British Medical Ultrasound Society launches Preceptorship Endorsement Scheme

With recruitment and retention of NHS staff high on the Government agenda, the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) has launched a scheme aimed at supporting staff working in ultrasound departments. The BMUS Preceptorship Endorsement Scheme offers a useful checklist of essential and desirable criteria which promotes a supportive environment for ultrasound practitioners of all grades and experience.

Hazel Edwards, professional officer for BMUS said “Preceptorship may be viewed by some as appropriate and necessary only for newly qualified staff but it has long been known that such support is recommended for all staff experiencing change through, for example, promotion, upskilling or starting at a new site.  Those who enjoy support during their transition are more likely to feel valued and stay in post.

“We believe this simple scheme will be a real gamechanger for some department managers, who really want to do more to support their valuable workforce but perhaps don’t quite know where to start.  Department leads who have secured our endorsement already talk of a sense of pride realised through the scheme and an increased awareness of just how much they do already to develop their team at a local level and support ultrasound initiatives both within and beyond their trust.”

Chronic workforce shortages and poor working conditions in some ultrasound departments are a common blight, but the BMUS Scheme guides managers through simple steps, and awards endorsement on successful completion of the process.

Service leads may apply for BMUS endorsement by submitting evidence on key processes in place, including induction for new starters, the provision of mentors or supervisors for staff preparing for new roles, and equitable attendance at discrepancy meetings. The scheme is equally applicable to both NHS and independent providers of ultrasound services.

Early adopters who have secured BMUS endorsement already, which lasts for a period of three years, include the ultrasound departments of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Benefits from BMUS endorsement may include improved recruitment and retention of staff, and may assist departments preparing for Care Quality Commission inspections or preparing applications for accreditation such as the Quality Standard for Imaging accreditation. Further information is available here.

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.