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Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

AAA Screening Ultrasound Technician

The closing date is 20 August 2025

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Job summary

The Hereford and Worcester Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme is offering an exciting opportunity for a Trainee AAA Screening Technician. You will be trained and supported to complete the Level 3 Health Screeners Diploma, leading to full accreditation as an AAA Screening Technician.

Once qualified, you will join our small, dedicated team of Screening Technicians to deliver a community based screening service to men aged 65 and over. Using portable ultrasound equipment, you will travel across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, holding clinics in a variety of settings including GP surgeries, health centres, NHS Trust sites, and community hospitals. Our service area spans from the Welsh borders, down to the North Cotswolds, and up to the southern edge of Birmingham.

You'll become part of a supportive team that includes 4 Screening Technicians, an Administrator, Admin Manager, Programme Manager, and Clinical Director. In addition, we are supported by Clinical Skills Trainers and a Specialist Vascular Nurse and work closely with the wider vascular teams at Hereford County and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals.

This role is ideal for someone who is eager to gain a recognised qualification, enjoys working both independently and as part of a team, and is enthusiastic about delivering a high-quality, life-saving screening service. Flexibility to travel to different locations each day is essential, as is a genuine commitment to putting patients at the heart of everything you do.

Main duties of the job

In this vital role, you will travel across Herefordshire and Worcestershire performing abdominal ultrasound scans on men aged 65 and over. Using your growing knowledge of abdominal aortic anatomy and physiology, you'll identify and measure the aorta, optimise scan quality using ultrasound equipment, and accurately communicate results to patients with clarity and compassion.

Your key responsibilities will include performing high-quality abdominal aortic ultrasound scans in accordance with national and local protocols, explaining the screening process, obtaining informed consent, and supporting patients throughout their visit. Delivering screening outcomes clearly, ensuring patients understand the results and the next steps in their care pathway. Recognising abnormal findings and responding appropriately, dealing sensitively with anxious patients and overcoming communication barriers, liaising with administrative, clinical, and programme staff to ensure smooth clinic operations. Attending all in-house and external training sessions in line with national AAA screening (NAAASP) guidelines, maintaining compliance with post-accreditation standards, including annual scan volumes, QA clinics, and reaccreditation requirements. The role is primarily based on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with some flexibility required to support the programme as needed. Flexibility to support the admin team and raise awareness of the screening service to the wider community, is also required.

About us

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester

Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.

Being open and honest

Ensuring people feel cared for

Showing respect to everyone

We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.

DBS Checks and Costs

Any applicants who are offered posts requiring a DBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check (at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in Supporting Information section for more details on DBS checks and costs.

Details

Date posted

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9365-25-0699

Job locations

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Post Title - AAA Screening Technician

Pay Band -4

Hours -22.5 hours per week

Primarily Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with some flexibility to support the programme as required. Hours usually between 09:00 and 17:00, depending on location. Possible weekend and evening working if the development of the programme requires it

Contract _Permanent

Location / Department -AAA Screening Programme, Worcester Royal Hospital, to include daily

travel across Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Accountable to -AAA Screening Programme Manager

Clinical Skills Trainer (CST)

Job Purpose -The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community AAA screening programme covering Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The successful applicant will be required to undertake a Level 3 Health Screeners Diploma and will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training.

Once qualified, the technician will reassure men attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test to them. You will ensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications of AAA screening. You will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures and will relay the results of the test to men undergoing screening.

Key Duties

Communication

The technician will observe and care for men attending the screening clinic, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, medical and screening programme staff as appropriate and in the best interest of the patient.

Deal with 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 the programmes protocols including: obtaining informed consent; putting patients at 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 and key stakeholders 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

You will use your knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and any measurements taken which are outside the normal range.

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 understands the outcome and any further action required.

Attend all AAA in house and external training in line with recommended NAAASP timeline for training and accreditation/reaccreditation of screening technicians

Following accreditation, the post holder must comply with NAAASP requirements to perform a minimum of 200 scans per year, carry out at least one clinic session per month, partake in one observed QA clinic quarterly and one reaccreditation clinic per year

Analysis & Judgement

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

Record clinical measurements and other information as required accurately.

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

Planning & Organisation

Th technician will organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme's protocols.

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.

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.

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

5. 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 and correct use and disposal of PPE. 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.

Financial Responsibilities

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.

Relevant training in accordance with the National Programme Standard Operating Procedures will be funded by the AAA Screening Programme. At the Programme Managers discretion, the post holder will be required to reimburse the cost of the Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners, if undertaken whilst employed as part of the Hereford and Worcester AAA Screening Programme, if they wish to terminate their employment within 2 years of gaining the Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners qualification or within 2 years of first registering on the Diploma if training is not fully completed.

Human Resources

Demonstrates duties and techniques to less experienced and new staff. May provide some basic clinical supervision.

Information Resources

There will be a requirement to use computer software to upload, store and report on images taken.

Research & Audit

It will be expected that the post holder will participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the AAA national screening programme.

Freedom to Act

The post holder will be work within the programmes organisational policies and the national standard operating procedures.

Physical Effort

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.

Mental Effort

There will be a frequent requirement for mental concentration for short durations but which requires a high level of accuracy.

Working Conditions

The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running the screening clinics.

There may be occasional circumstances indicating the need to change practice or long-standing established procedures.

The technician will be required to travel to locations within Herefordshire and Worcestershire on a daily basis. Access to a car with business insurance is essential. Typically the technician will be expected to arrive in good time before the first appointment slot in order to sign in at reception, set up the clinic room as required and familiarise themselves with fire exits, toilets and staff beverage areas. Following the last appointment slot of the day the technician will be required to pack up the clinic equipment, return the room to how it was found and sign out. Occasionally the technician will be required to pick the ultrasound equipment up from base prior to the clinic commencing and/or return the equipment at the end of the day.

Other Duties

Transport portable equipment and supplies to the screening locations as required, some of which are off-site and cannot be reached by public transport.

Help set up and pack up equipment at the beginning and end of a clinic.

Undertake work independently at sites away from a hospital base.

Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the AAA screening programme. This will involve performing some administration tasks as appropriate.

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

The technician may be expected to undertake such duties as required, within own scope of capabilities, training and grade, from time to time to suit the needs of the service

Job description

Job responsibilities

Post Title - AAA Screening Technician

Pay Band -4

Hours -22.5 hours per week

Primarily Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with some flexibility to support the programme as required. Hours usually between 09:00 and 17:00, depending on location. Possible weekend and evening working if the development of the programme requires it

Contract _Permanent

Location / Department -AAA Screening Programme, Worcester Royal Hospital, to include daily

travel across Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Accountable to -AAA Screening Programme Manager

Clinical Skills Trainer (CST)

Job Purpose -The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community AAA screening programme covering Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The successful applicant will be required to undertake a Level 3 Health Screeners Diploma and will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training.

Once qualified, the technician will reassure men attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test to them. You will ensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications of AAA screening. You will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures and will relay the results of the test to men undergoing screening.

Key Duties

Communication

The technician will observe and care for men attending the screening clinic, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, medical and screening programme staff as appropriate and in the best interest of the patient.

Deal with 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 the programmes protocols including: obtaining informed consent; putting patients at 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 and key stakeholders 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

You will use your knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and any measurements taken which are outside the normal range.

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 understands the outcome and any further action required.

Attend all AAA in house and external training in line with recommended NAAASP timeline for training and accreditation/reaccreditation of screening technicians

Following accreditation, the post holder must comply with NAAASP requirements to perform a minimum of 200 scans per year, carry out at least one clinic session per month, partake in one observed QA clinic quarterly and one reaccreditation clinic per year

Analysis & Judgement

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

Record clinical measurements and other information as required accurately.

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

Planning & Organisation

Th technician will organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme's protocols.

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.

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.

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

5. 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 and correct use and disposal of PPE. 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.

Financial Responsibilities

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.

Relevant training in accordance with the National Programme Standard Operating Procedures will be funded by the AAA Screening Programme. At the Programme Managers discretion, the post holder will be required to reimburse the cost of the Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners, if undertaken whilst employed as part of the Hereford and Worcester AAA Screening Programme, if they wish to terminate their employment within 2 years of gaining the Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners qualification or within 2 years of first registering on the Diploma if training is not fully completed.

Human Resources

Demonstrates duties and techniques to less experienced and new staff. May provide some basic clinical supervision.

Information Resources

There will be a requirement to use computer software to upload, store and report on images taken.

Research & Audit

It will be expected that the post holder will participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the AAA national screening programme.

Freedom to Act

The post holder will be work within the programmes organisational policies and the national standard operating procedures.

Physical Effort

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.

Mental Effort

There will be a frequent requirement for mental concentration for short durations but which requires a high level of accuracy.

Working Conditions

The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running the screening clinics.

There may be occasional circumstances indicating the need to change practice or long-standing established procedures.

The technician will be required to travel to locations within Herefordshire and Worcestershire on a daily basis. Access to a car with business insurance is essential. Typically the technician will be expected to arrive in good time before the first appointment slot in order to sign in at reception, set up the clinic room as required and familiarise themselves with fire exits, toilets and staff beverage areas. Following the last appointment slot of the day the technician will be required to pack up the clinic equipment, return the room to how it was found and sign out. Occasionally the technician will be required to pick the ultrasound equipment up from base prior to the clinic commencing and/or return the equipment at the end of the day.

Other Duties

Transport portable equipment and supplies to the screening locations as required, some of which are off-site and cannot be reached by public transport.

Help set up and pack up equipment at the beginning and end of a clinic.

Undertake work independently at sites away from a hospital base.

Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the AAA screening programme. This will involve performing some administration tasks as appropriate.

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

The technician may be expected to undertake such duties as required, within own scope of capabilities, training and grade, from time to time to suit the needs of the service

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 5 GCSE's including English, Maths and Biology

Experience

Essential

  • Understanding of hospital/primary care environment
  • Clinical Governance and data protection knowledge

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a clinical environment
  • Experience of face to face patient contact

Additional requirements

Essential

  • Driving Licence
  • Access to Vehicle
  • Car insurance which covers business use
  • Able and willing to move / transport portable ultrasound machine
  • Agree to daily travel to sites across the whole of Herefordshire and Worcestershire
  • Excellent concentration and powers of perception, ability to multi-task
  • Careful attention to detail
  • Interest and enthusiasm in the screening programme and its benefits to the community
  • Able to work occasionally outside office hours if required
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 5 GCSE's including English, Maths and Biology

Experience

Essential

  • Understanding of hospital/primary care environment
  • Clinical Governance and data protection knowledge

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a clinical environment
  • Experience of face to face patient contact

Additional requirements

Essential

  • Driving Licence
  • Access to Vehicle
  • Car insurance which covers business use
  • Able and willing to move / transport portable ultrasound machine
  • Agree to daily travel to sites across the whole of Herefordshire and Worcestershire
  • Excellent concentration and powers of perception, ability to multi-task
  • Careful attention to detail
  • Interest and enthusiasm in the screening programme and its benefits to the community
  • Able to work occasionally outside office hours if required

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

AAA Screening Programme Manager

Rachel Mitchell

rachel.mitchell9@nhs.net

01905733830

Details

Date posted

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9365-25-0699

Job locations

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Supporting documents

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