AAA Screening Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

University Hospitals of North Midlands is currently unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 and Band 3 roles. This is in accordance with UKVI guidelines and legislation, as these roles do not meet the skill nor salary threshold for sponsorship. If you hold a graduate visa, you are welcome to apply for this role however it is important to note that UHNM will be unable to offer sponsorship at the end of your graduate visa, you must also have at least six months until your graduate visa expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.

Role Summary

The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community based National AAA screening programme (NAAASP). The post holder will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard in accordance with national standard operating procedures.

The post holder will reassure patients attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test and its implications.

Following successful completion of training period, the post holder will work independently, making judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but the post holder generally works on their own initiative without reference to the Line Manager.

Communication and Relationships

Observe and care for patients attending the screening clinic, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, medical and screening programme staff as appropriate and in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.

Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, patience and discretion. Recognising where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding.

Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and the programme protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries.

Communicate the outcome of the screening test to the man (this may be via his relative/carer or interpreter), provide additional information and offer support appropriate to the outcome/patient pathway.

Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme. Keep the Screening Programme Manager and CST informed of caseload and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.

Knowledge, Training & Experience

Good standard of general education (5 GCSE A-C grade or equivalent, including Engish Language, Maths and Science.

Undertake and pass Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners and practical assessment gateways.

Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and take accurate measurements, record all and report any reportable anomalies in accordance with policy.

Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation.

Apply experience and training to deliver outcome of the screening test clearly and correctly, ensuring the patient (and relative/carer) understand the outcome and any further action required.

Analytical & Judgemental Skills

Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.

Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities and flag/record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to the screening office. Ensure that the screening office is notified as per local policy regarding any results that are at variance with specified criteria or that are of concern.

Record clinical measurements and other information as required.

Issue accurate scan reports for use in the AAA screening programme and for inspection by the Lead Ultrasound Clinician/Consultant Radiologist as required.

Planning & Organisational Skills

Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.

Ensure that scan results are despatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way as per local policy.

Deal with medical and patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical or administrative staff any patient whose condition warrants it.

To communicate with patients, families, carers and other health staff in a polite, respectful manner reflecting their level of understanding and taking into account any cultural and language barriers and ensuring their privacy and dignity at all times.

Carry out duties in accordance with current guidelines, protocols and policies, including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries.

Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate.

Keep the Programme Manager and CST informed and seek advice where necessary.

Physical Skills

Manipulate ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation.

Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care

Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures.

Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the patient, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs.

Responsibility for Policy/Service Development

Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work area.

Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients.

Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms. Ensure that all clinic waste is disposed of according to local protocol.

Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location.

Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources

Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment to various screening locations.

Monitor equipment used in the course of the role, ensure it is kept clean, and record / report any faults.

Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables. Ensure that the screening office is notified well in advance when supplies need to be replenished.

Responsibility for Human Resources

The post holder will be required to demonstrate own tasks to new starters and act as a mentor.

Offer support and advice to screening staff if they encounter problems or unusual findings following correct protocols.

To maintain good working relationships and work as an effective team member.

To ensure own work is of a high standard.

To participate in annual performance review.

Responsibility for Information Resources

Archive data securely and regularly. This includes all patient demographic data, results and image storage.

Abide by the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018, by ensuring that all computerised information relating to patients and members of staff is regarded as strictly confidential.

Responsibility for Research and Development

Take part in surveys, audit and research.

Keep abreast of new advances and current research related to AAA screening.

Freedom to Act

The post holder is required to work within National standards and Trust procedures and follow national and local protocols. There is a need to be able to work independently and using own initiative particularly in the absence of the Programme Manager.

Physical Effort

Required to sit, stand and walk to perform duties which equates to light physical effort. Will regularly use VDU.

There is a requirement for frequent travel within the catchment area of the programme.

There is a requirement for frequent use and transportation of a portable ultrasound machine and consumables to hold a clinic.

Mental Effort

Excellent concentration and ability to multi task and produce a high level of accuracy.

Ability to cope with interruptions and to change tasks mid-stream.

Emotional Effort

Occasional indirect exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances. Will need to be able to deal with difficult staffing issues if required.

Working Conditions

The post holder will be required to use a scanner and computer for a large proportion of the day.

The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running a screening clinic.

Personal/Professional Development

To take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve your professional knowledge and competence

To participate in personal objective setting and review, including the creation of a personal development plan and the Trusts appraisal process.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Essential

• oGood general education; 5 GCSE passes at C or above to include English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Desirable

• oIT skills/qualifications and experience of Microsoft office: Word, Excel etc.
• oA science subject at GCSE at Grade C or above or equivalent - Biology desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience

Essential

• oExperience of working and communicating with members of the public.
• oAn understanding of Confidentiality.
• oGood communication skills - clear written and spoken English with the ability to give a clear explanation.
• oAble to use own initiative and work in a team and effectively liaise with others at different levels.

Desirable

• oAbility to make unsupervised judgements on patient enquires.
• oAbility to look forward; to devise and plan new approaches to achieving targets.
• oAbility to time manage effectively and plan work activities.
• oPrevious experience working in a Health Care environment and patient care.
• oFamiliarity using a PC and applications such as Word/Excel.
• oAn understanding of medical terminology.
• oKnowledge of and enthusiasm for the National AAA screening
• oAttention to accuracy and detail.
• oPrevious use of medical devices.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• oAble to use own initiative and work in a team and effectively liaise with others at different levels
• oExcellent communication skills; written, email, telephone.
• oAbility to forge and maintain good relationships with stakeholders
• oGood organisation skills
• oFlexibility to travel to different health centres across the area.
• oAbility to work under pressure
• oAttention to detail
• oCar owner
• oClean, full, UK driving license

Desirable

• oAbility to look forward; to devise and plan new approaches to achieving targets.
• oAbility to time manage effectively and plan work activities.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust

Address

Royal Stoke Hospital

Newcastle Road

Stoke-On-Trent

ST4 6QG

Employer's website

https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)