Assistant Practitioner

Job overview

If you are a reliable individual with initiative and a positive approach to work an exciting opportunity has arisen within our friendly team to work for the Breast Screening Unit. We provide a screening and symptomatic breast imaging service for the population of Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and Durham, predominantly working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as in 3 static units and 2 mobile trailers. This would be a fantastic development opportunity for the right person. You must have good communication and organisational skills and be able to adapt to developing service needs. A qualification as an Assistant Practitioner would be desirable but not essential as full training could be given to suitably qualified applicants. The main responsibility of the role will be to provide excellent technical expertise in all aspects of the service including assessment and symptomatic clinics. Core working hours are from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays 8am-4pm. A current driving license and a car available for use are an essential requirements. Anyone applying for a position which involves a regulated activity will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and that the disclosure will, where appropriate to the role, include information against the Independent Safeguarding Authority barred lists for working with children or working with adults or both.

Main duties of the job

To work as part of a multi disciplinary team providing an efficient and effective Breast Screening Service to patients/clients within the assessment centre and on mobile and static screening units. To carry out screening mammography to the standard required by the NHS Breast Screening Programme and provide a high level of patient care within the symptomatic and assessment services. To work at all screening venues as well as in the base hospital, and to be prepared to work flexible hours to suit the need of the service. To provide support to medical staff during clinics. To x-ray breast pathological specimens after appropriate training. To work in a flexible manner and be willing to adapt to the changing needs of the service including extending their role to incorporate further imaging techniques after appropriate training actively engage in the “Make every contact count” (MECC) process, promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Will take responsibility for managing own usage of supplies and equipment.
• Monitor stock levels and report to the appropriate person when reordering is required.
• Assist and support professionals from the multi-disciplinary team with agreed clinical, administrative activities.
• Have the ability to concentrate and manage multiple tasks within a busy environment. I.e. managing interruptions and queries.
• Adhere to good practice and Trust policy when assessing and implementing manual handling techniques.
• Use initiative to maintain work flow and ensure minimum waiting times, liaising with senior staff if problems/ potential problems arise.
• X-ray breast specimens both from theatre and those generated in the unit, ensuring images are adequate for purpose.
• Will handle breast specimens in the appropriate manner observing trust infection control procedures and ensuring specimens are correctly identified and transported to pathology correctly.
• Will be able to work with PACs and digital images ensuring all images are correctly downloaded and presented correctly for reporting.
• Must audit own work according to NHSBSP standards for mammography.
• Will have the knowledge to provide clients/patients with accurate information on current women’s health issues.
• Will actively promote “Make every contact count” agenda providing advice and signposting for clients/patients on health lifestyle choices.
• Accurately document client clinical information in line with NHSBSP standards.
• Take part in radiographic quality assurance duties both in the assessment centre and at remote screening sites.
• Must work in accordance with Gateshead Health NHS FT and Department policies and protocols.

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.