Main area: Vascular Surgery
Grade Band: 3
Contract: Permanent: Moving from Band 3 to Band 4, once qualified.
Hours:
* Full time
* Part time
37.5 hours per week (Full time and part time hours available for the right candidate. No set working days, based over 5 days Monday to Friday.)
Job ref 205-7071742
Employer
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Royal Stoke Hospital
Town: Stoke-On-Trent
Salary: £24,625 - £25,674 pa
Salary period: Yearly
Closing date: 30/04/2025 23:59
Band 3
Job overview
The successful candidate will be paid Band 3 during the training period and then on successful completion of the Health Screening Diploma (HSD) Qualification, Band 4.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated, team-oriented individual to join the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme for Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
The Screening office is based at the Royal Stoke Hospital and this role will cover community-based clinics across Staffordshire and South Cheshire, undertaking abdominal aortic ultrasound scanning as part of the National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP), which provides AAA screening to men aged 65 and over.
The successful individual will be required to undertake training in the form of a Health Screening Diploma (HSD) qualification, if not already acquired. The Diploma is an accredited distance learning course, with practical training taking place within the service.
AAA Screening is a fast-paced, demanding environment with the team performing more than 8,000 ultrasound scans per year. Screening Technicians are expected to work and report both autonomously and as a team. The ability to travel independently to and from the base and clinic venues, with full access to a car (with business insurance) is essential, as clinics are community based.
Main duties of the job
To deliver abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of NAAASP and to ensure scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national and local standard operating procedures. To explain and reassure men attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test and its implications.
The role requires highly developed physical skills where a high degree of precision and a high level of hand, eye, and sensory coordination are essential. The post holder will apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation. You will 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.
The role is patient focused and will involve daily travel to and from the Royal Stoke Hospital base to community clinics covering South Cheshire, North Staffordshire, and South Staffordshire.
This opportunity requires flexible working hours with no set shifts, Monday to Friday, however, rotas are provided 6 weeks in advance.
Working for our organisation
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching, and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.
All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their true potential.
UHNM creates and encourages a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return, we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by our staff, patients, and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.
At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, we know that investing in, supporting, and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population we serve.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Role Summary
The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community-based National AAA screening programme (NAAASP). The post holder will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard in accordance with national standard operating procedures.
The post holder will reassure patients attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test and its implications.
Following successful completion of training, the post holder will work independently, making judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but the post holder generally works on their own initiative without reference to the Line Manager.
Communication and Relationships
• Observe and care for patients attending the screening clinic, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, medical, and screening programme staff as appropriate and in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.
• Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, patience, and discretion. Recognising where communication difficulties arise and overcoming barriers to understanding.
• Carry out other duties in accordance with current guidelines and the programme protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation, and answering any queries.
• 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.
• Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme. Keep the Screening Programme Manager and CST informed of caseload and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
Knowledge, Training & Experience
• Good standard of general education (5 GCSE A-C grade or equivalent, including English Language, Maths, and Science).
• Undertake and pass Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners and practical assessment gateways.
• Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and take accurate measurements, record all, and report any reportable anomalies in accordance with policy.
• Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation.
• Apply experience and training to deliver outcome of the screening test clearly and correctly, ensuring the patient (and relative/carer) understand the outcome and any further action required.
Analytical & Judgemental Skills
• Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.
• Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities, and flag/record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options, and send data to the screening office. Ensure that the screening office is notified as per local policy regarding any results that are at variance with specified criteria or that are of concern.
• Record clinical measurements and other information as required.
• Issue accurate scan reports for use in the AAA screening programme and for inspection by the Lead Ultrasound Clinician/Consultant Radiologist as required.
Planning & Organisational Skills
• 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 dispatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way as per local policy.
• Deal with medical and patient enquiries 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.
• To communicate with patients, families, carers, and other health staff in a polite, respectful manner reflecting their level of understanding and taking into account any cultural and language barriers and ensuring their privacy and dignity at all times.
• Carry out duties in accordance with current guidelines, protocols, and policies, including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation, and answering any queries.
• Handle incidents and medical emergencies professionally and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate.
• Keep the Programme Manager and CST informed and seek advice where necessary.
Physical Skills
• Manipulate ultrasound equipment with high accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation.
• Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care
• Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure the safety, privacy, and dignity of the patient, considering any cultural/religious or other needs.
Responsibility for Policy/Service Development
• Participate in service reviews and actively suggest improvements for own work area.
• Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and patient care.
• Observe Infection Control Policy to ensure cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms. Ensure all clinic waste is disposed of according to local protocol.
• Ensure all clinic equipment is packed correctly at the end of a clinic and stored securely.
Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources
• Ensure the safe use of ultrasound equipment, including transportation to various screening locations.
• Monitor equipment used, ensure it is clean, and report faults.
• Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables, notifying the screening office in advance for replenishment.
Responsibility for Human Resources
• Demonstrate own tasks to new starters and act as a mentor.
• Support and advise screening staff on problems or unusual findings following protocols.
• Maintain good working relationships and work as an effective team member.
• Ensure own work is of high standard.
• Participate in annual performance reviews.
Responsibility for Information Resources
• Archive data securely, including patient demographics, results, and images.
• Comply with GDPR 2018, ensuring confidentiality of all computerized information relating to patients and staff.
Responsibility for Research and Development
• Participate in surveys, audits, and research.
• Stay updated on new advances and current research related to AAA screening.
Freedom to Act
• Work within national standards and Trust procedures, following protocols. Ability to work independently and use own initiative, especially in the absence of the Programme Manager.
Physical Effort
• Sit, stand, and walk during duties, involving light physical effort. Use VDU regularly.
• Frequent travel within the catchment area.
• Transport and use portable ultrasound machine and consumables for clinics.
Mental Effort
• Maintain excellent concentration, multitask, and produce accurate work.
• Manage interruptions and task changes effectively.
Emotional Effort
• Occasionally deal with distressing or emotional circumstances. Handle staffing issues if needed.
Working Conditions
• Use scanner and computer for much of the day.
• May encounter challenging behaviour at clinics.
Personal/Professional Development
• Maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills.
• Participate in personal development planning and appraisals.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* • Good general education: 5 GCSEs at C or above, including English and Maths, or equivalent.
* • IT skills and experience with Microsoft Office.
* • Science subject at GCSE Grade C or above, Biology preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Training & Experience
* • Experience working and communicating with the public.
* • Understanding of confidentiality.
* • Good communication skills—clear written and spoken English.
* • Initiative and teamwork skills, effective liaising at different levels.
* • Judgement skills for patient inquiries.
* • Forward planning and target achievement skills.
* • Previous healthcare experience and patient care.
* • Familiarity with PC applications like Word/Excel.
* • Medical terminology knowledge.
* • Enthusiasm for AAA screening.
* • Attention to detail and accuracy.
* • Experience with medical devices.
Personal Qualities
* • Initiative and teamwork abilities.
* • Excellent communication skills (written, email, phone).
* • Relationship-building skills with stakeholders.
* • Good organization and flexibility to travel.
* • Ability to work under pressure and attention to detail.
* • Full UK driving license.
Important application info
* Check emails regularly for correspondence.
* Provide email contacts for recent referees.
* We promote equality and welcome diverse applications.
* Flexible working considered.
* Role may require DBS check; candidates pay associated fees.
We support Armed Forces applicants. We communicate via email; secure email not guaranteed. Support available for application completion. Early closing possible; apply promptly. Overseas qualifications need official translation. Visa requirements: 6+ months remaining unless Skilled Worker Visa.
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