Job responsibilities
Detailed job description and responsibilities
Communication and working relationshipsForms of communication may include: Discussions Written reports (clinical, technical or management) Ability to work with interpreters to include sign language interpretersInternal: To Consultant specialists and other members of the medical Staff Senior Managers All grades and professions across the trustExternal: Members of the public GP practices Other NHS healthcare trusts in and out of the region Other professionals associated with the service for hearing impaired people e.g. social services, Advisory teachers for Hearing impaired Children, Learning Disability Network and Charities. CCGs All grades and professions across the health community
Analytical and judgement
Planning and organisation Ensure babies are screened at an appropriate time (whether in SCBU or community) within national and local protocols using automated equipment without direct supervision. Responsible for booking outpatient appointments for outpatient clinics. Accurately and legibly record clinical and test data, both written and electronically, taking responsibility for data from test To identify which babies who require a targeted 8-month follow-up screen by assessing the individual case against nationally agreed risk factors and ensuring that the national database is updated and any referrals are made as appropriate. Ensure that any babies requiring audiological follow-up in the New-Born period have appointments arranged with the audiology department. To type clinical, non-clinical correspondence and reports in accordance with local targets using Infoflex. Trust target is 4 working days. To ensure patients who have been referred for MRI scans are logged on the investigations tracker on Infoflex. To ensure that all results/reports/ correspondence are filed in the case notes in line with Health Records standards. To comply with the Trusts Patient Access Policy and Standard Operating Procedures. To undertake a variety of office duties, such as filing, opening and distributing post, photocopying, moving and lifting of patient notes, deal with telephone queries from staff and patients
Physical skills Must be able to carry equipment (laptop, screening equipment and hospital notes). Manual dexterity for typing and inserting tips into babies very small ears. Must be able to travel to various hospitals, community clinics and patients homes on the South Devon area.
Patient and client care To identify which babies who require screening by liaising with staff on the ward and using various I.T systems. Carry out the hearing screening of new-borns using the AABR (automated auditory brainstem response) and AOAE (optoacoustic emissions) on maternity, community clinics and patients homes. Accurately and legibly record clinical and test data, both written and electronically, taking responsibility for data from test. Deal with parents enquiries in a friendly, sensitive and informative manner Responsible for the preparation for screening sessions, including equipment set-up, instrument checks and patient preparation. Respond to queries from parents, Health Visitors, other involved professionals and line manager about the screening process in a timely fashion and within the responsibility of the role, referring on any complex queries. To ensure that an efficient, effective and accurate administrative support service is provided to Audiology and contribute to the adjustment of plans and escalate unresolved issues to the Head of Audiology. Ensure that data entered on the relevant national and local systems is complete and accurate. To adhere closely to infection control procedures to prevent cross infection between babies. To request medical notes from medical records or other departments and follow tracer procedure as necessary. Help pull work for future clinic dates.
Policy and service development Follow national and local protocols and guidelines for clinical and administrative procedures. Propose and implement new policies and procedures for the new-born hearing screening programme, in liaison with the New-born Hearing Screening Manager. To comply at all times with any policies / procedures issued by the Trust(s) governing Health and Safety at Work and manual handling and to ensure that any issues which may affect safety at work or the safety of others are brought to the attention of the appropriate manager. Ensure that all medical notes are used according to Trust policies and accurately tracked if moved from the ward or office. To maintain up to date knowledge of procedures and policies relevant to this post. All staff have a responsibility to ensure they are familiar and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies. To support HVs with use of equipment. This may involve attending Health visitor bases in the area to correct equipment issues, run checks, unlock and update Otoport screening devices. Undertaken various audits to ensure effective governance of the screening programme.
Finance, equipment and other resources To ensure the proper functioning of the complex audiological screening equipment including undertaking calibrations and daily checks according to the manufacturers specifications and national protocols and reporting any faults promptly to the New-born Hearing Screening Manager. To download screening equipment on a regular basis (both in hospital and community settings). To ensure the safety and security of equipment at all times and report any problems to the New-born Hearing Screening Manager at the earliest opportunity Maintain stocks of patient information leaflets and consumables at each location and have them readily available.
People management and training To establish a working rapport with other team members and contribute to team and other meetings as appropriate To participate in development and education training within the maternity, medical and other healthcare professional teams. To provide support and training for the health visitors who undertake screening.
Information technology and administrative duties The post holder will have access to and will use a number of patient administration systems including Auditbase, IHCS, Badger, Smart for hearing. They will need to ensure they are able to use these systems appropriately and that training is kept up to date. Upload test results from the screening equipment to the screening management system. Accurately input results on the NHSP Smart for hearing (S4H) system. To use the relevant IT systems to register patients, make appointments, transfer medical records, input clinical letters and other paperwork, as required.
Responsibility and accountability Act with integrity and professionalism, demonstrating responsible behaviours at all times, in accordance with Trust values. Be accountable for your actions, be honest and share your experiences, encouraging learning in others. At all times ensure Trust policies and protocols are adhered to. Ensure the patient is at the centre of the service and treated with dignity and respect. Undertake any activities as required at the request of the Head of Audiology/Deputy Head of Audiology/NHSP local manager
