Securing The Sonography Workforce Ann Allen Clinical Lead Sonographer Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Securing the Future of the Sonography Workforce –Objectives of the project 1.Outline the sonography workforce issues across the East Midlands region, including opportunities and risks. – National deficit – Collect local intelligence – Vacancies – Agency spend – Student numbers

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Objective 1 - Outline the sonography workforce issues across the East Midlands  National deficit 11% Collect local intelligence re  Vacancies  Student numbers  Agency spend

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Securing the Future of the Sonography Workforce –Objectives of the project 2. Undertake an exploration of alternative career structures /delivery model, incorporating mapping of functional activities to find an agreed solution for sonography service provision.

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Objective 2 : Functional mapping – what is it?

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board In small groups Take the patient pathway (across several organisations and professional groups) Identify all the functions/tasks that need to be carried out from the patient’s perspective Identify any other functions that are underpinning principles or need to be done by the whole organisations (corporate functions) Functional Mapping of patient pathways workshop 1

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Thinking about Skills – Definition of Levels Specialist: tasks that require specialist knowledge of direct relevance to the pathway(s). Enhanced: tasks requiring enhanced competence that might be typical of a qualified member of staff; Generic: care or support not requiring training at a qualified or specialist level; could be achieved through a short course or on the job experience

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Securing the Future of the Sonography Workforce –Objectives of the project 3. Explore alternative training models to produce a competent sonographer, identifying recommendations for future education commissioning.

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Objective 3: Explore alternative training models to produce a competent sonographer Look at current model Look at alternatives on offer e.g. Leeds Offers from HEIs in East Midlands ‘flood the market’ Explore possibility of shorter route More use of simulators More clinical support

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Securing the Future of the Sonography Workforce –Objectives of the project 4. Identify potential solutions to clinical placements and mentorship challenges and explore the benefits of having a consistent East Midlands wide approach. -Setting up of a sonography education sub-group -Identified challenges and support for clinical mentors -Looking at examples of best practice and provide guidance -Potential role for peripatetic trainer/practice learning facilitator -Use of simulation

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Objective 4. Identify potential solutions to clinical placements and mentorship challenges -Setting up of a sonography education sub-group -Identified challenges and support for clinical mentors -Looking at examples of best practice and provide guidance -Potential role for peripatetic trainer/practice learning facilitator -Use of simulation

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Objective 4. Identify potential solutions to clinical placements and mentorship challenges -Potential role for peripatetic trainer/practice learning facilitator -Use of simulation

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Securing the Future of the Sonography Workforce –Objectives of the project 5.Co-ordinate an East Midlands network to support the development of the recommendations and subsequent implementation Engagement Setting up East Midlands Sonography Workforce Expert Reference Group Meet quarterly

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Securing the Future of the Sonography Workforce- progress Expert reference group submitted proposal to HEEM To increase commissioned training capacity by extra 14 sonography training places Trainees to be supported by 2 seconded Practice Learning Facilitators Implementation of Best Practice Guidelines

East Midlands Local Education and Training Board Securing the Future of the Sonography Workforce- still to do Finalise education provision Appoint PLFs Recruit students Co-ordinate department capacity Monitor progress