To undertake imaging and of patients within the ophthalmic specialty to be used for diagnosis, record purposes, teaching and publication. This position is a training role, and the candidate will begin a period of dedicated training covering all the core imaging modalities used in ophthalmic imaging and will initially be based at the REI in Derriford. The candidate will be assessed in each area before being finally signed off and promoted to Band 4 level. This role is specifically designed to support the virtual glaucoma and macular services that will be at the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Plymouth.
The candidate will be expected to provide a short presentation at interview demonstrating an example of their technical based training/experience.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
The main Ophthalmic Imaging Service is based at the Royal Eye Infirmary, however, this new role will eventually be based at the Community Diagnostic Centre in Plymouth. Ophthalmic Imaging has a diagnostic imaging role (including Ocular Coherence Tomography, Visual Fields Testing, Retinal Photography & Anterior segment scanning) essential to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of ophthalmic disorders. The ophthalmic instruments used to image patients are technically demanding and require high levels of concentration for extended periods. An Ophthalmic Imaging Technician must develop a good understanding of ophthalmic conditions and take many factors into account when prioritising patients during clinic sessions. The Ophthalmic Imaging Technician is under significant pressure to produce results within a specified time period to enable patients to be treated before vision loss occurs. This will involve working evenings and weekends at the new CDC in Plymouth. A Total of 30,137 patients imaged per year. Total of 10,051 visual fields tests are performed each year. Approximately 55,000 patients imaged annually with the majority of these having multiple procedures.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job responsibilities
* Ocular Coherence Tomography imaging of patients.
* Visual Fields Testing (HVF)
* Fundus photography (retina) of patients.
* Specular microscopy of patients.
* Corneal topography of patients.
* Visual acuity assessment including IOP measurement
* Installation of prescribed eye drops.
* Responsible for the care of the patient whilst undertaking imaging.
* Maintain strict infection control to avoid cross contamination.
* Ensure patients have necessary information on pending imaging techniques.
* Recognise ophthalmic abnormalities to ensure that the relevant areas are imaged.
* Demonstrate imaging techniques to nursing staff and student nurses'
* Will include evening and weekend working
* Ability to work unsupervised during virtual clinic activity.
* Ability to safely position patients on a range of ophthalmic imaging equipment.
COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Good interpersonal skills are required when dealing with members of the public, patients and their Carers. The ability to use tact and sensitivity is important whilst respecting the patients needs. Ability to receive and communicate procedural information to staff, agencies, patients, carers and relatives. Liaise with all grades of staff with respect to imaging in the out-patients department, on the wards and operating theatres. Due to the nature of this post (predominantly elderly patient workload) there are often significant communication problems to be overcome. Patients are frequently in an emotional state with sight threatening conditions and may be in pain or sensitive to light following infection, trauma or surgery. The technician must use a range of interpersonal skills to reassure and inform the patient why the imaging is needed and ensure compliance with the often very uncomfortable procedures. Tact, care and sensitivity are needed in responding to the patient & relatives questions about the imaging procedures. Explanations must be tailored to each individual patient taking into account their age, emotional state and ability to understand. Ability to work closely with nurse practitioners and general nursing staff, whilst respecting professional boundaries, is needed to develop the ophthalmic imaging service, to promote good practise and to ensure the efficient delivery of patient care. Good communication with medical and para-medical staff is important in ensuring that imaging meets the clinical need. OTHER The elderly patient workload means that there is a frequent requirement to transfer patients from wheelchairs in a confined working space and assist patients to obtain correct positioning on imaging systems. The imaging cameras & scanners (desk mounted ophthalmic instruments) are large & heavy and with limited
For further details please see attached JD&PS.
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
* Proven evidence of following a dedicated technical based training course to completion.
* Interest in digital imaging or technically based subject.
* Previous demonstrable experience within a clinical environment.
Aptitude and abilities
* Able to use own initiative
* Ability to work independently
Qualifications
* HND level in a technical or humanities 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.
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