Principal Sonographer | East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust


Company:	East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust
Salary:	£57,528 - £64,750 per annum
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Ashford, TN24 0LZ
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	7 Oct 2026
Closing date:	13 Nov 2026

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Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Sonographer to lead our Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Service across the Trust. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled clinical leader to shape service delivery, drive quality improvement and support the development of a high-performing, patient-focused team.

Working closely with the Senior Radiology Management Team and Clinical Director, you will provide professional, operational and clinical leadership, ensuring the delivery of a safe, effective and high-quality ultrasound service. You will lead and support Sonographers, trainee Sonographers and Radiology department assistants, while maintaining a regular clinical role and contributing to the future development of the service.

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care, staff development and service innovation within a progressive and supportive Radiology department.

As Principal Sonographer (Non-Obstetric Ultrasound), you will provide professional, operational and clinical leadership for the Trust-wide Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Service, ensuring the delivery of a safe, effective and patient-centred service. You will maintain advanced clinical expertise, undertaking complex ultrasound examinations while promoting excellence in clinical practice.

The post holder will lead and develop the team, fostering a culture of learning, wellbeing, accountability and continuous improvement. You will be responsible for workforce planning, recruitment, retention, appraisal, staff development and performance management, supporting a skilled and sustainable workforce.

Working with the Senior Radiology Management Team, Clinical Director, Service Managers and multidisciplinary colleagues, you will drive service recovery and performance improvement against key national standards, including DM01, RTT and Cancer pathways. You will lead quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient access, diagnostic quality, productivity and service efficiency, including optimising opportunities through Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs).

The role includes responsibility for clinical governance, audit, quality assurance, risk management, incident investigation and complaints handling, ensuring learning is embedded into practice.

You will contribute to business planning, service transformation and the introduction of new technologies, pathways and workforce models.

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates for a Skilled Worker Visa for roles that are eligible at the time of application.

For full details of the role, responsibilities and essential requirements, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

This advert closes on Friday 16 Oct 2026

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