Mammography Assistant Practitioner/ Associate Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging.

• Perform family history mammography examinations to the highest possible standards, ensuring best practice, under the guidance and indirect supervision of a qualified mammographer.

• Perform mammograms for the symptomatic clinics

• Perform all standard breast screening examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines and ensure that the client episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol.

• Perform screening mammography at the base unit and at all the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit.

• To perform symptomatic mammograms to the same high standards, for those who have not had breast cancer surgery, have a pacemaker or have breast implants in place.

• To ensure that all x-ray requests are checked by a qualified mammographer for justification before any procedure is carried out.

• To ensure that clients/patients are positively identified prior to mammographic procedures and that all relevant details, clinical history and current symptoms are recorded to aid diagnosis.

• Technical evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy.

• Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.

• Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the department quality control manual, record all test parameters and report any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits to the Quality Assurance (QA) Radiographer, Deputy Breast Imaging Manager or Breast Imaging Manager, recording any action taken.

• Be proficient in assisting clinicians and mammographers during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required.

• Assist clinicians and mammographers during assessment and symptomatic clinics to promote an efficient and caring service.

• To chaperone consultants and Advanced Practitioners during ultrasound sessions.

• Ensure biopsy samples are documented, correctly labelled, and sent to the appropriate designated area for transport to the laboratory.

• Ensure a high level of environmental quality is achieved by always maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas whilst complying with infection control policies.

• Assist with administration duties when required.

• Use of the Seno Iris for data transfer of appointments and images to and from the mobile breast screening unit.

• Ensure all areas are adequately stocked with linen and medical supplies, liaising with the appropriate staff members regarding stock control.

• Adopt a flexible approach to periods of work to meet the needs of the service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Maths and English GCSE grade C or level 4 or NVQ equivalent pass

Desirable

• Qualified Mammography Assistant Practitioner / Mammography Associate

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in the NHS
• Knowledge and experience of word processing

Desirable

• Experience of data input and databases
• Experience working in a breast screening unit
• Understanding and ability to maintain high quality standards

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Computer literate
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel to various locations of the mobile screening across East Lancashire

Desirable

• Understand and ability to maintain high quality standards

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

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Breast Imaging Department, Burnley General Teaching Hospital

Casterton Avenue

Burnley

BB10 2PQ

Employer's website

http://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)