Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Technician

Job overview

The post holder is based at Preston Business Centre in Fulwood Preston but will be required to travel to all screening venues  within the Lancashire & South Cumbria region.

AAA Screening is a fast paced, demanding environment carrying out over 11,000 ultrasound scans per year for men aged 65 years and over. Screening Technicians are expected to work and report autonomously. Challenges of the role include obtaining informed consent, performing ultrasound examinations and base line observations, discussing screening test results and providing reassurance  when an aneurysm is found.

We are looking for motivated, sensitive and enthusiastic individuals to join the established AAA Screening Team.

No experience in ultrasound is necessary but applicants must be educated to GCSE grade A-C standard (English Language, Mathematics and Science are essential) and have experience of working within the healthcare sector.

The successful applicant will undertake the Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners.   This includes ultrasound training over a 3-12 months

Applicants must have a clean driving licence and a use of a car with business insurance as they are required to use their own transport to attend venues throughout Lancashire & South Cumbria.

This post is offered on a part time basis only and shift patterns will include a mixture of 7.5 hour and 11.25 hour shifts. The post holder must be able to demonstrate full flexibility within the core hours of the service.

Main duties of the job

Travel to and from  clinic sites throughout Lancashire & South Cumbria.

Gains verbal consent for the procedure to go ahead

Independently undertakes abdominal ultrasound scanning and base line observations, as part of the community AAA screening programme.

Ensures abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures.

Explains and reassures patients attending the community abdominal aortic screening programme.

Provides initial support for those men identified with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Ensures that members of the public attending clinics are informed and aware of implications of AAA screening.

Carry out health promotion to promote the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme.

Deliver behavioural advice through localised Making Each Contact Count programme to include signposting to other section 7a screening programmes.

Enters data onto  the NAAASP database.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Travel to and from  clinic sites throughout Lancashire & South Cumbria.

Gains verbal consent for the procedure to go ahead

Independently undertakes abdominal ultrasound scanning and base line observations, as part of the community AAA screening programme.

Ensures abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures.

Explains and reassures patients attending the community abdominal aortic screening programme.

Provides initial support for those men identified with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Ensures that members of the public attending clinics are informed and aware of implications of AAA screening.

Carry out health promotion to promote the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme.

Deliver behavioural advice through localised Making Each Contact Count programme to include signposting to other section 7a screening programmes.

Enters data onto  the NAAASP database.

Observe and care for patients whilst they are having the scan carried out, liaising with other staff of different disciplines, in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.

Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion.

Be able to demonstrate good communication skills both written and verbal.

Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding

Works alongside other screening staff within the programme and within the Division

Keeps the senior staff informed of clinical workload and seeks advice where necessary

Other key working relationships include:

Medical staff internal and external to the programme

Administrative staff at offsite locations

Vascular Consultants

Vascular service managers