AAA Screening Programme Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

Carrying out ultrasound techniques within standard operating procedures. Work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but generally works on own initiative without reference to line manager.

Whilst the base of work is at NGH the clinics are carried out around the county - Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton, Peterborough and some sites in Leicestershire. The day could consist of being in two parts of the county in one day therefore a full valid UK driving license, access to a car and business insurance is vital.

Clinical duties:

Responsible for the smooth running of the screening clinics whilst in progress

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

Carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with the current guidelines for sonographic scanning

Explain the screening procedure in detail to patients and obtain informed verbal consent for screening

Inform patients of their results at the clinic, giving further information and offering support where needed

Ensure that data and clinical measurements are entered accurately onto the national screening database (SMaRT)

Analyse scan data to ensure that the quality meets with national protocols.

Inform the screening office as soon as possible about any results that are of concern or are at variance with specified criteria.

Identify the probable presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Discuss any possible incidental findings with the CST

Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner, supporting other screening staff if appropriate

To be accountable for own professional actions as a screening technician and to act as the representative of the Northamptonshire AAA Screening programme, whilst out in the community

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

Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms and ensure that all infection controls standards are adhered to, and high levels of cleanliness are maintained, including hand washing between patients

Ensure that all clinic waste is disposed of in the correct manner

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

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

Set up and pack up equipment at the beginning and end of a clinic

Monitor equipment used, ensure it is kept clean and record / report any faults

Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables. Informing the screening office well in advance when supplies need to be replenished

Perform daily and monthly Quality control checks on the Ultrasound machines in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures

Patient care and communication:

Observe and care for patients under investigation liaising with administrative staff, nurses, and medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts

Care for anxious patients and their relatives with tact, patience, and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding

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

Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme

Keep the senior ultra-sonographer and Screening Manager informed of any caseload difficulties, seeking advice where necessary

Promote a good working relationship with staff externally to the AAA Screening Programme

Education, Training and Development:

As a dependency for a permanent contract, the successful candidate must undertake and pass the level 3 Health Screener Diploma which can take between 12-18 months depending on previous experience and complete the AAA clinical training logbook and assessment record. Until the qualification is obtained the post will start at band 3, after obtaining the NVQ the post will rise to a band 4

Technicians are required to undertake a 6mthly clinical assessment, and an annual scanning competence assessment performed by the local CST and complete AAA specific eLearning every 2 years

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

Help promote the programme within the GP surgeries and other locations that could mean working at weekends occasionally

Attend conferences, meetings, training sessions and tutorials, as required. Maintain clinical skills and knowledge

Physical Skills:

Manipulate ultrasound equipment with accuracy and precision.

Must manoeuvre equipment for ultrasound scans.

Be able to lift heavy/bulky ultrasound equipment and accompanying supplies to be able to carry out AAA clinics

Transport portable equipment and supplies to the screening locations as required

Other duties:

This role includes visits to prisons within Northamptonshire and St Andrews Hospital these clinics are arranged throughout the year, the clinics are arranged by the programme manager and the health care center member of staff at the venue.

This role involves working at multiple sites, two different sites a day in different areas of the county, also sites within Leicestershire under UHL and as such you should hold a full valid UK driving license, have use of own vehicle and must have insurance for business use.

Person Specification

Education, Training & Qualificatoins

Essential

• Educated to Good standard of General Education (5 GCSEs or equivalent)
• Willing to undergo specialist training (NAAASP approved Health Screener Diploma if not already acquired)

Desirable

• NAAASP approved Health Screener Diploma completed within the last 12months
• Specialist training and short courses to Diploma Level
• NVQ 2 in a relevant subject

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Confident with using computers, keyboards, different systems, and accurate data entry skills
• Experience of working within a team and to effectively liaise with other professionals
• Experience of working within a clinical environment
• Understanding of hospital environment, patient care and confidentiality

Desirable

• Some knowledge of medical terminology
• Health Promotion experience

Skills

Essential

• Ability to work within a team and to effectively liaise with people of all levels
• Ability to make unsupervised judgements on patient enquiries and problems
• Excellent communication skills & Good organisational skills
• Good hand/eye co-ordination & attention to detail
• Flexible, independent approach to work and ability to work accurately on own initiative
• Willing to travel independently and transport screening equipment between units and centers within Northamptonshire and Leicestershire
• Valid full UK driving license essential & use of own car with insurance for business purposes

Desirable

• Familiarity with data transcription
• Interest and enthusiasm in the screening programme and its benefits to the community & patients

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
• Awareness of when to request advice from senior staff
• Politeness and patience
• Able to move/lift heavy ultrasound machine
• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable

• Ability to take frequent interruptions and change jobs mid-stream
• Adaptability to different working environments off-site

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

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD

Employer's website

https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)