribute to shared learning through case discussion reflective practice and participation in internal education and service development activities.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in paediatric ultrasound through continuing professional development mandatory training and participation in relevant internal and external learning opportunities.

• Promote clinical excellence professional development and high-quality child-centred care across the paediatric ultrasound service.

Professional Conduct and Interpersonal Responsibilities

• Maintain effective respectful communication with colleagues radiologists administrative teams and non-radiographic staff across all clinical sites to ensure seamless service delivery.

• Adhere to Medicas Communication Policy and guidelines for operational updates issue reporting and MDT coordination. Ensure timely and accurate information flow between sonographers radiologists referrers and clinic staff.

• Escalate any issues related to the roster or scheduling to Media Operations manager.

• Report complaints or service concerns through the appropriate quality management system ensuring the Head of Ultrasound is informed in a timely manner.

• Represent and promote the Medica brand within clinics through professional behaviour a collaborative attitude and a commitment to excellence.

• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism by treating every patient with courtesy empathy efficiency and confidentiality delivering a safe respectful and patient-centred service at all times.

Qualifications:

• BSc Diagnostics Radiography

• MSc in Medical Ultrasound or PgD in Medical Ultrasound

• CORU registered
  

Essential Skills:

• 3 years experience in acute paediatric radiology setting

• Communication

• Patient care

• Technical Competency

• Attention to detail

• Teamwork

• Time management

Desirable Skills:

• Problem solving

• Adaptability

• Mentorship and leadership

• Audit and Research