A training collaboration between NHS Scotland Academy, the Scottish Radiology Transformation Programme, the Scottish Government and GCU will support NHS Scotland’s Radiography Recovery Plan to train sonographers to carry out medical ultrasound examinations.
Medical Ultrasound is a Post-graduate advanced practice role and GCU is the only Scottish institute that offers Ultrasound education.
Dr Diane Dickson, Head of Department Podiatry and Radiography, in the School of Health and Life Sciences, said she was delighted to be working with the National Ultrasound Training Programme and explained GCU’s role.
She said: “We will be responsible for the educational award and framework, and are working closely with the National Ultrasound Training Programme to ensure the placement experience is fit for purpose, and that the placement staff work with us to ensure continuity between academic and practice education. There will be 12 funded places available this year.
“The Programme offers clinical training opportunities required for successful completion of our Consortium of Accreditors for Sonographic Education (CASE) programme.
“Securing suitable mentorship and protected training lists are a key challenge for our medical Ultrasound trainees due to existing workforce pressures and competing demands.
“We are delighted to be working with the National Ultrasound Training Programme which offers an exciting development to continue to grow and enhance the existing workforce to meet increased demand for sonography advanced practitioners.”
Dr Dickson and Angela Street, Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging, have secured £7,887 of funding from the College of Radiographers Industry Partnership Scheme to explore the experiences of students and mentors, evaluate the new training programme and identify any improvements that can be made for future ultrasound training.
Learners taking part in the National Ultrasound Training Programme will be provided with dedicated mentorship and practical support out with their current roles, facilitating additional training opportunities without impacting health board staffing levels.
Dedicated training lists with clinical experts will provide protected training opportunities for trainees to integrate theory and practice, and develop clinical competence.
The National Ultrasound Training Programme will provide even the most rural health boards with access to expert mentorship and training from experienced professionals from across the country.
The collaborative approach will also provide access to state-of-the-art training facilities, offering learners hands-on experience that will help meet the increasing demand within radiology services.
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