Ultrasound Assistant

Job overview

To undertake all duties associated with assisting to deliver the provision of a modern diagnostic imaging service, providing high standards of patient care at all times. To work as required within the operational hours of the department as necessary.

Main duties of the job

• Receive patients on arrival in the department.
• Undertake reception duties including patient identity checks as per departmental policy. To be fully conversant with all aspects of the Radiology Information System (CRIS).
• Register patient attendance onto the CRIS system.
• Deal with enquiries from patients and staff by telephone and in person.
• To assist radiographic staff with daily workload and planning including contacting wards with required patient examination prep instructions, and coordination of porters using the capacity management system.
• Assist the patient prior to, during and post examination as required.
• To provide a high standard of patient care and after-care (including escorting to the toilet when needed), comfort and reassurance in order to comply with Trust policies and departmental protocols.
• Be prepared for distressing or aggressive situations and understand how to behave /deal with appropriately.
• Carry out infection control procedures (in line with Trust policy) when required ensuring all examination rooms and environment are clean, safe and tidy.
• Use acquired clinical knowledge of Ultrasound examinations to answer questions regarding the procedures when communicating with patients and other service users.
• Demonstrate and apply a working knowledge of moving and handling, health and safety, infection control and information governance.
• Accurately request blood results prior to examinations and take appropriate action if the results are out of range.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• To prepare the clinical area for examinations/daily workload.
• To set up/prepare for procedures as required ensuring ANTT is used when required.
• Assist with drainage and biopsy procedures( eg.prep sample gun and ensure samples are correctly labelled and organised)
• To maintain adequate stock levels within the clinical area.
• To perform checks of departmental crash trolleys as required ensuring all contents are present and within date.
• To assist radiographic and medical staff in the preparation of equipment, safe manual handling and positioning of patients.
• To provide a high standard of patient care, comfort and reassurance in order to comply with Trust policies and departmental protocols.
• .To maintain a clean and safe working environment for each examination.
• To be aware of appropriate infection control and clinical waste policies.
• To provide appropriate aftercare as required.
• To ensure the patient is aware how/where to obtain results and follow up appointments.
• To work in-line with all Trust policies and procedures.
• To adhere to manual handling and health and safety policies to ensure all reasonable precautions are taken for managing own workplace and the safety of others.
• To undertake any reasonable duty as requested by supervisor, line manager and the Radiology Services Manager.
• To demonstrate a high level of team working and autonomous practice, within specific guidelines, relevant to the different working areas