AAA Screening Technician

Job overview

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 venues within Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Daventry, Peterborough and some locations in Leicestershire, 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.

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

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

Working for your organisation

We are a small but friendly team, the AAA screening programme consists of screening technicians, an administrator, a clinical skills trainer, QA lead, Vascular Nurse Specialist, Programme manager and a clinical lead. Our office is based at Northampton general hospital.

Each year our cohort list of patients is usually around 4500 patients, we screen at 57 different locations most of these are GP surgeries but 6 of these are outpatient

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. Whilst the base of work is at NGH the clinics are carried out around the county - Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton, and sites in Leicestershire. The day could consist of being in two parts of the county in one day therefore a full valid UK driving license, access to a car and business insurance is essential.

Main duties:

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 Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance

Once qualified, carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta with national protocols and standard operating procedures

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

Discuss any possible incidental findings with the Clinical Skills Trainer (CST)

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

To be accountable for own professional actions 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 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, once qualified.

Patient care and communication:

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

Care for anxious patients with tact, patience, and discretion

Recognises 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 CST 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 18-24 months including completing 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

Once qualified the technicians are required to undertake a 6mthly clinical assessment, and an annual scanning competency 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

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.