Job overview
The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme offers community-based ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms to an eligible cohort of more than 5,000 men. The target screening population are men in their 65th year.
The primary purpose of the Screening Technician role is to undertake the day-to-day operational running of AAA Clinics in the community, across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. You will be trained and supported to complete the Level 3 Health Screeners Diploma, leading to full accreditation as an AAA Screening Technician. Using portable ultrasound equipment you will travel across the region, holding clinics in a variety of settings including GP surgeries and NHS Trust sites.
The role is ideal for someone who is eager to gain a recognised qualification, enjoys working both independently and as part of a team, and is enthusiastic about delivering a high-quality, life-saving screening service. Flexibility to travel to different locations each day is essential, as is a genuine commitment to putting patients at the heart of everything you do.
Main duties of the job
The primary purpose of this role is to perform ultrasound scanning as part of the National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP). The post holder will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures.
The post holder will reassure men attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test to them. The post holder will ensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications of AAA screening.
The post holder will be responsible for informing the participant of the result of their scan and for ensuring the participant outcome is processed correctly.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will:
Explain the screening process to the men attending their appointment, obtain informed consent and support patients throughout their visit.
Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and record measurements accurately and appropriately.
Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation.
Deliver screening outcomes clearly, ensuring patients understand the results and the next steps in their care pathway.
Recognise abnormal findings and respond appropriately, dealing sensitively with anxious patients and overcoming communication barriers.
Liaise with administrative, clinical and programme staff to ensure the clinic runs smoothly.
Work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice and support will be available for more complex situations, however, the post holder will generally be working under their own initiative without reference to the line manager.
Communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and all members of the multidisciplinary team.
Maintain and develop high standards of care.
Take on responsibility for personal development and maintaining specialist knowledge of the AAA Screening Programme.
Flexibility to support the admin team and raise awareness of the screening service to the wider community is also required.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good standard of general education (5 GCSE's or equivalent, including Human Biology)
2. NVQ3 in relevant subject
Desirable criteria
3. Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Understanding of hospital environment and patient care and confidentiality
5. Ability to work within a team and to effectively liaise with people at all levels
Knowledge
Essential criteria
6. Clear spoken and written English
7. Understanding of commonly used medical terminology
8. Able to use IT systems including Microsoft Outlook; Word and Excel and have accurate data entry skills
Desirable criteria
9. Understanding of screening programmes and their benefits to the community
10. Knowledge of AAA Screening Programmes
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
11. Good communication and inter-personal skills
12. Attention to detail
13. Reliable, adaptable and dependable
14. Good organisational skills
Other
Essential criteria
15. Clean, full driving licence
16. Willingness to travel between units and centres
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.