AAA Screening Programme Technician

Detailed job description and main 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. Rota’s are fixed six weeks in advance to enable forward planning