Gill Harrison, associate professor and former ultrasound programme director at City, University of London, is the Society's new professional officer for ultrasound.
Qualified as a radiographer for more than 30 years, Gill is also chair of Health Education England’s Sonographer Training Group, as well as chairing an ultrasound survey working group for the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS).
She has published many papers and articles, edited a number of professional publications, and presented at conferences and seminars all over the world.
Gill’s role as a SCoR professional officer covers all matters related to ultrasound practice, and she will work in conjunction with other members of the professional officer team, contributing to the development, dissemination and implementation of policy, strategy and guidance that strengthens and supports the continuing development of the profession.
Commenting on the appointment, Charlotte Beardmore, SCoR director of professional policy, said, “Gill is well known to all in the ultrasound world and to many more members of the profession. We are really pleased to welcome her to the professional and educational team at the SCoR on a permanent basis.
“Gill previously undertook a secondment to us on a one day a week basis, covering a specific area of project work with funding from HEE, and we offer our thanks to City, University of London for their support with this."
Charlotte continued, "Since joining, Gill has pushed ahead with so many aspects of work, responding effectively to the challenges faced by sonographers with regard to Covid-19 pandemic, as well as all matters regarding ultrasound practice, and achieving positive outcomes in relation to agreement for some planned new guidance with the Royal College of Midwives, the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and with the British Medical Ultrasound Society.
“As one of the professional officers for ultrasound, Gill will be working with our excellent officer, Nigel Thomson, who will continue to cover all matters relating to the Public Voluntary Register for Sonographers and expert witness work.
"We look forward to benefitting from the expertise that Gill will bring to this role, and continuing the excellent work that Nigel Thomson has undertaken to support SoR members.”
Gill said, "I am delighted to join the team at SCoR, to help support sonographers and developments within ultrasound.
"I am lucky to have the support of Nigel, other staff at SCoR and the Ultrasound Advisory Group to help me as we navigate the many challenges facing sonography at present. It is also an exciting time for ultrasound as we start to see Health Education England funding for the development of Clinical Ultrasound Training Academies (CLUSTAs) and preceptorship guidelines to build on the career structure for sonographers.
"I am keen to work closely with other professional bodies and organisations to help ensure that sonographers are represented and look forward to meeting or hearing from you."