Job overview
The role of an Assistant Practitioner / Mammography Associate is to undertake mammography images with precision and speed to a very high standard. Mammography is undertaken for the East Lancashire Breast Screening and Symptomatic Services at mobile sites across East Lancashire and the main Breast Imaging Department at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.
Active participation is required in the daily quality control programme to detect any equipment malfunction or image deterioration. Also, self-assessment and peer review of performance associated with service audit is integral to the role.
Assistant Practitioners / Mammography Associates provide chaperoning duties during ultrasound examinations and assist consultants and mammographers during assessment and symptomatic clinics to promote an effective and caring service.
Participation in a rota that reflects 8:00am – 8:00pm and access to transport is essential for the travel to the mobile unit sites.
Main duties of the job
* Perform all standard breast screening examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines and ensure that the client episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol.
* Perform screening mammography at the base unit and at all the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit.
Working for our organisation
East Lancashire Breast Imaging Department is committed to providing high quality care for all clients/patients attending for Breast Imaging. Imaging is undertaken for East Lancashire Breast Screening and Symptomatic Services, delivered at the base unit and at the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit. Our department has 4 x-ray sets in the main department, all with tomosynthesis imaging and 2 with biopsy and contrast enhanced mammography specifications. We also have 3 Ultrasound machines. Our double ended mobile van is equipped with 2 x-ray sets.
Our staff are friendly, supportive and dedicated professionals who will make you feel very welcome. The service is committed to encouraging staff to widen their scope of practice, with continuous professional development actively encouraged and supported by expert clinical leads. The departmental staffing reflects the 4 tier structure, with staff working at all 4 practitioner levels .
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging.
* Perform family history mammography examinations to the highest possible standards, ensuring best practice, under the guidance and indirect supervision of a qualified mammographer.
* Perform mammograms for the symptomatic clinics
* Perform all standard breast screening examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines and ensure that the client episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol.
* Perform screening mammography at the base unit and at all the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit.
* To perform symptomatic mammograms to the same high standards, for those who have not had breast cancer surgery, have a pacemaker or have breast implants in place.
* To ensure that all x-ray requests are checked by a qualified mammographer for justification before any procedure is carried out.
* To ensure that clients/patients are positively identified prior to mammographic procedures and that all relevant details, clinical history and current symptoms are recorded to aid diagnosis.
* Technical evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy.
* Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.
* Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the department quality control manual, record all test parameters and report any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits to the Quality Assurance (QA) Radiographer, Deputy Breast Imaging Manager or Breast Imaging Manager, recording any action taken.
* Be proficient in assisting clinicians and mammographers during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required.
* Assist clinicians and mammographers during assessment and symptomatic clinics to promote an efficient and caring service.
* To chaperone consultants and Advanced Practitioners during ultrasound sessions.
* Ensure biopsy samples are documented, correctly labelled, and sent to the appropriate designated area for transport to the laboratory.
* Ensure a high level of environmental quality is achieved by always maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas whilst complying with infection control policies.
* Assist with administration duties when required.
* Use of the Seno Iris for data transfer of appointments and images to and from the mobile breast screening unit.
* Ensure all areas are adequately stocked with linen and medical supplies, liaising with the appropriate staff members regarding stock control.
* Adopt a flexible approach to periods of work to meet the needs of the service.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Maths and English GCSE grade C or level 4 or NVQ equivalent pass
Desirable criteria
* Qualified Mammography Assistant Practitioner / Mammography Associate
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience working in the NHS
* Knowledge and experience of word processing
Desirable criteria
* Experience of data input and databases
* Experience working in a breast screening unit
* Understanding and ability to maintain high quality standards
Knowledge and skills
Essential criteria
* Computer literate
* Good oral and written communication skills
* Willingness to travel to various locations of the mobile screening across East Lancashire
Desirable criteria
* Understand and ability to maintain high quality standards