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Trainee AAA Screening Technician
The closing date is 25 August 2025
The Thames Valley Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme offers community-based ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms to an eligible cohort of more than 13,000 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 Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire with a large proportion of the programme's clinics held in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
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.
About us
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.
We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.
In 2023NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles
Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.
If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Job responsibilities
We are looking for someone who is willing to train as a technician. The trainee role is suitable for people from a variety of backgrounds who can undertake a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care which typically takes 12 months to complete. No previous experience is required as training will be given to ensure high standards of scanning in accordance with national operating procedures. The training also enables the Screening Technician to have confidence in explaining the screening programme, reassuring patients about the implications of the scan, discussing results and arranging the next steps, should it be required.
The post holder will initially work as an assistant practitioner, carrying out abdominal ultrasound scans within standard operating procedures. Following successful completion of the NAAASP course, the post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for complex situations, but the post holder generally works on their own initiative without reference to the line manager.
* Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.
* Ensure that scan results are despatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way.
* Communicate the outcome of the screening test to the man (this may be via his relative/carer or interpreter); provide additional information and offer support appropriate to the outcome/patient pathway.
* Deal with medical and patient queries 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.
* Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate.
* Keep the Screening Programme Manager, Team Leader Screening Technician, Programme Administrator and/or Clinical Skills Trainer informed of caseload and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
* A full driving licence and use of a car are essential to this role and the successful candidate must be willing to travel frequently to cover all areas.
We are seeking dedicated, motivated, enthusiastic individuals with a can do attitude who are eager to learn. The successful candidates must also be able to work autonomously with good organisational skills.
Applications from qualified technicians will also be considered.
Please see attached Job Description for more detail. Sponsorship may be possible.
Person Specification
Other
* Clean full driving licence
* Access to vehicle
Planning /organisational
Skills
* Familiarity with data entry
Experience
* Understanding of hospital environment, patient care and confidentiality
* Understanding of medical terminology
* Experience or working in a health care environment
Qualifications
* Good standard of general education (5 GCSE)
* Specialist Training: NAAASP approved training course for screening technicians or vascular scientist/sonographer training
* NVQ 3 in relevant subject
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
£27,485 to £30,162 a yearPer Annum / Pro Rata
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