Job summary
The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the national AAA Screening Programme. The post holder will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national and local standard operating procedures. The post is for 22.5 hours per week and working hours will be split across the working week.
The post holder will reassure patients attending the community abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme and explain the programme to them, especially where barriers to understanding exist. The post holder will ensure that members of the public attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications of AAA screening.
The post holder will be expected to travel to community locations across West Surrey & North Hampshire and working hours will be split across the working week.
The post holder will work as an accredited AAA Screening Technician, carrying out ultrasound techniques within NAAASP standard operating procedures. The post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations, but the post holder generally works on his or her own initiative without reference to the Line Manager.
The successful candidate will start on a band 3 salary however this will increase to a band 4 on completion of HSD.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as an accredited AAA Screening Technician, carrying out ultrasound techniques within NAAASP standard operating procedures.
o Provide clear, high quality information that is accessible to all, enabling men to make an informed choice about taking up the offer of screeningo Carry out high quality abdominal ultrasound scans on men attending for initial or follow-up screening according to national protocolo Identify AAAs accurately and accurately record sonographic measurements of the aortic diametero Ensure that ultrasound images and results are stored accurately and all programme fail safes are followedo Ensure that men attending clinics are checking in smoothly and efficiently and are aware of the benefits and risks of AAA screening and give informed consent to the procedureso Review ultrasound machine and IT equipment and notify the programme manager of any issues or potential riskso Maintain up to date training log both within the trust and for the national programme (quarterly/annual assessment reviews, e-learning modules and mandatory training)o Provide clear results to patients on the outcome of their AAA scan and any next steps that must be takeno Build relationships and liaise with other community staff at screening locationso Report any screening incidents to the programme manager and assist with investigations where required
About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.
Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.
We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with our strong commitment to staff health and wellbeing. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.
Please see the supporting links which you can find on the right-hand side of this job advert. There is guidance on how to make an application on NHS Jobs as well as more information about joining the ASPH Team
Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will work as an accredited AAA Screening Technician, carrying out ultrasound techniques within NAAASP standard operating procedures. The post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations, but the post holder generally works on his or her own initiative without reference to the Line Manager.
Communication
- Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with administrative staff, nurses and other medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts
- Deal with anxious patients and their relatives or carers with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding
- Carry out other duties in accordance with the current NAAASP guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the processes and answering queries
- Work alongside other screening staff and support the work of the screening programme
- Keep the programme manager informed of any difficulties and seek advice where necessary
Planning and Organisation
- Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the Abdominal Aorta in accordance with the current guidelines for sonographic scanning and programme protocols
- Ensure that scan results and images are dispatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way
- Prepare and distribute results to patients in clinic, giving further information and offering support
- Deal with patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and bring to the attention of other staff any patient whose condition warrants itHandle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner, supporting other screening staff where appropriate
- Patient Care
- Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with NAAASP protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Policy and Service DevelopmentWork within agreed protocols and operating procedures
- Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for service improvement
- Observe the requirements of the risk assessment requirements whilst attending off-site clinic locations
- Ensure that all equipment is packed away correctly at the end of clinic and is stored in a safe and secure location
- Information and AnalysisAnalyse scan data to ensure the quality meets with agreed protocols
- Record clinical measurements and patient details as required
Research and Audit
- It will be expected of the post holder to participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the national AAA Screening Programme
Clinical or Technical
- Manipulate and calibrate ultrasound equipment with a high degree of accuracy and precision
- Accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans
Administration
- The post holder will be expected to assist with office administration functions where necessary and to assist in marketing activities, promoting the service to eligible men
- To actively participate in the development of local standard operating procedure
Other Duties
- Attend meetings, training sessions and tutorials as required by the service
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to represent current priorities and are not meant to be a conclusive list as the role will inevitably vary and develop over time. You may from time to time be asked to support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties as qualified and able.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will work as an accredited AAA Screening Technician, carrying out ultrasound techniques within NAAASP standard operating procedures. The post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations, but the post holder generally works on his or her own initiative without reference to the Line Manager.
Communication
- Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with administrative staff, nurses and other medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts
- Deal with anxious patients and their relatives or carers with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding
- Carry out other duties in accordance with the current NAAASP guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the processes and answering queries
- Work alongside other screening staff and support the work of the screening programme
- Keep the programme manager informed of any difficulties and seek advice where necessary
Planning and Organisation
- Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the Abdominal Aorta in accordance with the current guidelines for sonographic scanning and programme protocols
- Ensure that scan results and images are dispatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way
- Prepare and distribute results to patients in clinic, giving further information and offering support
- Deal with patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and bring to the attention of other staff any patient whose condition warrants itHandle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner, supporting other screening staff where appropriate
- Patient Care
- Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with NAAASP protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Policy and Service DevelopmentWork within agreed protocols and operating procedures
- Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for service improvement
- Observe the requirements of the risk assessment requirements whilst attending off-site clinic locations
- Ensure that all equipment is packed away correctly at the end of clinic and is stored in a safe and secure location
- Information and AnalysisAnalyse scan data to ensure the quality meets with agreed protocols
- Record clinical measurements and patient details as required
Research and Audit
- It will be expected of the post holder to participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the national AAA Screening Programme
Clinical or Technical
- Manipulate and calibrate ultrasound equipment with a high degree of accuracy and precision
- Accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans
Administration
- The post holder will be expected to assist with office administration functions where necessary and to assist in marketing activities, promoting the service to eligible men
- To actively participate in the development of local standard operating procedure
Other Duties
- Attend meetings, training sessions and tutorials as required by the service
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to represent current priorities and are not meant to be a conclusive list as the role will inevitably vary and develop over time. You may from time to time be asked to support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties as qualified and able.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A good standard of general education (5 A-C GCSEs)
- Applicant will be expected to complete the AAA, Level 3, Health Screener Diploma qualification
Desirable
- Accredited Screening Technician by the University of Salford/NAAASP Screening Programme. The post holder will have successfully completed the Level 3 Health Screener Diploma
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a clinical setting. Understanding of patient care, confidentiality and commonly used medical terminology
- Experience of working in a customer facing role
Desirable
- Experience of working in a clinical environment as a qualified AAA Screening Technician
Knowledge
Essential
- NHS Constitution
- Knowledge of national NHS screening programmes
- Trust vision, values and strategic objectives
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Experience of working with IT systems, Microsoft package
Desirable
- Qualified AAA Screening Technician
Other requirements
Essential
- The post holder must have a full UK driving licence
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A good standard of general education (5 A-C GCSEs)
- Applicant will be expected to complete the AAA, Level 3, Health Screener Diploma qualification
Desirable
- Accredited Screening Technician by the University of Salford/NAAASP Screening Programme. The post holder will have successfully completed the Level 3 Health Screener Diploma
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a clinical setting. Understanding of patient care, confidentiality and commonly used medical terminology
- Experience of working in a customer facing role
Desirable
- Experience of working in a clinical environment as a qualified AAA Screening Technician
Knowledge
Essential
- NHS Constitution
- Knowledge of national NHS screening programmes
- Trust vision, values and strategic objectives
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Experience of working with IT systems, Microsoft package
Desirable
- Qualified AAA Screening Technician
Other requirements
Essential
- The post holder must have a full UK driving licence
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
