Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 3 screener with
the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
aims to reduce the risk of sight loss among people with diabetes through the
early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Screening using digital photography is currently
offered to all eligible people with diabetes from the age of 12 years old who
reside in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
As well as digital photography using a fundus camera, the
postholder will be required to use Optical Coherence Tomography Eye Scanners
(OCT) which is used to identify referable Maculopathy. Full training will be
given.
The postholder will be the first contact for patients
attending the screening service and will be expected to support service users
through the screening process and to ensure they are fully informed as to the
expectations/limitations of screening.
The programme has 9 venues across County Durham and
Darlington.
There will be a health screeners diploma in
diabetic eye screening, which is to be successfully completed within one year
of commencement to the post.
Main duties of the job
Effective verbal and written communication skills and
understand the importance of timely communication.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships
within a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to work effectively within a team.
Ability to work effectively under minimal supervision, as
part of the multi-disciplinary team.
Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and compassion
towards patients, putting patients at the centre of our thinking.
Good organisational, time management and problem solving
skills
Able to identify, report and seek advice in a situation of
risk.
Ability to access computerised records to retrieve personal
information.
Contribute to clear concise patient records and
documentation adhering to national standards and trust policies and procedures.
Contribute to a safe and clean working environment and
ensure the clinical area is prepared and maintained as appropriate and in line
with the Trust Infection Prevention and Health and Safety Policies.
Responsible for installing equipment and
setting up allocated room(s), using identified protocols and the operational
procedures of both the service and designated screening location.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA Band 3 within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
Obtain a brief clinical history, measure and record visual
acuities plus instillation of eye drops according to protocol and report
immediately any changes in the patients condition to a senior member of
staff.
Use own initiative, but with the daily support of
supervisors and peers to maintain continuous flow of patients through the
screening pathway.
Monitor own time management to ensure all duties are
carried out.
Capture and review retinal images using specialised fundus
photography and, where appropriate, alert grading staff for urgent assessment.
After appropriate training and competency sign-off,
operation of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) 3D retinal scanner.
Triage images and place in appropriate grading queue using
Traffic Light Grading Queue.
Responsible for monitoring clinical and consumable stock
levels on a daily basis and placing orders when required.
Proactively seek and maintain up to date information and
training to ensure that skills are sustained to a high standard.
Participate in External Quality Assurance and participate
in simple clinical audits.
Act in a manner which illustrates respect for privacy,
dignity, equality & diversity and confidentiality, and demonstrate
excellent customer care.
Maintain personal and professional development to meet the
changing demands of the role, and participate in training activities.
Ensure all mandatory training is undertaken in line with
Trust policy.
Excellent communications skills are essential to the post to
be able to:
Liaise internally with colleagues to ensure the smooth
running of the Retinal Screening clinic.
Ensure good relationships are developed and maintained at
all screening locations with other Trust staff who may be involved in
associated patient care.
Provide advice to patients and carers where there may be
barriers to screening.
Work collaboratively with the wider team, clinical lead,
programme manager, clinical staff and failsafe department to ensure the smooth
delivery of the screening programme.
Regular requirement to deal with sensitive and confidential
information demonstrating empathy, tact and diplomacy.
Requirement to communicate effectively with people from
different cultural backgrounds.
Maintain confidentiality at all times of patient
information to which the post holder has access, including patient records when
undertaking screening duties.
Attend departmental meetings and participate in MDT
providing feedback to the programme manager.
Able to assist patients who may need some help transferring
to the camera chair.
Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy in the use of
diagnostic equipment ie fundus camera / OCT scan in the direct examination of
patients eyes.
Reassure patients about the screening process, using tact,
diplomacy and persuasive skills where appropriate to ensure that patients are
fully prepared for screening.
Encourage and re-assure patients the importance
of screening
To undertake any other duties that would be a reasonable expectation of the
role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Obtain a brief clinical history, measure and record visual
acuities plus instillation of eye drops according to protocol and report
immediately any changes in the patients condition to a senior member of
staff.
Use own initiative, but with the daily support of
supervisors and peers to maintain continuous flow of patients through the
screening pathway.
Monitor own time management to ensure all duties are
carried out.
Capture and review retinal images using specialised fundus
photography and, where appropriate, alert grading staff for urgent assessment.
After appropriate training and competency sign-off,
operation of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) 3D retinal scanner.
Triage images and place in appropriate grading queue using
Traffic Light Grading Queue.
Responsible for monitoring clinical and consumable stock
levels on a daily basis and placing orders when required.
Proactively seek and maintain up to date information and
training to ensure that skills are sustained to a high standard.
Participate in External Quality Assurance and participate
in simple clinical audits.
Act in a manner which illustrates respect for privacy,
dignity, equality & diversity and confidentiality, and demonstrate
excellent customer care.
Maintain personal and professional development to meet the
changing demands of the role, and participate in training activities.
Ensure all mandatory training is undertaken in line with
Trust policy.
Excellent communications skills are essential to the post to
be able to:
Liaise internally with colleagues to ensure the smooth
running of the Retinal Screening clinic.
Ensure good relationships are developed and maintained at
all screening locations with other Trust staff who may be involved in
associated patient care.
Provide advice to patients and carers where there may be
barriers to screening.
Work collaboratively with the wider team, clinical lead,
programme manager, clinical staff and failsafe department to ensure the smooth
delivery of the screening programme.
Regular requirement to deal with sensitive and confidential
information demonstrating empathy, tact and diplomacy.
Requirement to communicate effectively with people from
different cultural backgrounds.
Maintain confidentiality at all times of patient
information to which the post holder has access, including patient records when
undertaking screening duties.
Attend departmental meetings and participate in MDT
providing feedback to the programme manager.
Able to assist patients who may need some help transferring
to the camera chair.
Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy in the use of
diagnostic equipment ie fundus camera / OCT scan in the direct examination of
patients eyes.
Reassure patients about the screening process, using tact,
diplomacy and persuasive skills where appropriate to ensure that patients are
fully prepared for screening.
Encourage and re-assure patients the importance
of screening
To undertake any other duties that would be a reasonable expectation of the
role.
Person Specification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
- To change locations at very short notice and arrival punctually at required sites.
- In line with Trust seven day working commitment, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously on occasional Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of weekdays.
- Driving posts must have valid Full UK driving licence
Experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating effectively, in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way
- Experience of planning and organising, using time-management skills.
- Experience with proficient IT skills including experience of Windows Excel and Microsoft based software.
Desirable
- Experience of working in healthcare setting.
- Experience of photography in healthcare setting.
- Experience of working in a screening programme.
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferably in a care related field.
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Diabetes would be an advantage
- Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease
- Ophthalmic Experience
Statutory Registration
Essential
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to manipulate technical equipment, i.e. digital fundus camera and prepare patients for screening.
- Excellent communication skills first point of contact in the clinical environment.
- Ability to communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
- Enhanced levels of hand-eye co-ordination, sensory skills and dexterity for speed, accuracy and quality of photography.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Able to work under pressure in a busy environment while keeping to deadlines and delivering high quality work
- Willing to take and record patient information
Person Specification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
- To change locations at very short notice and arrival punctually at required sites.
- In line with Trust seven day working commitment, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously on occasional Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of weekdays.
- Driving posts must have valid Full UK driving licence
Experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating effectively, in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way
- Experience of planning and organising, using time-management skills.
- Experience with proficient IT skills including experience of Windows Excel and Microsoft based software.
Desirable
- Experience of working in healthcare setting.
- Experience of photography in healthcare setting.
- Experience of working in a screening programme.
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferably in a care related field.
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Diabetes would be an advantage
- Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease
- Ophthalmic Experience
Statutory Registration
Essential
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to manipulate technical equipment, i.e. digital fundus camera and prepare patients for screening.
- Excellent communication skills first point of contact in the clinical environment.
- Ability to communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
- Enhanced levels of hand-eye co-ordination, sensory skills and dexterity for speed, accuracy and quality of photography.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Able to work under pressure in a busy environment while keeping to deadlines and delivering high quality work
- Willing to take and record patient 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.
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
