AAA Screening Programme Technician

Integrated Care System; Northampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is looking for a Screening Technician to perform ultrasound scans, ensuring patient care and data accuracy. The role requires a Level 3 Health Screener Diploma and involves working independently in community settings across Northamptonshire. A valid UK driving license and access to a car are essential for this role, which offers flexible working hours and a competitive salary between £24,937 and £26,598 per annum.

Qualifications

• Educated to a good standard, with at least 5 GCSEs.
• Ability to pass Level 3 Health Screener Diploma.
• Confident with computers and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ultrasound scans independently within protocols.
• Inform patients of their results and support them.
• Ensure accurate data entry onto national screening database.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently

Good hand/eye coordination

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Good standard of General Education (5 GCSEs or equivalent)

NAAASP Level 3 Health Screener Diploma

NVQ 2 in a relevant subject

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Data entry systems

Job description

The Screening technician's role is an integral part of the programme, there is a level 3 health screener diploma that needs to be undertaken, and a successful completion is required to provide the programme reassurance that the technician is competent to undertake screening safely, independently and in line with programme standards

All screening takes place in the community, within GP surgeries or community venue's, therefore a full driving license and access to a car is essential, the technician must be able to lift, transport and store the ultrasound equipment safely whilst travelling around both Northamptonshire and some locations in Leicestershire.

Ensuring patients are reassured when attending clinics and the full procedure to be explained so that the patient can make an informed decision and consent to have the screening, even where there are communication barriers, and that the patient is aware of the implications of having the screening.

Working days will be flexible throughout the week with availability expected between 08.00 and 17.00. No fixed days. Rota's are fixed six weeks in advance to enable forward planning

Main duties of the job

Carrying out ultrasound techniques within standard operating procedures. Work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but generally works on own initiative without reference to line manager.

Responsible for the smooth running of the screening clinics whilst in progress

Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with national protocols and standard operating procedures

Identify the probable presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Inform patients of their results at clinic, giving further information and offering support where needed

To be accountable for own professional actions as a screening technician and to act as the representative of the Northamptonshire AAA Screening programme, whilst out in the community

About us

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.

Our Excellence Values

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across UHN and help to unleash everyone's full potential.

UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for UHN.

Job responsibilities

Carrying out ultrasound techniques within standard operating procedures. Work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but generally works on their own initiative without reference to the line manager.

Clinical duties:

Responsible for the smooth running of the screening clinics whilst in progress

Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with national protocols and standard operating procedures

Carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with the current guidelines for sonographic scanning

Explain the screening procedure in detail to patients and obtain informed verbal consent for screening

Inform patients of their results at the clinic, giving further information and offering support where needed

Ensure that data and clinical measurements are entered accurately onto the national screening database

Analyse scan data to ensure that the quality meets with national protocols.

Inform the screening office as soon as possible about any results that are of concern or are of variance with specified criteria.

Identify the probable presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Discuss any possible incidental findings with the CST

Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner, supporting other screening staff if appropriate

To be accountable for own professional actions as a screening technician and to act as the representative of the Northamptonshire AAA Screening programme, whilst out in the community

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

Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms and ensure that all infection controls standards are adhered to, and high levels of cleanliness are maintained, including hand washing between patients

Ensure that all clinic waste is disposed of in the correct manner

Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location

Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment to various screening locations

Set up and pack up equipment at the beginning and end of a clinic

Monitor equipment used, ensure it is kept clean and record / report any faults

Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables. Informing the screening office well in advance when supplies need to be replenished

Perform daily and monthly Quality control checks on the Ultrasound machines in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures

Patient care and communication:

Observe and care for patients under investigation liaising with administrative staff, nurses, and medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts

Care for 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 protocols including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation, and answering any queries

Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme

Keep the senior ultra-sonographer and Screening Manager informed of any caseload difficulties, seeking advice where necessary

Promote a good working relationship with staff externally to the AAA Screening Programme

Education, Training and Development:

As a dependency for a permanent contract, the successful candidate must undertake and pass the level 3 Health Screener Diploma which can take between 12-18 months depending on previous experience, complete the AAA clinical training logbook and assessment record. Until the qualification is obtained the post will start at band 3, after obtaining the NVQ the post will rise to a band 4

Technicians are required to undertake a 6mthly clinical assessment, and an annual scanning competence assessment performed by the local CST and complete AAA specific eLearning every 2 years

Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement of own work area

Help promote the programme within the GP surgeries and other locations that could mean working at weekends occasionally

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

Physical Skills:

Manipulate ultrasound equipment with accuracy and precision.

Must maneuver equipment for ultrasound scans.

Be able to lift heavy/bulky ultrasound equipment and accompanying supplies to be able to carry out AAA clinics

Transport portable equipment and supplies to the screening locations as required

Other duties:

This role includes visits to prisons within Northamptonshire and St Andrews Hospital these clinics are arranged throughout the year, the clinics are arranged by the programme manager and the health care center member of staff at the venue.

This role involves working at multiple sites, two different sites a day in different areas of the county, also sites within Leicestershire under UHL and as such you should hold a full valid UK driving license and have use of own vehicle and must have insurance for business use.

Days worked will be flexible Monday-Friday with availability expected between 08.00 and 17.00. No fixed available. Rotas are fixed six weeks in advance to enable forward planning

Person Specification

Education, Training and Qualifications

• Educated to Good standard of General Education (5 GCSEs or equivalent)
• Undertake specialist training NAAASP Level 3 Health Screener Diploma (or working towards)
• NAAASP approved Health Screener Diploma completed within the last 12months
• Specialist training and short courses to Diploma Level
• NVQ 2 in a relevant subject

Knowledge and Experience

• Confident with using computers, keyboards, different systems, and accurate data entry skills
• Experience of working within a team and to effectively liaising with other professionals
• Experience of working within a clinical environment
• Understanding of clinical environment, patient care and confidentiality
• Some knowledge of medical terminology

Skills

• Ability to work within a team and to effectively liaise with people of all levels
• Ability to make unsupervised judgements on patient enquiries and problems
• Excellent communication & organisational skills
• Good hand/eye co-ordination & attention to detail
• Flexible, independent approach to work and ability to work accurately on own initiative
• Travelling independently, transporting screening equipment between units and centers within Northamptonshire and Leicestershire
• Valid full UK driving license essential
• Use of own car with insurance for business purposes
• Excellent concentration and powers of perception, and ability to multi-task
• Familiarity with data transcription
• Interest and enthusiasm in the screening programme and its benefits to the community & patients

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
• Awareness of when to request advice from senior staff
• Politeness, patience and ability to work under pressure
• Able to move/lift heavy ultrasound machine
• Ability to take frequent interruptions and change jobs mid-stream
• Adaptability to different working environments off-site

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.

£24,937 to £26,598 a yearPer annum / Pro rata